This 6-kilometer coastal trail is absolutely stunning, but Instagram crowds after 11am turn it into a selfie-stick obstacle course. Start at Bondi Beach Pavilion by 7:30am for that gorgeous golden hour light hitting the sandstone cliffs — The contrast between warm cliff faces and deep blue ocean is magazine-worthy.

Take bus 380 or 381 from Bondi Junction station to Bondi Beach (15 minutes, $2.20), and catch Bondi Junction via train from Central Station (12 minutes, $4.40 with Opal). The walk officially starts at the southern end of Bondi Beach near the Icebergs Club. Allow 2.5-3 hours including photography stops at Tamarama's sculpted headland and Bronte's natural amphitheater lookout.

The secret photo spots are between Tamarama and Bronte where most tourists rush past — There's a small clifftop platform about 1km south of Tamarama Beach with unobstructed 180-degree views. Early morning light eliminates harsh shadows in the rock formations, and you'll catch surfers at Bronte creating natural action shots.

Return via the 372 bus from Coogee Beach back to the city (25 minutes to Circular Quay). Pro tip: that harsh midday Sydney sun kills landscape photography, creating blown-out skies and deep black shadows. Dawn timing isn't just about crowds — It's the difference between amateur snapshots and portfolio-worthy coastal imagery.