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Stunning Sydney

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Greetings from Australia!!!! Last summer Kevin and I spent a week in Sydney, Australia. We had such an amazing, incredible, unforgettable time, with so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and I took SO many pictures that I feel like I am just now able to go through them all.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

You guys, I fell in LOVE with Sydney. I would 100% move there in a HEARTBEAT.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

With all my travels, everyone always asks me where my favorite place I’ve ever been is. I used to not have an answer — I liked them all equally as they were all different and all had great qualities.

Add these stunning Sydney, Australia sights to your bucket list ASAP!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Now it’s Sydney. Hands down.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Sydney is so unique. It’s got the incredible food scene, upscale shopping, hip culture, and big-city feel of New York City.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

But just minutes away it’s got stunning, white sand, crystal clear, turquoise water beaches of a tropical island. I’ve never been anywhere else that has that feel.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Our first day in Sydney we took a Sydney City Tour with Australian Luxury Escapes. This was a great way to get acclimated with the city on our first day. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about finding (or getting to) a meeting point. Our guide took us to all the signature must-see spots in Sydney, gave us a thorough history of the city, and showed us the best places for photos. The tour even includes lunch at the private Royal Cruising Yacht Club of Australia!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Our guide showed us some “off the beaten path” beaches in Sydney with stunning views, like Quiberie Park overlooking Lavender Bay and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

I would definitely recommend checking it out, and the views from Wendy’s Secret Garden as well! So fun to walk around and explore. You could do this in less than an hour.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Another favorite spot on the tour was Dawes Point Battery, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Dawes Point Battery has great views of the Sydney Opera House (it’s where I took the first photo in this post), and you can see the main ferry station, so you can watch all the ferries come in and out. You can also see across the harbor to Luna Park, a historic amusement park in Sydney.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Our tour took us to all the popular beaches, like Bondi and Manly, but also took us to several “hidden” beaches, where there was not a soul in sight, like this spot on Rose Bay.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Here was another “secret beach”. The water is so beautiful!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

We had a great feel for the city after our Essential Sydney Tour and definitely felt confident to go out and explore on our own!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Since we were spending a week in Sydney, we also wanted to get out of the city for a day and see Australia’s famous outback.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

We heard that the Blue Mountains were a must-see. This World Heritage Area is one of Australia’s most spectacular natural parks, and located less than 2 hours away from Sydney by car or train.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

We booked the Blue Mountains Small Group Tour with Australian Luxury Escapes. Our guide picked us up from our hotel, included snacks, drinks, lunch, and all park entry fees. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he absolutely loved his job!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Our guide explained to us that this area is called the “Blue Mountains” because it is densely populated with oil-bearing Eucalyptus trees. The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil, which combine with dust particles and water vapor to create blue light rays.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Another highlight on the tour was the famous 3 Sisters Rock formation at Eagle Hawk Lookout.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

I loved the rainbow reflecting off Wentworth Falls. I only wish I could’ve captured how spectacular it really was — it was so much more brilliant in person!! I would highly recommend Australian Luxury Escapes if you’re looking for a private or small group tour of Sydney or the Blue Mountains!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Another Sydney favorite was the ferries!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

We took the ferries several times to cross the harbor.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

The ferries offer some of the best views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Gorgeous crystal clear water at Manly Cove Beach.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

One of my favorite things we did in Sydney was the Bondi to Bronte Beach Walk.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

You start at the world-famous Bondi Beach, renowned for its surfing. Hugh Jackman surfs here! He tweeted he was here surfing the day AFTER we were here, of course!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

How incredible is this infinity pool at Bondi Beach??

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

To start the walk, there is a paved path along the cliffs with breathtaking views of the beaches below.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

It’s an easy walk, about 1.5 miles one way, and you could easily complete it in 1 to 1.5 hours, with stops.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

You’ll see two of Sydney’s most famous beaches, Bondi and Bronte with Tamarama Beach in between.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

The views from Bronte Beach are just spectacular.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

This was one of my favorite things we did in Sydney. I highly, highly recommend adding it to your itinerary! If you have more time, you can even walk all the way down to Coogee Beach which features six beaches. Next time I definitely want to do that!

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

One of the most iconic, must-take photos in Sydney is with the Opera House and the bridge in the background. The best spot for this is at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is a sandstone rock on a peninsula in Sydney Harbour. It was hand carved in 1810 into the shape of a bench for the governor’s wife Elizabeth.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Folklore has it that she used to sit on the rock and watch for ships from Great Britain sailing into the harbor.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

And I can totally see why! It’s the best spot in all of Sydney for views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Magical places in Sydney, Australia that will take your breath away! Here’s where to get the BEST photos of that classic Sydney skyline.

Definitely come here at dusk for an unforgettable sunset.


Getting Around in Sydney

We loved walking all over Sydney everywhere we could, but sometimes you just need a taxi. I was so glad to learn Uber is in Sydney! Have you heard of Uber?? It’s your own personal, private car service and it’s cheaper than a taxi. All you do is download the Uber app, and it will show you where drivers are near you, and tell you how long it will take for a car to get to you. Uber is available in most cities worldwide. Usually a car can be there in less than 5 minutes. Just click Set Pick Up Location and your private car is on it’s way. You even set your destination so you don’t have to worry about your driver not speaking English and not knowing where to take you. It’s all done through the app. They also usually will have a bottle of water in the car for you. Perfect for weary sightseers!

No need to wait outside in the cold, heat, or rain for a taxi — the app sends you a notification when your driver is getting close, and again when they have arrived. You can add a credit card or Paypal account to your Uber account, so you never to worry about paying the driver. It’s all done through the app — no money exchanges hands. You get in the car, the driver takes you to your location, and you get out. No fumbling with paying, you can just get out and leave! Tip is even included. It says so on their webpage that it’s built into the price of the service. Uber is seriously the fastest, best, and safest way to get around in Sydney!

Use this link to sign up with Uber to get your first ride free!


Coming Up Next…

These were our favorite things to see in Sydney. Next up I’ll be sharing our favorite things we ate in Sydney as well as our favorite things to do in Sydney!

Thanks so much for reading! Stay tuned! :)

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10 Responses
  1. Randel Hambrick

    We are a family of four heading there this June!  Did you do the private tour or the small group tour? And was your Bondi to Bronte beach walk on that day or done another time?  We will spend the majority of our time in Melbourne with friends, but only 3 days in Sydney.  Any suggestions on lodging? LOVE your posts– especially the FOOD ONE!!!!! :)

  2. Julie

    G’day, I am so pleased you enjoyed our beautiful Sydney so much. Your photos are amazing and showcase Sydney so beautifully to the world. 

  3. Mara

    Wow!  I can see how Sydney has quickly become tops on your list as a favorite place.  It looks breathtaking no matter the direction you turn.  I’m definitely moving it towards the top of my bucket list.

  4. Alice Hanson

    Amanda, 
    That last picture of you two is so precious! I love Sydney, it is a wonderful city! Come back at New Years for the fire works!
    I live in Texas but my daughter lives in Oz. it is always a treat to land and drive through the city on our way to their home. 
    Smiles, 
    Alice

  5. Connie

    Well, you’ve made me want to go to Sydney–for sure!!  But may I just add that Kevin’s Auburn shirts and hat made your photos even better. ??? War Eagle!!

  6. Alice

    I’m so glad you loved our beautiful city! And that it’s become one of your favourites! Definitely try and get to Coogee next time you’re here. I think it’s even better than Bondi. Will you be doing a ‘where to eat in Sydney’ post? I’d love to discover some new places to try!

  7. Joy

    Fabulous photos… wow.. Sydney really is gorgeous. I cant believe those beaches, wow a trip to get there… yikes a friend of mine said it was over 12 hours I think. Thank you for bringing it to me via your website and as always your awesome photos. You guys look so cute in your pictures.

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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