Sydney – Royal Easter Show

What
Annual show during Easter that displays many farm animals, competitions, games, rides,  showbags, performance shows and much more.

Where
Generally held at Sydney Olympic Park in recent years.
https://www.eastershow.com.au/

How to get there
Train is a popular way to get there, as well as bus. You can also drive but parking spots are limited and sometimes full during peak days. Traffic getting out may also be a challenge if you stay till the end.

Price and value
There is an entry fee to get into the Easter show but it’s generally good value as it gives you access to all the displays and shows, including stunts and the evening fireworks. Sometimes there are also deals for early tickets which helps sweeten the value even more. Some tickets include a train fare too.

There are additional costs for rides, games, showbags and food and these tend to be on the lower value for money side due to the limited choices.

What to bring
* A backpack to carry your items
* Wallet and money, as food, showbags and other activities have additional costs
* Bottle of water, a lot of the show is outdoors and you’ll likely end up buying water

Tips
* Try to find early tickets or discounted tickets through partner companies
* Carry a bottle of water with you, you’ll likely end up buying another one if staying for the full day
* Prepare money in advanced if you want to go on rides, buy food and other items
* Take public transport as it can get crazy on the roads out (if staying for the fireworks)
* You can actually leave and get a stamp for re-entry, this was super useful for going out for dinner, so we weren’t limited to street food options.
* There is an arena with free food samples, you can hit this up for a pre-lunch snack

Experience
(The Easter show, to me at least, is more like an agricultural show and doesn’t have a lot to do with Easter aside from the timing of the show)
I loved the Easter Show as a kid. I loved it when I visited again as an adult and spent a full day looking at things and shows. There is a lot of entertainment and things to see and do. I spent a lot of my day doing photography and looking at displays, as the rides were quite pricey.

The showbags were great, some which are in my opinion, good value. There was a variety of food, however they weren’t excellent for the cost. Luckily you can leave and grab a stamp for re-entry. This is what we did for dinner, so we didn’t need to eat the same things as lunch.

I highly recommend staying for the stunt show and fireworks at the end, as they are impressive.

However, going to the Easter show two years in a row made me realise there was little variation between each year and so I will not make it an annual event for me.
Kids will love it and adults will too as there is a lot on display such as animals, shows, paintings competitions, flower competitions, photography competitions, cake competitions and much more. But for me, two years in a row is too repetitive.

Sydney – Vivid Sydney festival; the city lights up with colours and projections

What
Once a year festival event where the Sydney city is lit up with colourful lights and projections of artwork and story telling. Generally held in late May, check website for each year’s exact dates.

Where
Sydney CBD in various areas but particularly at landmarks such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge etc.
https://www.vividsydney.com

How to get there
Any of the multiple methods of transport into the CBD; bus, train, car, light rail etc.

Price and value
There is no fee involved for spectating in this event as it’s all around the city and in the open, for public viewing.
You can also enjoy the views from many restaurants, bars and pubs with a good view such as O-Bar (see post), and that would have associated costs.

What to bring
* Camera, there is a lot to see and many photography opportunities
* Warm clothing, a lot of the displays are around water and the event is generally held in cooler months, so it’s a good idea

Tips
* This is a popular event but especially popular during Friday and weekend evenings. If you dislike crowds or need a quieter area for photography then I suggest going on a weekday night (exc. Fridays).

Experience
When this idea first came out, it exploded with popularity. So much that it’s worth hosting on an annual basis ever since. However, it is still interesting every year as the displays are slightly different and the stories projected and the artworks projected are different each year. Some years seemed to have gotten a budget boost and there was fireworks, laser show and big flamethrowers which was amazing and wowed everyone.

As it became an annual event, it’s not hard to understand it will get hard to top and outdo every year. If you attend every year, you may feel like some years are peaks and some years are a little less amazing. Nonetheless, each year is different and I always make an effort to go and check out each display with curiosity for what they will introduce each year to wow me.

Sydney – Where to do car photography in Sydney (Olympic Park)

What
Car photography with a stadium backdrop. Olympic Park provides many stadium backgrounds as well as many interesting light features for unique night photography. Such as trees with fairy lights and ANZ stadium blue light towers. Plenty of space and suitable for group/club photography.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 – Map

How to get there
–

Price and value
Free parking and entry but go during off peak (no concerts or sports games) for better photography results. Be sure to check the signs as sometimes areas may be free parking for a limited time, some may be metered parking and sometimes during events those same spots may be no parking.

What to bring
* If you are going to be doing night photography or photography where you want to blur people movement; bring a tripod.

Tips
* Avoid during big games and concerts, it will be chaotic for getting a clean photo. Plus a lot of areas become drop off zones and no parking.

* Be sure to check the signs before parking.

* Don’t trespass into areas, there are 24 hours security patrolling the area.

Experience
I tend to enjoy night photography here as there are a lot of lights around so cars can be well lit, especially if using a tripod. There are also lots of light features such as the ANZ stadium and blue light towers which can add some pop to the background.

In my experience, weekday nights are quieter and easier to centre your car in front of the stadium and without other cars in the way. If you want to do photography of other cars, then going on weekend you may see a lot of cars from clubs meeting here and may be able to take some photos.

Sydney – Where to do car photography near Sydney (Hunter Valley Wineries)

What
Car photography with a Hunter Valley Winery backdrop; a relaxed and luxurious backdrop of a vineyard and maybe some mountain ranges in the background.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
Various wineries around Hunter Valley have beautiful backdrops, you just need to research to find the ones where the parking lot is in front of picture perfect scenery.

Below are some suggestions – I will keep adding to this as I discover more and submissions by viewers:

750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (Audrey Wilkinson) – Map
790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (Bimbadgen) – Map
1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 (Tyrrell’s Wines) – Map

How to get there
–

Price and value
Most wineries are free to visit and park at.
However, I always love to combine a shoot with a good meal at that winery and maybe grab a few bottles whilst I am there and there will be a cost for that.

What to bring
–

Tips
* Make sure you do research for which wineries to visit. I have done some already and supplied in the “Where” section above. Not all beautiful wineries are in view from the parking, which would be pointless if you needed to include your car in the shot.

* Keep in mind wineries are a private property and you must show respect and not drive into any restricted areas. If going as a big group or big shoot, I would also suggest asking for permission prior. However in my shoots (of only one car), I’ve never had issues and sometimes the social media tag is appreciated. Just be mindful if you block others as you use the parking area.

Experience
I generally always combine any Hunter Valley roadtrip / photoshoot with a lunch in mind and sometimes a quick wine tasting and buy a few bottles for later (because don’t drink and drive!).

Photoshoots in the wineries are always lovely after lunch time, when the sun begins to set behind mountain ranges and I get a good contrast of colours in the skies. You can see in the photo above, it is a bit harsh, this is because it was shot during midday with strong sunlight.

I enjoy the backdrops of the Hunter Valley and find each winery has a unique view. Sometimes the challenge is the car park isn’t in view and there is very little you can do about that.
I’ve tried to help by building a list of wineries I know have a parking area where you can frame your car and have a good view in the background. If you find any others, please share back!

Sand Dunes – Where to do car photography near Sydney (Anna Bay, Port Stephen)

What
Car photography with a desert looking backdrop at Anna Bay sand dunes, in Port Stephen.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
James Paterson St, Anna Bay NSW 2316 – Map

How to get there
–

Price and value
Free parking and entry but go during off peak for better photography results.

What to bring
* May want to bring a ND filter as it can be quite bright and you will be forced to use a smaller aperture or have overexposed photos.

Tips
* This is a popular tourist destination so probably avoid it during the peak times like weekends and public holidays. The best photos is when you have the dessert background without other cars in the background.

* If you can go off road, then you can avoid the crowds by going into the sand dunes but if you have a lowered sports car then you’ll need to do your research before driving for the photoshoot – to ensure you have a quiet lower car park in Anna Bay for shooting.

Experience
On my visit, I was super lucky, it was a weekday and late in the afternoon. Pretty much all the businesses were packing up and not many visitor cars were in the parking lot, which allowed me to take photos with the sand dunes without other cars being distracting/in view.

I didn’t have a off roader car, so I had to use the Anna Bay lower car park as my photography location. If you have a 4WD or off road car, you could avoid the crowds and go into the sand dunes and take photos in a more isolated spot. Unfortunately as my car would get stuck in the sand, using the parking lot was the best bet for getting the effect I was chasing after.

I have been to Anna bay during school holidays and the car park so was full, people were taking mobile phone numbers and double parking each other. Which wouldn’t give me the desert effect I am after. As the drive here from Sydney is a somewhat long drive, make sure you do the research before heading out!

Canberra – Hot Air Balloon Festival in ACT (Canberra Enlighten Festival)

Image: Enlighten Festival | Visit Canberra

What
Taking a hot air balloon ride to see the sunrise on a beautiful scenery can be quite amazing but what is more stunning, is a whole festival of hot air balloons taking flight at the same time.

In 2019 the event is held from 9 – 17 March from 6am. Check back on website for future dates.

Search for Hot Air Balloon for other posts related to this activity.

Where
18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600 (Lawn of Old Parliament House) – Map
https://enlightencanberra.com

Plus other lookouts such as:
* Red Hill ACT 2603 (Red Hill – Lookout) – Map
* 1 Red Hill Dr, Red Hill ACT 2603 (Coffee N Beans Redhill – Cafe) – Map
* 50 Red Hill Dr, Red Hill ACT 2603 (Onred Restaurant – Restaurant) – Map
Know a good lookout? send me your suggestion and we’ll credit you here

How to get there
For those in Sydney, it’s a doable 3.5 hours drive to Canberra.
There are also other options such as bus and flying.
Whichever way you decide, you may want to organise accommodation as the event starts at 6am.

Price and value
Viewing is free and can be done on site or from the lookouts.
There is a fee for riding in the hot air balloon itself, however as I haven’t been to the event yet, the value for money is a TBC

What to bring
TBC

Tips
TBC

Experience
TBC

Have you been and want to share your experience? Send us a message!

Image: Enlighten Festival | Visit Canberra

Sydney – Where to do car photography in Sydney (Jeffrey Street Wharf)

What
Car photography with Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Backdrops.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
Jeffreys St, Kirribilli NSW 2061 – Map
Set GPS to above but park in Alfred Street parking lots (One faces the Harbour Bridge and one faces the Opera House)

How to get there
–

Price and value
Parking is metered parking.

What to bring
* Tripod – due to low lighting (if doing night photography)

Tips
* This is a popular tourist destination so probably avoid it during the daytime and aim for late evening or early sunrise to beat the crowds. Especially important if you have more than one car to shoot e.g. a car club

Experience
On my visit, the car park with the Opera House view was quite busy so wasn’t able to take any photos here yet but will come back soon to do so. We parked at the parking lot next to Luna Park (and faces the Harbour bridge), you need to park strategically to have the bridge in view (parking closer to the bridge). If taking photos at night (when the bridge looks amazing lit up), you’ll need a tripod and a small aperture to turn the background lights into stars (depending on lens design).

If doing group photos, it can be a bit hard to fit everyone together so definitely plan to go during off peak times so you’re not in people’s way and also to give you the clean photo with no people, cars and buses moving in the frame.

Sydney – Where to do car photography in Sydney (McMahons Point/Blues Point)

What
Small car park with an unobstructed view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
14/28 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point NSW 2060 – Map

How to get there
–

Price and value
–

What to bring
* Tripod – due to low lighting

Tips
* Recommend trying shooting at night as the bridge is very stunning when lit up. For this reason a tripod would be highly recommended as it’s quite dark here.

* As it’s a hotspot for photography, couples and sightseeing, try to get there in off peak. The car park is small so if you want to centre your car with the bridge, you may need to wait for people to move.

Experience
The car park here is a prime location for photography with the bridge as a backdrop. However due to the car park size, you sometimes may need to park on the side parking and wait for a spot to free up. On our photoshoot, it took a while before we were able to get all our car club cars in a line. Due to the darkness of the location and the brightness of the bridge; a tripod is super handy for sharp photos as you’ll likely need to long exposure it.

Sydney – Where to do car photography in Sydney (Le Montage)

What
Car photography with fairy-light lit trees and water view backdrop.

Search for “Car Photography” for other related posts.

Where
38 Frazer St, Lilyfield NSW 2040 – Map

How to get there
–

Price and value
–

What to bring
* Tripod – due to low lighting
* Wide aperture lens – if you want to do some bokeh balls

Tips
* The lights don’t turn off until quite late so I’d recommend going in off peak times if you want some peace and quiet and also space to only have your car in the frame. This is usually late in the evenings and on weekdays.

* There is a water view at this location so you can also consider doing some sunset photos here, however it’ll be a lot more challenging to get photos without other cars parked in the way.

Experience
I’ve done some nice sunset photos here, some photos of the water lit by the moonlight and photos late at night. If you’re after doing photography of your car and with the fairy-light trees in the background, I recommend you go during quiet evenings as there are usually cars parked here (even more when a wedding is on). I usually go after 10pm and on weekday nights as it seems to be quieter and can allow me to get a shot of my car without other parked cars in the background. The quietness also allows me to park the car in the middle of the road without interrupting traffic and being a nuisance.

There are a lot of backdrops you can use here; fairy-light trees, water, Le Montage itself etc. so be creative but certainly be mindful not to be a nuisance to the public. You can also be more creative and line up the moon cycle for different effects e.g. glistening water from moonlight.

Sydney Queen Victoria Building – High Tea at QVB

What
Having a beautiful fancy high tea in the Queen Victoria Building. A tea room with history and design.

Where
Queen Victoria Building, 455 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 – Map

Price and value
The price for high tea here has mixed reviews. If you go for the food experience, the beautiful interior and building full of history then it is not bad value as you go for the experience and service. It can be a great way to celebrate an event with a fancy high tea.

However I see some customers who rank the value for money based on the food only, do not see it as exceptional value.

Tips
Don’t have a big breakfast before going for high tea. The food may look delicate and petite but can be quite filling.

Experience
Love the experience, the tea room was definitely impressive and decorated beautifully. The staff were all very well mannered and friendly. The food was also delicious and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. However, I can appreciate that not all customers will see the experience as good value for money. If you see this as an experience or a special event, it is not that bad for value.