If you’re looking for some Insta #inspo, have we got a list for you.
These aren't the places that immediately spring to mind when you think #Sydney (hello, Sydney Opera House), but sometimes it's worth getting off the beaten track (especially for those sweet, sweet likes).
Charge your phone and come right this way.
Glebe Foreshore Parks
With more than 17 huge hectares of parks, adventure playgrounds and dog-friendly spots, you’re sure to capture a moment that will impress. As you make your way to the area, wander down Glebe Point Road, which is full of Insta-moments itself. Don’t forget to check out the Tramsheds for great coffee and a feed.
Address: Chapman Road, Glebe
Surry Hills laneways
Street art meets street style in the place you’ll probably head to anyway thanks to its great bars and places to eat. Hidden pockets of culture and creativity are nestled in the area. You could easily spend all day meandering through the laneways. Find a quiet spot and unleash your creativity.
Sydney Park
It’s pretty hard to take a bad pic in this inner-west gem. Think rolling green hills, plenty of lush grass, a thicket of trees and gorgeous wetlands complete with wildlife! Be sure to visit the kid’s adventure playground if you’ve got a little snapper in tow.
Address: Sydney Park Road, St Peters
Observatory Hill
Million dollar views and you don’t have to pay a cent. Enjoy an incredible sight of the city, not to mention a great opportunity to lens the Sydney Harbour Bridge and glistening harbour in one cute shot. While the view is unreal, the park itself is so pretty. Think of the Insta opportunities once you see the rotunda!
Address: Upper Fort Street, Sydney
Carriageworks
34,000 (and counting) posts can’t be wrong. The former railway yards are photogenic for a bunch of reasons: on Saturday mornings there’s the bustling farmers market (photo opps: perfect market-fresh flowers, all of the dogs), and there’s an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions, live music and events like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Address: 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
In Between Two Worlds
Step into an unassuming Chinatown laneway and find yourself staring at 30 part-human spirits and a series of blue clouds (symbolising never-ending fortune) etched into the paving and painted on the walls. Jason Wing’s artwork In Between Two Worlds draws upon his Chinese and Aboriginal heritage. It’s lit up at night for spectacular after dark shots.
Address: Little Hay Street to Hay Street, Haymarket
Forgotten Songs
Empty birdcages suspended in mid-air make for quite a sight in Angel Place - all you have to do is look up. Forgotten Songs symbolises the fifty birds that were once seen in our city centre before they were forced out by European settlement. Listen closely and you’ll hear their call.
Address: George Street to Pitt Street, Sydney
Beare Park
Towering palm trees? Check. The sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour? Check. Grassy knoll? Check. Beare Park is Elizabeth Bay’s slice of paradise. Stop by at dusk for stunning sunset shots. Bonus points for pics featuring local puppies.
Address: Esplanade Road, Elizabeth Bay
Paddington Reservoir Gardens
This subterranean wonder can be spotted on many an Instagram feed. Its glassy waters, hanging gardens and brickwork arches make quite the stylish backdrop for portraits and fashion photography. Paddington Reservoir Gardens have even been the location of a runway show when KITX made its Fashion Week debut in 2016. Fancy.
Address: 251-255 Oxford Street, Paddington
Did we miss your favourite? Keen to share a hidden gem? Show us your view of the world with #sydneylocal.
Published 7 July 2017, updated 29 August 2022
