Favourite places to take photos in Melbourne

Looking for a great outdoor activity while still social distancing? Photograph some of Melbourne’s stunning landmarks and spruce up your Instagram game.

Flinders Street Station lights

A state of the art lighting system has breathed new life into Flinders Street Station, one of Melbourne’s most photographed landmarks. Depth is created through shadows and varying intensities of light. Look out for spectacular light shows that are often run through major events.

Lines of light from traffic zooming past an old domed building lit up at night

The lights of Flinders Street Station

Docklands

A favourite among photographers, Docklands is blessed with colourful sunsets and glittering skylines. The quay skims along the Yarra River and plays host restaurants, cafes and Marvel Stadium. Capture spectacular views from the dizzying heights of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Reopening 18 June with a two-for-one special and a private cabin upgrade, it’s a safe way to socialise.

Several different sized buildings, a huge ferris wheel and boats lit up up night by the water

Docklands

Centre Place

One of Melbourne’s first laneways, Centre Place is a magnet for photographers. Take a collection of arty shots and grab a coffee from Jungle Juice Bar or a bite from Hell’s Kitchen.

People walking through a street art covered laneway

Centre Place

Melbourne city laneways

Melbourne’s street-art covered laneways are among the city’s most iconic sights. Awesome spots to discover including ACDC Lane, Croft Alley and Tattersalls Lane. Meyers Place and Guildford Lane have both been transformed by City of Melbourne’s Green Your Laneway program. Each lane sports stunning murals created by leading street artist, Mike Makatron. Admire his beautiful urban jungle, then enjoy city views and a brew at Loop Roof. If you’re getting peckish, the irresistible aroma of chargrilling is sure to lure you straight to San Telmo’s door. Book online to secure a table.

A huge street art mural on the wall of a laneway, with lit up skyscrapers in the distance

Meyers Place

Princes Bridge

Princes Bridge is one of the busiest footpaths in Melbourne. Stop and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Yarra River. From Princes Bridge, you’ll be able to spot historic Southbank buildings on one side and the MCG on the other. The famous Arts Centre Melbourne spiral tower, Eureka Skydeck and Flinders Street Station all look close enough to touch.

A bridge over a river with the city skyline lit up at night in the background

Princes Bridge

Yarra River

There are countless classic shots waiting to be taken all along the Yarra River. Head to Arbory Bar and Eatery to grab a spritz and a riverside spot. When you get tired of snapping those riverside views you can always watch the footy on the big screen. South Wharf’s Common Man has recently reopened. From June 23 you’ll be able to bring 19 of your closest mates along, so book online.

For a view on the Yarra looking back the city skyline, you can’t beat Southgate’s Waterslide Bar. Back open and serving drinks and a casual menu, it manages to be spacious and intimate all at once. Book online.

Sparkling lights by the Yarra

Snap it while you shop

With an irresistible window display, Pollon Flowers Melbourne is like catnip to photographers. Located in the Chapter House, this shop is picture perfect. Melbourne’s iconic GPO building stands proud on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth. Now home to a range of local and international stores, it’s a blend of period detail and modern elegance.

For something completely different, head to MetaScent. This shrine to all things olfactory boasts a super chic interior with a living indoor tree.

The exterior of an old-fashioned building with a floral display in the window

Pollon Flowers

The lake at Royal Botanic Gardens

Appropriately named, Ornamental Lake is a picturesque spot nestled within Royal Botanic Gardens. Home to a cluster of distinct islands, the lake is a fantastic sunny picnic spot in all seasons.

Presgrave Place

Presgrave Place is one of the lesser explored laneways in Melbourne. A kaleidoscope of street-art covers the space, with the tiny Bar Americano wedged between open brick walls.