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The Top 10 Photo Spots You Absolutely Cannot Miss When Exploring Sydney & New South Wales

These places are just as memorable as the photos you'll take there.

Cover image via Ethan Ou | Unsplash

Sydney and regional New South Wales are some of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, especially for us Malaysians

All things considered, it's also extra special when we get to photograph our time spent in these places so we can cherish these memories forever. Whether you're traveling within Sydney or throughout regional New South Wales, there's a little something for everyone and every taste. We've compiled a list of places where you can take awesome photos, both in Sydney and the surrounding regions. 

Here are some places in Sydney where you can take awesome photos:

1. Vivid Sydney

Held annually in Sydney, Vivid Sydney is the largest festival of music, light and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring impressive outdoor light installations, international and Australian music performances, and an ideas exchange forum, Vivid Sydney is an all-encompassing event that will surely ignite an appreciation in the arts for people of all ages.

Date: 24 May 2019 to 15 June 2019

2. Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is one of the most popular walking paths in Sydney, with breathtaking views of the ocean on one side and rolling green land fused with modern and chic architecture on the other. Along the way, you'll also be passing by the magnificent Sandstone cliffs that hug a particular stretch of the coastal walk. 

It's not your typical park stroll
, as it lasts about two and a half to three hours one way, walking at a comfortable pace. The coastal walk extends for 6km.

If you're bringing toddlers with you, it's highly recommended that you secure them in a wearable carrier as some parts of the walkway are not stroller-friendly.  

Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney.

3. Art Gallery of New South Wales, The Domain

Reaming, by Gilbert & George (Italy/England b.1943, England b.1942)

Image via Art Gallery Of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW houses an extensive collection of artistically-diverse permanent exhibitions, alongside temporary themed exhibitions that make it a place you can’t miss when in Sydney. Featuring the work of Australian and international artists alike, there’s something for every artistic palette here.

Address: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm everyday, 10am - 10pm Wednesdays.

Ngajuu Ngaay Nginduugirr (I see you), by Brook Andrew.

Image via Art Gallery Of NSW

4. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Formerly used as a secret underground reservoir, the now-abandoned 19th century relic has been transformed into a public green space.

Address: 251-255 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia.
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm everyday

5. Forgotten Songs art installation

Straddling an alleyway with a display of dangling bird cages, coupled with the sweet melody of bird song, the Forgotten Songs installation is definitely something you need to include in your itinerary for its immersive experience, regardless of whether you intend to take photos there or not.

Address: George Street to Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000.
Opening hours: 24/7.

Outside of Sydney there are even more cool photo spots to visit:

6. Long Jetty, Central Coast

Situated in the Central Coast region, Long Jetty is famous for being the longest jetty in all of New South Wales. Approximately two hours by car from the Sydney's Central Business District (CBD), the drive to Long Jetty will also give you the chance to stop over en route Port Stephens. 

Location: Long Jetty, Central Coast.
Opening hours: 24/7

7. The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains

Situated in the Blue Mountains National Park and just a 1.5-hours' drive from Sydney, the Three Sisters are a sight you can't miss. Legend has it that three sisters had fallen in love with three men from an opposing tribe and wanted to marry them. However, their marriage was forbidden by tribal law, which enraged the three brothers, causing them to start a war between the two tribes.

A witchdoctor decided to turn the three sisters into stone, protecting them from harm during the war. Though he intended to bring them back to their human forms after the war, he was sadly killed in battle.

Besides snapping photos of the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout, there is also a walking track that begins next to the Echo Point Visitor Centre, leading visitors through eucalypt forest and across the Honeymoon Bridge to get up close to the first ‘sister’. Experiment with different vantage points for stunning photos set against the lush rainforest backdrop and mesmerising sandstone textures of the iconic rock formation.

Address: 23-31 Echo Point Rd, Katoomba, NSW, 2780.
Opening hours: 24/7

8. Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

Home to a number of significant Aboriginal cultural sites, the Stockton Sand Dunes are what some might call a minimalist landscape dream. With some sand dunes towering over 40 metres in height, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere aren’t just some little mounds that you can leap over. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sand board down the slopes, go on a 4WD tour, or even commandeer a quad-bike up, down, and along the dunes.

Location: Anna Beach, Port Stephens, NSW, Australia.
Opening hours: 24/7

9. Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach, Shoalhaven

Famous for an abundance of free-roaming kangaroos, Pretty Beach and Pebbly Beach are the perfect locations for camping trips and picnics. Both beaches are situated within the protected Murramarang National Park and are only a three-hour drive down the NSW South Coast.

The sunsets here are breathtaking and a must-see when visiting the region. Perhaps you can get a couple of 'roos to be in that family picture too. ;)

Location: Murramarang National Park, South Coast.
Opening hours: 24/7

10. Hunter Valley

Renowned for its wineries, the Hunter Valley also happens to be the oldest wine producing region in Australia. With over 150 wineries, there's bound to be a cellar door that opens to your preferred taste. Due to the warm and humid climate of the region, Hunter Valley is known for its beautifully-mature Semillion and rich Shiraz.

Image via Balloon Aloft

Aside from the immense selection of fine wines, there are other activities you can do in Hunter Valley. One of the most popular things to do here is sunrise hot air-ballooning. With the perfect aerial vantage point of various wineries and seemingly-perpetual rolling green land, that picture-perfect shot is only a snap away.

Your dream vacation awaits in Sydney and New South Wales with Malaysia Airlines. Book your flights here!

Image via Ethan Ou

With Malaysia Airlines, you can turn that dream into reality with air fares starting as low as RM2,244! Discover the best of what Sydney and New South Wales have to offer. Of course, don't forget to bring your camera! 

So, what’re you waiting for, mate?

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