If you’re hunting for the best Instagrammable places in New South Wales, we’ve got you. We road-tripped the coast, popped into the national parks, and yes – did the classic Sydney icons too. Below you’ll find our favourite 10, with quick tips and exact GPS coordinates so you can nail your shot fast.
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6 Look At Me Now Headland Walk
7 Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
9 Blue Mountains – Three Sisters Lookout
1 Anna Bay Sand Dunes (Nelson Bay)
GPS Coordinates: -32.7876, 152.0800
The sand dunes at Anna Bay are a must-see. At sunrise, the light is incredible, and in the evening, the colors turn soft and warm again. We went several times – it’s one of those places that always looks different. What to know: You can drive on the sand with a 4WD, and visiting the dunes is completely free. The area is part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, so check local signs before entering.
2 Byron Bay Lighthouse
GPS Coordinates: -28.6386, 153.6364
This spot is made for early risers. Watching the sunrise from Byron Bay Lighthouse is a must – it’s the easternmost point of mainland Australia, and the first place to catch the morning light.
What to know: A visit at sunrise is a must, but you’ll need to plan ahead. Parking is limited, and from the car park you still have to walk around 300 – 500 meters uphill to reach the lighthouse. The path is paved and manageable, but it gets busy fast. Arriving about 30 minutes before sunrise gives you time to find a good spot and set up your camera. During the day, the area stays busy with walkers, runners, and tourists – early mornings are by far the most peaceful.
Photo tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping shots over the cliffs and ocean. The best compositions are from the viewing platform or slightly down the path facing east. On clear days, you can even spot whales between June and November.
3 Pebbly & Depot Beach (Murramarang NP)
GPS Coordinates (Pebbly Beach): -35.59943, 150.33287
GPS Coordinates (Depot Beach): -35.62873, 150.32296
Pebbly and Depot Beach are two of the quietest and most relaxing spots on the New South Wales coast. We were there in October, and it wasn’t crowded at all – just a few campers and plenty of space to enjoy the scenery. The beaches are surrounded by forest, and it’s common to see kangaroos right on the sand, even during the day.
What to know: Both beaches are part of Murramarang National Park. There’s ample parking, picnic areas, and public toilets. Access is easy, and the roads are well maintained. Depot Beach also has a small campground if you want to stay overnight.
4 Hyams Beach (Jervis Bay)
GPS Coordinates: -35.10025, 150.69019
Hyams Beach is famous for having the whitest sand in the world – at least, that’s what everyone says. And yes, it’s impressively white, especially when the sun is out and the water glows turquoise. Still, we weren’t completely sure if it’s THE whitest beach we’ve ever seen. The beaches in Western Australia (around Esperance and Albany) or even Cuba and Zanzibar can definitely compete.
What to know: There’s free parking, but it fills up fast on weekends and during holidays. The beach itself is calm and family-friendly, and the water is crystal clear on most days.
5 Sydney Opera House
GPS Coordinates: -33.856159, 151.215256
Of course, the Sydney Opera House can’t be missing from any list of top photo spots in New South Wales. It also leads our Sydney ranking, simply because it’s one of those places that never gets old — no matter how often you see it. The architecture, the light, and the harbour setting all come together perfectly.
What to know: Getting there by public transport is the best option — parking in the area is expensive and often full. The Opera House is only a short walk from Circular Quay Station, so it’s easy to reach by train or ferry.
Photo tip: Go early in the morning or during blue hour. The soft light brings out the details of the white sails, and reflections in the harbour look perfect for photos.
6 Look At Me Now Headland Walk (Emerald Beach)
GPS Coordinates: -30.17760, 153.19000
This place probably isn’t on every “Top 10 NSW” list – but it absolutely deserves a spot. The Look At Me Now Headland Walk is one of the few places where you can see kangaroos right by the ocean, often in large groups. It’s quiet, relaxed, and feels like a hidden local favorite. With a bit of luck, you’ll even spot dolphins playing in the water below.
What to know: The walk is short and easy, around 1.5 km, starting from the car park at Emerald Beach. There’s plenty of space to park, and the path is well maintained. It’s ideal for a short stop on a road trip along the coast.
7 Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk (Sydney)
GPS Coordinates: -33.89148, 151.27668
This walk is also featured in our Sydney Top 10 ranking – and it’s easy to see why. Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk is one of the most scenic routes in Australia – dramatic cliffs, ocean pools, and endless photo opportunities along the way.
What to know: The trail is around 6 km and takes about 2 – 3 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos (and trust us, you’ll stop a lot). Start early to avoid crowds and bring water – there’s little shade in some parts.
8 Minyon Falls
GPS Coordinates: -28.61324, 153.39021
Located in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, Minyon Falls is one of those places that impresses you the moment you arrive. The waterfall drops more than 100 meters into a deep green valley surrounded by rainforest – it’s pure Australian nature at its best.
You can simply stop at the lookout for a quick visit – it’s right next to the car park and gives a stunning panoramic view over the valley. But if you have more time, there are several walking tracks starting from here, with different lengths and difficulty levels. The Minyon Falls Loop Track is the most popular one and takes you right to the base of the falls. Access roads are partly unsealed but usually fine for standard cars.
9 Blue Mountains – Three Sisters Lookout (Echo Point)
GPS Coordinates: -33.73211, 150.31204
The Three Sisters Lookout at Echo Point is one of the most iconic viewpoints in New South Wales – and a perfect day trip from Sydney. The drive takes about two hours, and once you arrive in Katoomba, the view over the Jamison Valley is breathtaking. The three sandstone pillars rise high above the forest, creating a panorama that changes completely with the light and weather.
What to know: This lookout is also one of the most visited places in the Blue Mountains, and it’s a regular stop for tour buses and group tours. If you want to enjoy the view in peace, it’s best to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon. There’s plenty of parking, a visitor centre, cafés, and public toilets nearby. For those with more time, several walking tracks start from here, ranging from short loops to full-day hikes.
10 Fingal Beach (Nelson Bay)
GPS Coordinates: -32.74261, 152.17111
Last but not least, Fingal Beach is one of those beaches that feels untouched and completely natural. Wide, clean, and surrounded by dunes and bushland – it’s the kind of place where you can still hear nothing but the ocean. It’s perfect for a relaxed beach walk or just a quiet swim away from the crowds.
What to know: The beach is part of Tomaree National Park and offers good parking, a surf club, and a café nearby. What makes it really special is the sand spit that connects the beach to Shark Island during low tide – but be extremely careful. The tide changes fast, and crossing can be dangerous when the water rises. Always check local tide times before you go.
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