From Shores to Cliffs: 10 Best Photography Locations in Northern Beaches

The best photography locations aren’t always hidden away in far-off places—Northern Beaches is packed with breathtaking spots just waiting to be captured. With its pristine shores, rugged cliffs, and scenic lookouts, Northern Beaches offers an endless variety of photo opportunities for both hobbyists and professionals. 

For those who dream of calling this beautiful area home, working with a local mortgage broker can make all the difference. Brokers can help navigate the Northern Beaches property market, bringing you one step closer to living near these stunning locations.

Let’s dive into the top 10 spots to capture stunning snaps of Northern Beaches' beauty!

Overview of Northern Beaches Photography Scene

With its breathtaking landscapes, Northern Beaches is a dream for anyone who loves stunning scenery. From sandy shores to rugged cliffs and peaceful lagoons, this area is packed with picture-perfect spots that make it one of Australia’s best places for scenic views.

Here’s what makes Northern Beaches truly stand out:

• Diverse Landscapes in One Place: Northern Beaches offers an incredible variety of settings—from pristine beaches and coastal cliffs to rock formations and lush nature reserves. This diversity gives photographers endless opportunities to capture unique shots in one region.
• Unmatched Ocean Vistas and Cliffs: For panoramic ocean views, look only as far as spots like Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Long Reef Headland. These favourite spots offer dramatic scenes, especially at sunrise and sunset, making them perfect for capturing amazing views of the coastline.
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves: Northern Beaches is home to peaceful nature reserves like Narrabeen Lagoon, where you can capture beautiful images of local wildlife and serene landscapes. The contrast of water, trees, and wildlife creates a magnificent view you won’t find in the city.
• Iconic Rock Formations: Unique rock formations like those at North Narrabeen Rock Pool and Collaroy Rock Platform add texture and depth to photos. These photography spots are known for their striking geological formations and are a popular location for photographers seeking something special.
• Sunrise, Sunset, and Night Photography: With low light pollution in many areas, Northern Beaches is ideal for both night photography and stunning sunrise/sunset shots. Places like Turimetta Beach and Dee Why Beach are lovely in the early morning and at dusk, offering photographers the perfect shot with vibrant skies and reflective water.
  
  
  

Top 10 Photography Spots in Northern Beaches

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 photography spots that showcase the area’s stunning landscapes and natural charm. From pristine beaches to dramatic cliffs, these locations offer endless opportunities for capturing unforgettable shots.

#1 Barrenjoey Lighthouse: A Must-Visit Photography Spot for Coastal Views

Perched at the northernmost tip of the peninsula in Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse offers sweeping panoramic views over the South Coast and nearby Pittwater. This iconic spot is a favourite for photographers from Palm Beach and surrounding suburbs, perfect for capturing stunning shots of the rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and the historic lighthouse itself.

• Ideal Time: Late afternoon for golden hour or early morning for sunrise.
• Tips: Use Google Maps for directions and check tide times to capture beach shots nearby.
• Highlights: This perfect location is ideal for capturing the iconic lighthouse framed by coastal cliffs and ocean views.

#2 North Narrabeen Rock Pool: A Stunning Photographic Gem

Nestled in North Narrabeen, near the suburbs of Warriewood and Collaroy, the North Narrabeen Rock Pool is a must-visit for photographers seeking stunning shots any time of day.

This popular spot offers unique rock platforms and low light pollution, making it perfect for both daytime beach scenes and dramatic night photography. It’s especially popular for capturing mesmerising night reflections over the pool—a true gem for locals and visitors alike.

• Ideal Time: Early morning or late afternoon.
• Tips: Explore potential angles around the rock pool to make the most of its photographic potential.
• Highlights: The moss-covered rocks and rocky outcrops add a beautiful texture to your photos, making it a perfect spot for creative compositions.

#3 Long Reef Headland: Perfect for Panoramic Views

Located in Collaroy and close to the surrounding suburbs of Dee Why and Narrabeen, Long Reef Headland is a photographer’s paradise. Known for its dramatic geological formations and breathtaking coastal views, it’s one of the best photography locations for capturing the raw beauty of the Northern Beaches.

Whether you’re snapping sweeping ocean vistas or unique rock formations, this spot never disappoints.

• Ideal Time: Late afternoon for softer, golden light.
• Tips: This is a top choice for location scouting, as it offers plenty of opportunities for varied shots of rocky outcrops and the sea.
• Highlights: A favourite spot among experienced photographers for showcasing the natural beauty of the Northern Beaches landscape.

#4 Turimetta Beach: A Hidden Gem for Beautiful Backdrops and Scenic Views

Tucked away between the suburbs of Narrabeen and Warriewood, Turimetta Beach is a hidden gem for photographers seeking something truly special. This secluded spot is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and stunning coastal cliffs, making it a haven for capturing unique seascapes.

With its rugged beauty and peaceful vibe, it offers endless opportunities to frame the perfect shot.

• Ideal Time: Check tide times—low tide usually works best for access to rock formations.
• Tips: Use Google Earth to scout the best angles and capture the wave patterns over the rock platform.
• Highlights: This perfect location is especially suited for capturing beautiful backdrops that highlight the rugged coastline.

#5 Dee Why Beach and Rock Pools: Magnificent Views and Coastal Scenes

Situated in the vibrant suburb of Dee Why, near Curl Curl and Collaroy, Dee Why Beach is a beloved photography spot that offers the perfect mix of sandy shores and striking rock formations.

This popular location is a go-to for both beginners and professional photographers, providing endless opportunities to capture everything from peaceful beachscapes to dynamic coastal details.

• Ideal Time: Avoid crowds and make the most of the light in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Tips: This favourite photo spot has plenty of parking spots nearby, making it easy to access.
• Highlights: Capture amazing beach and rock pool views, perfect for experimenting with natural lighting and capturing reflections.

#6 Freshwater Beach: An Ideal Surf Shots 

Located in the charming suburb of Freshwater, just a stone’s throw from Manly and Curl Curl, Freshwater Beach is a must-visit for photographers. Famous for its pristine sands and vibrant surf culture, this picturesque spot offers the perfect balance of serene landscapes and action-packed moments.

Whether you’re capturing peaceful ocean views or surfers riding the waves, Freshwater Beach delivers stunning shots every time.

• Ideal Time: Early morning or late afternoon.
• Tips: Ideal for surf shots, and don’t forget to check tide times to get the best wave action.
• Highlights: This popular spot is great for capturing stunning images with beautiful natural lighting, making it a favourite among photographers.

#7 Manly to Shelly Beach Walk: Discover Photographic Opportunities

Stretching between the bustling suburb of Manly and the tranquil shores of Shelly Beach, this scenic coastal walk is a treasure trove for photographers. Along the path, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture stunning images of rugged coastal cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant greenery that frames the trail.

Whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise, the dramatic crash of waves below, or the lush vegetation along the way, this walk offers countless moments to create breathtaking and unforgettable photos.

• Ideal Time: Sunrise or sunset.
• Tips: Use Google Maps to find your favourite spots along the path for unique photo angles.
• Highlights: A perfect spot for capturing nature in all its forms, from rock formations to lush, beautiful backdrops.

#8 Collaroy Beach and Rock Platform: Unique Coastal Views 

Nestled in the heart of Collaroy and just a short drive from Narrabeen and Dee Why, Collaroy Beach is a true photographic gem of the Northern Beaches. Its unique rock platform creates striking contrasts between the rugged stone and the rolling sea, offering photographers endless opportunities for creative shots.

Whether you’re framing the dramatic textures of the rocks or capturing the waves as they crash against the shore, Collaroy Beach is a must-visit for stunning coastal photography.

• Ideal Time: Late afternoon to capture depth and shadow on the rocks.
• Tips: Use Google Earth to view the rock platform layout overhead.
• Highlights: It’s a perfect location for night shots thanks to its lower light pollution, making it ideal for creative and atmospheric photos.

#9 Narrabeen Lagoon and Nature Reserve: Nature Reserve with Plenty of Opportunities for Perfect Shots

Located in Narrabeen and close to the nearby suburbs of Warriewood and Collaroy, Narrabeen Lagoon and Nature Reserve is a tranquil escape for photographers. This serene spot offers endless opportunities to capture beautiful images of the lagoon, framed by lush greenery and thriving wildlife.

Whether you’re shooting reflections on the calm waters, capturing birds in flight, or showcasing the surrounding landscapes, this nature reserve is perfect for both landscape and nature photography enthusiasts.

• Ideal Time: Early morning for softer light.
• Tips: This is a fantastic spot for professional photographers looking to capture wildlife and water views.
• Highlights: The lagoon is a magnificent view in itself, offering a diverse range of photo spots in one location.

#10 West Head Lookout: A Popular Spot for Breathtaking Panoramic Views

Perched within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near the suburbs of Terry Hills and Church Point, West Head Lookout offers breathtaking views that capture the essence of the Northern Beaches. Overlooking both dense bushland and the sparkling coastline, this iconic spot is a haven for photographers seeking panoramic views and stunning images.

From its elevated vantage point, you can showcase the natural beauty of the region, with dramatic landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.

• Ideal Time: Sunset for vibrant colours across the sky.
• Tips: Use Google Maps to find the lookout and make the most of plenty of parking spots nearby.
• Highlights: Perfect for night photography and capturing both the coast and inland scenery, making it a perfect spot for adventurous photographers.

5 Photography Tips for Northern Beaches Locations

Before heading out to capture Northern Beaches’ incredible scenery, it’s helpful to keep a few photography tips in mind. Here are some quick pointers to make the most of these stunning locations:

1. Time It Right: Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for coastal shots, creating beautiful, soft tones. For night photography, choose spots with low light pollution like North Narrabeen Rock Pool.
2. Check Tide Times: Tide levels can dramatically change your composition at places like Turimetta Beach and Collaroy Rock Platform. Low tide often reveals rock formations and pools that make for unique shots.
3. Bring a Tripod: With the ocean constantly in motion, a tripod can help you capture long exposures for silky water effects, especially at locations like Dee Why and Freshwater Beach.
4. Scout Locations in Advance: Use Google Maps or Google Earth to explore the area before you go. This helps you plan shots and find lesser-known vantage points around popular locations.
5. Embrace Overcast Days: Don’t shy away from cloudy days. Overcast weather can reduce harsh shadows and add mood to your shots, which works well for nature reserves like Narrabeen Lagoon.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to capture Northern Beaches’ natural beauty in all its glory!

FAQs

What makes Northern Beaches a popular photography location?

Northern Beaches offers diverse landscapes, such as pristine beaches, coastal cliffs, and rock formations, that are perfect for photography.

Is it easy to access these photography spots?

Yes, most spots have plenty of parking and are accessible by public transport or car, with locations like Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Dee Why Beach being particularly convenient.

When is the best time to photograph Northern Beaches?

The ideal time varies, but sunrise, sunset, and low tide provide the best lighting and conditions for capturing stunning photos.

Do I need a permit to photograph at Northern Beaches?

For most public areas in Northern Beaches, you don’t need a permit for personal or non-commercial photography. However, if you're planning a commercial shoot or using professional equipment, you may need to apply for a permit through the Northern Beaches local council.

Is photography allowed at Northern Beaches rock pools?

Yes, photography is allowed at Northern Beaches rock pools, as they are public spaces open to visitors. Just be mindful of swimmers and follow any local guidelines to ensure everyone enjoys the area.

Takeaway

Northern Beaches is a photographer’s paradise, with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and unique rock formations. With so many perfect spots to explore, it’s a favourite for both locals and visitors, offering endless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer dreaming of living near these breathtaking views, reach out to the experts at Mortgage Brokers Northern Beaches or call 0403 316 686. Let us help you make the Northern Beaches your home, so you can wake up to these stunning landscapes every day!