Experienced nature photographers likely already have their own list of favourite Sydney nature spots. But for those just starting out in nature photography, choosing the right location can seem like a maze of its own. To help you decide where to next bring your camera, here is a list of the best nature photography locations in Sydney:
- Royal National Park
You’ll be able to photograph wildlife, waterfalls, beaches, greenery, and more at the Royal National Park. The best times to visit are on weekdays a few hours before and/or a few hours after lunchtime. Aside from your nature photography equipment, bring a rubbish bag, sunscreen, and hand soap or sanitiser. You should bring your own food, water, and hiking gear as well. Don’t forget to check which areas are currently closed.
- Blue Mountains
Capture breathtaking views of rock formations, plateaus, and valleys from the scenic cliff lookouts at Blue Mountains. You can also photograph the various waterfalls as well as the flora and fauna of the Blue Gum Forest. The best times to visit are in the spring, when it’s not raining or too hot. You should wear slip-resistant or non-slip shoes. Aside from your nature photography equipment, bring hiking gear and sunglasses too.
- Lavender Bay
This unique Sydney suburb has many areas from which to photograph the Sydney Harbour. These include Quibaree Park and Clark Park. If you want more greenery than waterways in your shots, then go to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. You don’t really need to bring anything except for your photography equipment. The best times to visit would be in the spring, since there may be more tourists than usual in the summer months.
- Watsons Bay
Like Lavender Bay, Watsons Bay is a harbourside suburb with many great locations for nature photography. Capture stunning ocean cliff views while on the Federation Cliff Walk, though keep in mind that parts of the walk may be closed. You may be able to photograph a whale or two while on the South Head Heritage Trail if you visit between May and December. Aside from hiking gear, bring scuba diving gear for underwater photography in Camp Cove.
- North Curl Curl Beach
Capture the beach and ocean in a single shot or experiment with sunset photography at the North Curl Curl Rockpool. You can also go in the other direction and take pictures of the Curl Curl Lagoon. The best times to visit would be the months with the least amount of rainfall (which in Sydney, varies year by year). You don’t need to bring much else to North Curl Curl Beach aside from your nature photography equipment and sunscreen.
- Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is a public waterfront park that provides many opportunities for aspiring nature photographers to capture a variety of subjects. These include native plants, green lawns, the Sydney Harbour, and Marrinawi Cove. The best times to visit are outside of major holidays and outside of peak jogging hours such as lunchtime. Since Barangaroo Reserve is set within a largely urban area, you only have to bring your photography equipment.
- Bradleys Head
You’ll be able to photograph the historic Fort Denison, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the marvellous Sydney Harbour Bridge while at Bradleys Head. Whether you want to snap photos while out fishing or along a bushwalk, this Sydney location offers a versatile set of landscapes. The best times to visit are outside of major holidays and in the spring. Along with your nature photography equipment, bring hiking gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, as well as your own food and water.
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve
It’s no secret that going to Muogamarra Nature Reserve isn’t exactly easy. You should definitely plan your trip well in advance. But the amount of rare flora and fauna you can photograph certainly makes up for the difficulty in getting there. These include waratahs, boronias, old man banksias, lyrebirds, wedge-tailed eagles, and echidnas. Bring hiking gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and your nature photography equipment.
- Gore Creek Reserve and Lane Cove Bushland Park Walk
The Gore Creek Reserve and Lane Cove Bushland Park Walk is a beautiful combination of trees, plants, and running water. You may also be able to photograph some birds up high if you’re lucky. Aside from your nature photography equipment, bring binoculars, hiking gear, sunscreen, and hand sanitiser since there aren’t a lot of nearby restrooms. Best times to visit would be the low mosquito months in Sydney such as June, July, August, and September.
- Badangi Reserve
Taking only a relatively quick 30-minute walk, Badangi Reserve is home to many fauna and flora. These include eastern toadlets, lorikeets, spotted pardalotes, tawny frogmouths, forest red gum, zieria, lilly pilly, red bloodwood, wattle, coachwood, and Sydney red gum. The best time to visit to capture the most flora and fauna is right after rain in the spring. Since it isn’t a long walk, you just need to bring your nature photography equipment and insect repellent.
Explore Sydney’s Natural Landscapes
For beginner nature photographers who plan on selling images they’ve taken at a national park or reserve in Sydney, you need to get permission from New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at least 7 business days before the photoshoot.
However, if you want gorgeous professional photos from these locations without the hassle of getting permission and/or going there yourself, you can always hire DigiEye for nature photography in Sydney.