16 of the most Instagrammable places in Sydney

Breathtaking doesn't even begin to describe the pristine beaches, lush forests, architectural marvels and over-the-top cafes that call Sydney home.

Whether you're sticking around the city centre or branching out to explore the coast and inner suburbs, there's a beautiful view waiting to be captured by you.

So pack your camera or phone and prepare to post THAT pic of THESE eye-watering spots that are the most Instagrammable places in Sydney.

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16 most Instagram worthy places in Sydney

1. Sydney Opera House

Boasting over a million white tiles, the sails of the Sydney Opera House are an integral component of the Sydney cityscape. Snap this pic from Campbells Cove or take a close-up from Circular Quay or the Royal Botanic Gardens.

• Get there: The Sydney Opera House is a short walk from Circular Quay station.
• Tour it: Go beyond the sails in a Sydney Opera House Guided Backstage Tour.

2. Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Specially carved out of sandrock into the shape of a bench, this is arguably the best "seat" in the house as it commands one of the best views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. All in one shot. Catch it if you can.

• Get there: Walk through the Botanic Gardens either from St James station or the Opera House.
• Tour it: Enlist an expert for the ultimate shot off the water's edge with a Sydney Harbour Hidden Hot-Spots Photography Tour.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

You'll discover everything from rose and cactus gardens to a bamboo forest in the Royal Botanic Gardens. During the annual Vivid Festival it gets a glowing makeover of interactive light installations.

• Get there: The Royal Botanic Gardens is a short walk from Wynyard station.
• Tour it: Nab some commentary and a lift right onto the gardens' doorstep with a BIG BUS Sydney Hop-on Hop-off tour.

4. Royal National Park

A locals' favourite for one-day hiking pursuits, Royal National Park's trails meander between bushland and coast. You've got more than a few look-out points and photo-ops but the ones that'll cement your Instagram status are of the Figure 8 Pools and Wedding Cake Rock.

• Get there: DIY your day out by catching the shuttle bus. It offers transfers between Bundeena and Wattamolla.
• Tour it: Don't miss a moment by booking a Figure 8 Pools Hike and Royal National Park tour from Sydney.

5. The Rocks

This precinct is all historic architecture, cobblestoned laneways and lively cafes and bars. Over the weekend the area hosts local markets featuring food and local crafts. Come in late-May/mid-June and the area will be aglow each evening with the colourful lights of the Vivid Sydney festival. With interactive displays and dreamy installations, capturing Vivid Sydney on Instagram is a must for any budding influencer.

• Get there: Walk from Circular Quay station.
• Tour it: Hear the stories of British Australian settlement as you're taken through The Rocks on a walking tour.

6. Sydney Fish Market

A feast for the eyes and the mouth, the Sydney Fish Market is one of the best places to score the freshest catches of the day. Expect freshly cooked seafood and do it justice by eating it right on the waterfront.

• Get there: Catch the light rail from Central to the Fish Market.
• Tour it: Learn how to cook up a storm with your own fresh produce in a Seafood Cooking Class at the markets.

7. Taronga Zoo

If there's only one zoo you visit while in Sydney, Taronga is it. And we're not saying so just because of the unimpeded views of Sydney Harbour. There's also the 2,000+ species of animals that live inside it.

• Get there: Catch the ferry from Circular Quay from Wharf no. 2.
• Tour it: Book a ferry and zoo ticket pass for a seamless day out.

8. Bondi Beach

Unquestionably Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi is a crescent-shaped beach ideal for sunbakers, surfers and casual catch-ups at beachside cafes.

• Get there: Catch a train to Bondi Junction and connect to a Bondi Beach bus.
• Tour it: Get on the water with a surfing lesson. Don't forget to bring the GoPro.

9. Manly

This North Shore favourite is quiet, relaxed and super laid-back. Spend some time on the wharf and then explore the stores and restaurants along the palm-tree laced concourse.

• Get there: Catch the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay's Wharf no. 3.
• Tour it: See it from above and below with a Manly Snorkel Trip and Nature Walk with a local guide.

10. Hornby Lighthouse, South Head

Also known as South Head Lower Light and South Head Signal Station, this candy-cane-striped lighthouse sits on Sydney South Head and is one of the last things you'll see when exiting the harbour. It's a stroll from Watsons Bay where you can cap off your day with a drink in hand and Sydney Harbour in the foreground.

• Get there: Take the ferry from Circular Quay's Wharf no. 6.
• Tour it: Delight in the calm waters of Watsons Bay with a stand-up paddle board session.

11. Queen Victoria Building (QVB)

This Romanesque arcade is a regal affair in the heart of the city. Completed in 1898, it's a medley of winding staircases, stained glass windows, ornate pillars and tiled floors. Wind your way up to the top level for the royal clock which displays scenes of English royalty every hour between 9am and 9pm.

• Get there: The Queen Victoria Building is connected to Town Hall station.
• Tour it: Feel like Rose in Titanic by dining on a 3-course menu at Esquire inside the QVB.

12. SEA LIFE

If your kid is the star of your feed then SEA LIFE will not only entertain them for the better part of the day but also offer you some winning posts. Expect selfies with penguins, sharks, rays and more.

• Get there: SEA LIFE is a short walk from Central and Town Hall stations.
• Tour it: Book your admission ticket online here.

13. Chinese Gardens

A patch of respite in the heart of the busy city, the Chinese Gardens is a world of greenery, waterfalls, ponds and pavilions that'll have you feeling zen in no time. Bask amongst it.

• Get there: Walk from Town Hall or Central station.
• Tour it: Pre-book admission tickets here.

14. Grounds of Alexandria

One for the foodies and lovers of curated backgrounds, The Grounds, this is easily the most Instagram worthy cafe in Sydney. It's part cafe, part restaurant, part garden, part animal farm, part florist and so much more. It often takes on themes where you'll see the whole space transformed into a fantasy world. Themes that have come and gone include Maleficent, Frozen and Garden of Sweets.

• Get there: Bus from St Peters station or walk from Green Square.

Most Instagram-worthy spots just out of Sydney

Get out, explore outer Sydney and brag about being one of the first of your mates to flaunt that Insta-shot in these top three outer Sydney finds.

15. Illawarra

Golden treetops as far as the eye can see and the chance to walk amongst the canopy make a trip to Illawarra a magical one. Bring the kids, bring the camera and prepare to capture the beauty of nature.

• Get there: Hop aboard the Illawarra Flyer train or drive 2 hours south of Sydney.
• Tour it: Walk and fly through the treetops with this Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk + Zipline Tour.

16. Blue Mountains

A genuine must if you've got a spare day in Sydney, this national park teems with wildlife, nature hikes, scenic viewpoints and Aboriginal history.

• Get there: Train it to Katoomba.
• Tour it: See all the highlights on a full-day tour to the Blue Mountains.

Top image: Getty Images. Other images: Instagram

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