Since picking up a camera a decade ago, my travels across Australia have taken me to some truly world-class coastal locations across this vast island continent. For me, wading through waves in pre-dawn light is as comforting an experience as any.
From the turquoise waters off Queensland to the crumbling cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the whitest beaches in the world. Australia's endless seascape scenes continue to entice photographers from around the world.
So let’s kick things off with my personal favourite location. Which just happens to be down the road from my childhood home. (And it’s arguably Australia’s premiere stretch of striking rock formations.)
1. Bombo Headland Quarry, NSW
The NSW South Coast is where I grew up and where my photography journey began.
And the jewel of the South Coast? Bombo Quarry. It’s a photographer's paradise only two hours south of Sydney and can even be reached by train.
Once an old basalt rock quarry, the headland is now home to castle-like structures that rise from the ocean’s edge. The relentless surge of waves makes it a haven for long-exposure photography.
It’s best captured at sunrise. So if you haven’t been before, first scope out the area during the day to plan your compositions and angles. (And take note of where it’s safe to stand away from the crashing waves.)
And if you have time, be sure to check out Minnamurra Island and Cathedral Rocks to the north for equally impressive seascapes.
Photography tip: I wrote an entire guide to photographing Bombo Quarry. My top tip? Use faster long exposures (around 1/4 to 1/10 of a second) to retain texture and detail in the moving water.
2. Cape Woolamai, Victoria
After moving from Sydney to Melbourne in 2017, Cape Woolamai was at the very top of my list of new locations to explore and photograph.
Nestled on Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai is a coastal gem of wave-worn boulders and imposing sea stacks. The towering granite cliffs cut a dramatic figure against the sapphire-blue waters of the Bass Strait.
Park at the Woolamai Surf Beach and then head on foot via the beach for 40 minutes towards the Pinnacles Lookout. It’s perfect for capturing sunset seascapes as soft light bathes the coast in a golden glow.
Photography tip: Pack your telephoto lens and keep an eye out for local wildlife. You’ll likely cross paths with a few curious swamp wallabies or see the thousands of short-tailed shearwater birds returning to their nests at dusk.
3. Albany Coast, WA
Not far from the town of Albany, you’ll find the Torndirrup National Park in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. And what a stunning stretch of secluded coves you’ll find too.
The entire coastline is home to a rich tapestry of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and giant granite boulders—smoothed over eons by the Great Southern Ocean.
From Walpole in the west to Esperance in the east, you’ll find plenty of pristine beaches along over 600 kilometres of coast. But my personal pick? Salmon Beach near Albany.
Photography tip: Make use of your wide-angle lens. Crouch down low beside the granite boulders to emphasise their shape—and control framing and flow through your scene. (Just keep an eye out for rogue waves rushing up the beach.)
Salmon Beach within Torndirrup National Park
4. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
One of the seven natural wonders of the world. How could this not make the list?
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system running for over 2,300 kilometres.
Heart Reef set amongst the Great Barrier Reef
It’s stunning from the sea and spectacular from the sky. Yet many of the reefs continue to suffer from pollutants and coral bleaching. It’s a stark reminder that the natural world hangs in a fragile balance and needs our protection.
If you decide to visit, treat yourself and go on a scenic flight. Some top sights? The sweeping inlet at Whitehaven Beach and the picture-perfect Heart Reef.
Photography tip: When shooting aerial photography, be sure to use a fast shutter speed to help overcome any vibrations from the aircraft. And try to frame shots with the sun behind you to minimise glare and reflections through the window.
5. Sapphire Coast, NSW
Located five hours south of Sydney, the Sapphire Coast is blessed with three striking seascape locations:
Camel Rock: It looks (somewhat) like its namesake when viewed looking north. Yet you’ll find more varied and unique compositions amongst the rocks themselves as you face east and southeast back towards the town of Bermagui.
Horse Head Rock: Only accessible at low tide, it can be challenging to reach over razor-sharp rocks. Yet when approached with care, it’s a highly rewarding seascape to experience and capture. Venture out around the beach from the north end of Horseshoe Bay.
Glasshouse Rocks: Located near Narooma, new compositions and angles arise throughout the year with the shifting angle of the rising sun. Plus, its accessible location makes Glasshouse Rocks an ideal subject to photograph under the Milky Way from May through to September.
Photography tip: Check the tides before you set out. Horsehead Rock can only be accessed at low tide—and even then it’s a sketchy scramble over jagged rocks. While higher tides will result in more wave action around Camel Rock.
6. Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and huge granite boulders.
Heard it all before? Fair enough.
But what makes the Bay of Fires particularly stunning is the captivating colour palette: vibrant orange lichen set against the cool blue waters.
Base yourself in Binnalong Bay and then venture north towards The Gardens. Take your time to explore the countless hidden coves and look for smaller scenes set amongst the intriguing rock formations.
Photography tip: Try to emphasise the contrasting colours in your images. Particularly on sunrise, the warm light and orange lichen will create a pleasing complementary colour harmony with the cooler blues in the shadows and water.
7. The 12 Apostles, Victoria
One of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks, the 12 Apostles is a must-visit seascape along Victoria’s grand Great Ocean Road. These towering limestone stacks are a testament to nature's raw power.
The main lookout is a short stroll from the visitor centre carpark. And don’t overlook the walk down to Gibson Steps either—you can get up close with two giant spires, Gog and Magog, rising out of the sea.
Be sure to visit during the evening golden hour, when the soft, warm light illuminates the Apostles and crumbling coastal cliffs.
Photography tip: At sunset, the main boardwalk lookout can get crowded and cramped—particularly if you need space for tripod feet. So arrive early, scope out your preferred view and settle in as the light show unfolds.
8. Zenith Beach, NSW
With coastal mountains and sweeping bays, the coast south of Port Stephens is world-class. And Zenith Beach takes top place.
Best viewed from the southern end of the beach looking back north, you’ll want to photograph Zenith Beach at sunrise. Try to use foreground formations to anchor the scene and balance out the imposing Tomaree Mountain at the far end of the cove.
Keep an eye on the swell before venturing close to the breaking waves as they rush around the rich brown rocks. And harness the rock cracks as leading lines through your frame, directing viewers out towards the open sunrise sky.
Photography tip: Don’t overlook the Tomaree Head Track up to the summit of Tomaree Mountain either. You’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the coast and coves stretching back down south.
Sunrise over Zenith Beach at Port Stephens
Eight spots down, hundreds more to explore
With over 30,000 kilometres of coastline, Australia is home to countless stunning seascapes that didn’t make the cut here. If you’re looking for some inspo, be sure to check out:
Sugarloaf Rock, WA: A rugged coast and imposing stone island set in the Indian Ocean, three hours from Perth.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria: A similar coastline to Albany—with giant coastal hills and smooth granite boulders—found on the opposite end of the country.
Hyams Beach, NSW: Home to the whitest sand in the world. Jervis Bay has become an Instagram hotspot—and it’s not hard to see why.
Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania: Be sure to check out Cape Huay and Tasman Island. Like the Great Barrier Reef, the peninsula is transformed from the air.
One final note: Seascapes can be rough and raw landscapes. With jagged rocks. Crashing waves. Slick boulders. And exposed cliffs. (Which makes them so alluring to photograph in the first place—and a safety hazard at the same time.)
So before you go in for the shot, do the safety dance. Wear proper footwear, be careful on wet rocks and keep an eye out for rogue waves.
Happy shooting!
Want to sharpen your skills and take stunning landscape shots? Check out my 8 essential guides and lessons, packed with insightful theory and practical tips.