Top 20 Beautiful Locations to Photograph in Australia

Australia’s abundant nature, iconic urbanscape, and staggering wildlife keep the country in the spotlight of photographers worldwide. With a wealth of beauty waiting to be photographed, you may be speculating on where to start?

To get the best out of this land with magazine-cover-worthy photoshoots, here is a list of 20 locations. We have included world heritage listed destinations, natural marvels, quintessential Australian coasts, and man-made wonders.

1. Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

Sydney Harbour, New South Wales

An Australian icon, the Sydney Harbour, is enlisted among the most dazzling harbors worldwide. The Harbour Bridge carries the memory of the national optimism and way paved from the Great Depression to a prosperous modern Australia, lounging on the shores of the magnificent Pacific Ocean.

The harbor is adorned with the pale arch of Sydney Opera House, as an emblem of the metropolitan’s cultural richness. The best shots of this heritage-listed harbor are taken at the golden hour at the sunrise and sunset, and in spring.

Cruise ships offer an over-water perspective for a full-frame shot, while you can add some flavor to your photography day by heading to nearby coves, small islands. Also, you can join the Bridge Climb adventure for a memorable walk and taking outstanding photos.

2. Twelve Apostles, Victoria

Twelve Apostles, Victoria

There is no debate in the numerous breathtaking locations that are sprinkled along the Great Ocean Road. White sand beaches are hidden from the world, fertile volcanic hills rippling down the coastal slopes, roaming wildlife, and a handful of historic sites such as London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.

However, the protagonist of the region is the Twelve Apostles, a series of gigantic rocks that were slowly washed away from the mainland, and yet kept on to their mighty height. The viewing platform permits framing all 8 in a single shot.

But you can also get creative and capture them from different angles including helicopter tours for bird-eye perspective, scuba diving for a close and full height shot with seagulls encircling the top, or beachside view with one or more of the native Fairy Penguins gracing your photo.

3. Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Traveling to Australian outbacks for any objective wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the Great Reef Barrier. The crystalline water of the barrier holding the largest reef stretch worldwide, and the rich marine life with colorful inhabitants, are wondrous subjects for photography.

If not a fan of underwater photoshoots, the nearby mangroves and keys are filled with photography opportunities and home to; numerous native birds, shimmering stretches of azure coasts, white-sand shores, Sea Combs, and all the beauty of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

4. Shipwrecks, Queensland

Shipwrecks, Queensland

Shipwreck incidents are a part of Australian history, covering from insignificant cargo incidents to titanic-scale shipwrecks. Queensland is a great location for capturing the remains of these historic and often devastating accidents. The entire state has a record of almost 1250 documented shipwrecks.

Situated in the protected marine territory of the Great Barrier Reef, SS Yongala ship sank in the tropical depths of Cape Bowling Green by a violent cyclone, while sailing towards Melbourne. Today, the skeleton of the ship sits 15 meters below the surface and is one of the most popular sites for snorkeling and photography among the heritage-listed locations in Australia.

Another place to shoot submerged ships is Tangalooma island. Numerous shipwrecks accord just off the crystal clear shores and turned the island a famous location for its ship graveyard. Besides the wrecks, fish, dolphins, wobbegongs, and dugong, add to the underwater wonders of the region. And of course, you can extend your photography to the shore and marvelous hinterlands.

5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Rising over the sun-kissed terrains of Tjuta National Park, the entire region has been considered sacred among the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal tribe. For thousands of years, these plains have been the ceremonial ground for tribal festivals, a tradition that is kept alive until the present day.

Known as a true Aussie outback, the monolith of Uluru is an iconic site, sided by the barren beauty of a red-hued desert.

Sunset and sunrise viewing platforms are popular among the photographers here; the slanting light and the red hue of the desert change color in every minute from golden, to russet, to burgundy, maroon, and all the hues in between.

6. Glass House Mountains, Queensland

Glass House Mountains, Queensland

Emerging from the pale shores of the renowned surfing location, the Sunshine Coast, Glass House Mountains are the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic mountain range.

Brooded over with abundant greenery, these mountains are also highlighted for the aboriginal heritage, with extending horizons and breathtaking wildlife. The region is lined with hiking paths that are a gateway to occasional viewpoints for photography.

Whether you are a landscape photographer or looking for tribal subjects to make a memorable shot, these thirteen hills have got much to offer.

7. Tin City, Stockton Dunes

Tin City, Stockton Dunes

A fan of shooting stark landscapes and photographing the dwelling of men in barren deserts, the Tin City is a perfect location. Lounging on the magnificent sand dunes of New South Wales, the community was founded in the early 20 century by a group of homeless people. Today, the tin-built structures are still standing, creating a rugged contrast with the surrounding landscape.

You can visit the beach in the vicinity afterward and enjoy the pristine shorelines. Before visiting, keep yourself updated on the weather report to prevent heading into sand storms and high tides.

8. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Lush nature, native Australian wildlife, and scenic boglands are the top highlights of Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. It covers the largest stretch of cold temperate forests in the country, which is home to colorful bird species and unique mammals such as koalas.

The entire park is lined with hiking paths that lead to rainforests, wetlands, and, above all, countless caves and rocks painted with aboriginal pictographs- some of the most ancient and fascinating rock art samples worldwide.

9. West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory

West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory

Known for its rugged beauty and uncontaminated nature, West MacDonnell Ranges stretch along the western highlands of Alice Springs. The most scenic locations over the ascending and descending slopes of this 200 kilometers long-range are; Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Simpsons Gap, Ghost Gum Walk, collectively visited for spectacular waterways, spotting diverse wildlife and its dramatic river carved gorges.

10. Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Costs and rainforests, Cape Tribulation is one of the most iconic landscapes in Australia. To a point that a photo taken here does not need a location introduction. Embracing the lush Daintree Rainforest, the canopy of verdant trees and diverse wildlife ends at the white sandy beaches of the cape, marking the beginning of the coral mosaics of the Great Barrier Reef.

In essence, visiting this destination is one of those hitting-two-birds-with-a-stone situations; it offers an opportunity to photoshoot two of the UNESCO Registered sites together, along with the unprecedented beauty of the Cape.

11. Surfer’s Paradise Beach, Queensland

Surfer’s Paradise Beach, Queensland

Australians are famous for their cricket batting abilities, but if there was a question of the nation’s most iconic sport, surfing would be the winner.

A three-kilometer stretch of Queensland’s shorelines is rightly named as the Surfers’ Paradise, flanked by the surf-worthy waves of the Pacific Ocean.

You can find world-class surfers here to shoot while doing their breathtaking stunts and afterward treat yourself to a fine dining experience in the beachside restaurants and iconic nighttime markets.

12. Cape Byron Headland and Lighthouse, New South Wales

Cape Byron Headland and Lighthouse, New South Wales

With sweeping stretches of coasts, and to uphold the memory of the Australian shipwrecks as a part of the nation’s heritage before the investigation of marine GPS communications, it is only fair to pay a visit to the sailors’ light of hope, or the Australian Lighthouses. Additionally, these structures are always iconic, sided with rugged coats and glamorous harbor views.

The lighthouse of Cape Byron Headland is located at the heart of the State Conservation Area, marking the easternmost point of the country.

Rising over twenty meters in the crisp waters of the Pacific Ocean, the whitewashed lighthouse is an outstanding photography location, as well as a viewing point for a glimpse of lunging dolphins, breaching migrating whales, coastal turtles, and a spectacular sunrise each day.

13. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Enlisted among the natural World Heritage sites, Lord Howe Island possesses a sumptuous nature, with countless native and migrating birds, dramatic coastal cliffs, coral reefs, and hiking trails zigzagging through the hinterlands. To get the best vistas of the island, you can climb Mount Gower, to reach the  875-meter tall viewpoint and get rewarded with panoramic vistas.

Besides nature, the island embraces a quaint settlement of the islanders, with charming suburbs, cozy restaurants, and boutique accommodations.

To reach the island, visitors can take the aerial route. But sea travel is highly recommended where you can take a photo of the crescent island and its nearby wonders such as the Ball’s Pyramid.

14. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Tasmania is rich in nature, aboriginal culture, and unique wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian Devil. The pristine landscape is protected by several national parks, although Freycinet is truly unique.

White sand beaches of the famous Wineglass Bays, balled granite peaks soaring over the dense forests, and the far-flung coves all are connected by several hiking paths. Landscape and wildlife photography of land animals, birds, and marine creatures is noted as highly rewarding in this pristine national park.

15. The Pinnacles, West Australia

The Pinnacles, West Australia

The Pinnacles are a chain of eroded and conical limestones, sprinkled across the naked sand dunes of the Nambung National Park. These oddly shaped structures were once a part of the coastal cliffs of the Indian oceans that were gradually separated and sculpted by rain and wind into a magnificent sight that today is nicknamed the Rock Stars of the Australian Outback.

These majestic pillars and their imaginative shapes are beautiful at any time of the day, but they create a surrealistic atmosphere during the sunset and sunrise hours.

16. Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Rugged wilderness and uninhabited landscapes of the Nitmiluk National Park have long been the photographer’s playground. However, Katherine Gorge is the star of the show here, characterized by a network of deep gorges. This ravine is a masterwork of Katherine River, carving its way through the soft sandstones of Arnhem Land Plateau.

Trembling waterfalls over the shoulder of tall cliffs, secluded lagoons, dense vegetation, and diverse wildlife are among the top features of Nitmiluk’s landscape.

17. Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island is recognized as the world’s largest sand island, encompassing sun-kissed spans of the golden sand-covered shores, hinterlands, and then long stretches of rainforests.

From diving opportunities to capture the subtropical marine life and old shipwrecks to golden sunset and sparkling shorelines to the luscious greenery of the tropical forests and all the remarkable flora and fauna, Fraser Island is going to impress you.

18. Broome & The Kimberley, Western Australia

Broome & The Kimberley, Western Australia

If waterfalls are something that interests you as a photography subject, then the landscape of Kimberley is a must-visit destination. Located in the northernmost regions of Western Australia, the region is dotted with both vertical and horizontal waterfalls, dramatic gorges, red rock landscapes, and a swathe wilderness.

You can explore the region through the gravel paths Gibb River Road, crossing near the most scenic landscapes.

Nature apart, the quaint township of Broome is lounging just off the Cape Leveque, known for sunset camel rides, spectacular coasts of the Indian Ocean, and world-class resort accommodations and fine dining restaurants.

19. Port Douglas, Queensland

Port Douglas, Queensland

Port Douglas sits in Far North Queensland and is a home base to the visitors of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest natural wonders. Apart from white silica beaches and the occasional lagoon amid the abundant flora that is flanking the urban limits, the town offers a laid-back feel.

The palm-lined streets either move up to the beaches and waterfront resorts or connect to the heart of the town with hearty markets, delectable restaurants, and boutiques. The St. Mary’s Church is the port’s icon, sided with swaying palms and located just paces from the scenic shores.

20. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Highlighted as a favorite holiday getaway, Byron Bay sits on the northern coasts of New South Wales. These shores hold a rich heritage, from the colonial era to the hippy movement in the 60s and modern Aussie surfers.

The pristine shores of Byron Bay offer a refuge from the bustling metropolitan life, enriched with tranquil cafes, health retreat resorts, fun nightclubs, flea markets, and a colorful range of photography subjects.

The bay is also located within the protected territory of Wollumbin National Park, for capturing otherworldly shots of secluded lagoons and small waterfalls amid the dense tropical vegetation.

Final Words…

Before you go, check out these two other locations that we love to photograph

Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia

If you are capturing the most iconic Aussie landscapes, the pink lakes of Australia are a must-have in your collections. Sitting on the verges of the Indian Ocean in Western Australia, Hutt Lagoon is best seen from Eleven Mile Beach Road frame of reference, but also elegant when shot in the close frame.

Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales

Blue Mountains National Park is situated at a short distance from the cultural metropolitan of Sydney, known for uncontaminated bushlands, rugged science, and the iconic Three Sisters Peaks. Whether from the hiking paths, viewpoints, cableways, or aerial tours, there is much to see and capture around these mountains.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *




You May Also Like