Melbourne photo locations
The best photography spots in Melbourne.
Ten Melbourne locations photographers love, with the best time to shoot, starting camera settings, and the CapturEDU workshop that teaches you to photograph each one.
- 10 locations
- Best times
- Settings to start with
#1Best time: Blue hour and after dark
Flinders Street Station
Melbourne's most photographed building. Stand across the intersection on the Federation Square side and use a 5–15 second exposure to turn trams into light trails.
- Starting settings
- 1/2–15s · f/8–f/11 · ISO 100 · tripod
#2Best time: Sunset into dusk
Princes Pier, Port Melbourne
Rows of old timber piles make strong leading lines into the sunset over the bay. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset and stay for the afterglow.
- Starting settings
- 1/125s at golden hour, 10–30s at dusk with ND
#3Best time: Blue hour
Docklands waterfront
Bridges and towers reflect in the still water of Victoria Harbour. The 20 minutes after sunset give the best balance between sky and city lights.
- Starting settings
- 4–10s · f/8 · ISO 100 · tripod
#4Best time: Overcast mornings
Royal Botanic Gardens
Soft, even light is ideal for flowers and foliage. Look for backlit leaves and use a wide aperture to blur busy backgrounds.
- Starting settings
- f/2.8–f/5.6 · 1/250s · ISO 200–800
#5Best time: Mid-morning or overcast
Hosier Lane and the laneways
Street art, café life and narrow light. Work the scene and wait for a person to walk into your frame, and be respectful of people and businesses.
- Starting settings
- 1/250s · f/5.6–f/8 · auto ISO
#6Best time: Daytime
State Library Victoria
The domed La Trobe Reading Room is a masterclass in symmetry. Photograph quietly and follow the library's photography guidelines.
- Starting settings
- Wide lens · f/5.6 · 1/60s · ISO 800–1600
#7Best time: Late afternoon
RMIT and the northern CBD
Bold contemporary facades around Swanston and Victoria Streets. Look for repeating patterns and correct converging verticals.
- Starting settings
- f/8 · 1/250s · ISO 100–200
#8Best time: After dark
Bourke Street Mall laneways
Dark laneways are perfect canvases for light painting. Use bulb mode and a remote release.
- Starting settings
- Bulb 10–30s · f/8 · ISO 100
#9Best time: Sunrise and sunset
Albert Park Lake
The lake, the skyline and parkland make strong aerial compositions. Check CASA rules and local restrictions before every flight.
- Starting settings
- Drone: ISO 100 · bracket exposures
#10Best time: Morning feeding times
Melbourne Zoo
Animals are most active early. Get low, wait for eye contact and shoot through glass with your lens close to it.
- Starting settings
- 1/500s+ · f/4–f/5.6 · auto ISO
Location FAQ
Photographing Melbourne.
Where are the best places to take photos in Melbourne?
What is the best time of day to photograph Melbourne?
Do I need a permit to photograph in Melbourne?
Start learning photography
Photograph them with a pro beside you.
Every location on this list is taught in a CapturEDU workshop or private lesson. Small groups, from $149.