Our All-time Favourite Sydney Harbour Photo Backgrounds

Sydney cruise photo locations offer some of the most breathtaking views in the city — all from the comfort of a luxury vessel. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, social media creator, or simply want unforgettable holiday memories, cruising through Sydney Harbour gives you access to iconic landmarks and hidden gems that are picture-perfect from the water.

But the harbour also has hidden charms. Secret beaches that even the most location-savvy of avid Sydneysiders have not discovered. Islands that invite closer inspection and offer breath-taking photographic backgrounds – whether on a modelling shoot, for a wedding, or simply sightseeing.

Bring your camera of choice and the people you need for your photo shoot and jump aboard the MV Bel. We’ll take you to our all-time favourite locations, where you can click away to your heart’s content.

‍

Sydney harbour bridge

‍

Nothing says Sydney more than the Harbour Bridge. It's unique and instantly recognisable around the world. As a background it's hard to beat - and that goes for any time of the day or night.

We can take you as far off or as up close as you need for your special shot – and that includes finding the best location for the angles you want.
Whatever time suits you for lighting too, whether it’s dawn, with the sun shining on the curves and angles, midday with the water sparkling, sunset with new patterns to play with, or at night, with car headlights streaming into the dark sky.

‍

‍

‍

Sydney Opera House

As one of the twentieth century's most famous and distinctive buildings, the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point provides photographers with a mind-bending array of angles and views to use as a background. From the front, the sails soar with majestic architectural strength. From the side, they soften and reflect the sun all through the day and the softer colours of sunset heading into the night. Whatever the angle, distance, or time of day, we can take you there. Right up close or much further away, you'll get the best shots available because there's nothing in the way but water.

‍

‍
‍

‍

Luna Park

Luna Park is definitely a fun background. From a distance, the face with its rolling eyes, arched eyebrows, red mouth and huge white teeth oozes character. Flanked on either side by deco-style towers, the face of Luna Park sits in front of a stretch of metal and glass office buildings, which makes it all the more arresting.

As one of the most playful and iconic Sydney cruise photo locations, Luna Park adds energy and colour to any photoshoot — especially when viewed from the water.

But it’s at night that Luna Park truly comes alive. It sparkles everywhere, from the headdress atop that garish, grinning face to its towers and the lights from the rides and Ferris wheel.

‍

‍

Clark Island

Beautiful Clark Island is a green oasis with stunning views of the Sydney skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. If you want photographs that capture distant views framed by lush green foliage, Clark Island is a must.

As one of the most peaceful Sydney cruise photo locations, the island offers a unique blend of nature and iconic backdrops — perfect for engagement shoots, elopements, or lifestyle photography.

The island is less than a hectare in size, so it’s easy for us to sail around until you find the perfect location. Disembark via the little jetty and wander the charming pathways with picture-perfect views at every turn.

Shark Island

Lush Shark Island is close to Rose Bay. With wonderful 360-degree views and a beautiful gazebo, it’s perfect for a modelling or wedding photoshoot. Like Clark Island, Shark Island has distant views of the Sydney skyline, making it one of the most scenic Sydney cruise photo locations for special occasions.

The coastline features striking rock formations and small sandy beaches that offer countless photographic possibilities — whether you're capturing wide landscape shots or intimate portrait moments.

Chowder Bay

One of Sydney’s hidden gems, Chowder Bay in Mosman, is full of charm and character. Historic buildings rise above an old jetty, and the beach stretches in an arc, protected by sloping bushland behind. Boats dot the water and those lucky few who have discovered this paradise swim and sunbathe.

As one of the lesser-known Sydney cruise photo locations, Chowder Bay offers a unique blend of elements perfect for photography — pristine blue water, a sandy beach, lush green bushland, historic buildings, and half-hidden residences dotted up a hillside. Whether you're on a luxury boat passing by or stopping nearby, Chowder Bay has everything you could want for your photographic backgrounds. Make the most of this scenic spot for your next photoshoot.

‍

Taronga Park Beach

Accessible only by water, this is a beachcomber’s – and a photographer’s – paradise. The jetty brings you ashore to white sands and thick vegetation – but stay aboard while we take you to the beaches around Tooronga Park. Whiting Beach on one side, Athol Bay on the other, both with spectacular city views. When you want privacy and wide range of photo opportunities, these are a must.

Explore our Icons & Highlights for more unforgettable moments on the water, or check out our Luxury Cruise Packages to start planning your perfect photo tour. For real-life inspiration and cruise photography, follow us on Instagram - see how our guests capture the beauty of Sydney from the water.