The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most iconic,, most visited and most photographed structures in Australia. Thousands of people crowd around the Harbour every New Years Eve to witness a spectacular display of fireworks of the famous bridge and hundreds of people each day do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb in order to get spectacular views of Sydney.
We have been spending a fair amount of time in Sydney lately and have been exploring the bridge from many different angles. Here are some of the best viewing spots we have found to take those extraordinary photos the the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
One of the best views you can have for photos of the bridge and Sydney Harbour is from the Circular Quay train platform closest to the Harbour. There is a big open place for viewing and as you can see the view is pretty dramatic and makes for some pretty awesome Harbour Bridge photos
Views from Circular Quay station
Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill
Just behind the rocks area you will find Observatory Hill, a noteworthy place to visit on its own for some sky and star gazing. The Hill gives you a different view of the bridge and one worth the climb up the hill to take a picture of.
Great viewing Spot
Just on the corner of the Hyatt
Hyatt view
The Hyatt Hotel sits right on the Harbour and just around the corner from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you have a heavy wallet, it would be the ideal place to sleep before you do your Sydney Bridge Climb. Right on the corner offers a great view looking up at the bridge.
Botanical Gardens
Get in the bushes for some good pics
Spending a day, or picnicking, in the Botanical Gardens is a relaxing and free way to spend a day in Sydney. Walk around a little until you find the perfect spot for you to take yet another photo of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Perfect viewing spot
Mrs Macquarie’s chair
Gorgeous views
Probably one of the most famous viewing spots for the iconic coat hanger. Mrs Macquaries Chair is one of the most sought after positions on New Years Eve and from the looks of the view you can see why.
Rocks Market
Rocks Market view point
The Rocks is one of my favourite spots in Sydney. Apart from the market shopping, first settlement history, superb Sydney YHA for accommodation, and lively pubs, there is a spectacular view of the bridge from its many cobble stoned streets. This one is taken from the pedestrian street where the Lowenbrau is. If you are game to jump out in front of traffic on George St, just outside the Orient Hotel, you can capture a pretty cool shot as well.
Ferry ride
View from the Ferry
Another great reason to take a ferry ride on the harbour is for the unlimited opportunities you have to take a wide variety of photos of the Harbour Bridge, from different angles and positions from Balmain to right across heading out to Manly. These will be your most challenging photos to take as you will be on a moving ferry with crowds of people.
Seven Bridges Walk
Taken from ANZAC bridge
Not only is this a great fundraising event and a fantastic opportunity to get fit, it also provides you with many different views of the Harbour Bridge from across the city. As you can read in our post we didn’t make it the whole way around. You can be sure that no matter where you are walking around the Harbour that beautiful bridge will be popping up to greet you for an amazing photo opportunity.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Views from high above on the Bridge climb
This is something we have not yet done (but is on the list). I can only imagine the different sorts of photos you could get of the Harbour bridge from climbing it. Here you could really focus in it’s unique architectural design.
If you don’t want to climb it you could definitely walk across it for alternative photos. Ben from Adventures with Ben recently explored the inexpensive Sydney Bridge Climb alternative Bridge Pylon Lookout.
Of course we have not had a chance to view this magnificent piece of architecture from all the best spots.
Great summary Caz, our last stop before our RTW is Sydney so we’ll be practising our photography skills on the bridge for sure!
I’m pretty certain you’re not allowed to bring a camera on the bridge climb for safety reasons which sucks, because you would get some amazing photos!
Aha! Great point there Kieron. You wouldn’t be able to take your camera on the climb. That does suck. Maybe stick to the Bridge Pylon then and save yourself the money. It seems like you can get some good photos from there.
Mrs Macquarie’s chair has to be the best as you get the bridge and Opera House.
Never been to Observatory Hill but I quite like the look of the view from there.
Great Pics
Paul // MyPostcardFrom
Observatory Hill is a really pretty place to hang out. There are some gorgeous old oak trees there you can take some good photos of and as you can see the views are pretty good. Mrs Maquaries chair is probably the best spot
Great photos! I love the Harbor just because it reminds me of where I am (that is when I’m actually there!) One of my favorites spots is that corner near the Hyatt with the grass and trees and another is the Botanical Garden. I guess I like to see the city framed in green!
Can’t wait to get back and get some more fab views like these! The bridge climb is definitely on the list for me too, although I’ll have to go it alone since the BF is scared of heights!!
Love the views from the ferries – the first time I went to Manly, I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the bridge on the way out and the Opera House on the way back. I haven’t been to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair yet but after this post, it’s top of my list for the next time I have some free time on a sunny day!
You didn’t even touch on the north shore! I have some great and different views from places like Luna Park, and even underneath the bridge!
I loved photographing it!
I know. We are still yet to explore that side. I may have to do a Part 2 of the post from the North side. Thanks for the direction of where to get some great shots.
Pretty great shots and summary of the area. I’ve seen people climb the bridge on TV, but I didn’t know anyone could climb it. Pretty cool! I can see why Mrs Macquaries Chair is a popular spot. You have the view of two great icons one next to the other!
That’s a lot of different viewpoints. You guys really get around
Thanks for the shout out!
Love the views! Didn’t realize there were so many different ways to see this! My favorites are Observatory Hill, the Botanical Gardens, and Mrs Macquaries chair!
My favorite spot to photograph the bridge in Sydney is on a ferry sailing right underneath it! One of my favorite photos from OZ was taken from under the bridge, with the Opera House in the background. Beautiful.
I love the photos!
I struggled with whether or not to do the bridge climb. It’s a Sydney icon and after all so I did push through with it even for the last minute. My boyfriends passion is photography so he scheduled a trip by Experienceoz.com.au and got a package. It’s a nice experience.