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10 iPhone hacks to take travel photos like a pro

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
The new iPhone is almost here, and it could change the way we capture our travels.

I have been hanging out for the iPhone 17 Pro to launch before upgrading my iPhone 14 Pro. Back when I bought the 14 Pro, it was top of the line, but smartphone cameras are advancing at lightning speed. Every generation seems to reinvent what pocket photography can do, and this one has me particularly excited. With three 48MP rear lenses, improved low-light performance and cinematic zoom, it will be like carrying a mini DSLR in my carry-on.

Three women of the Yakel tribe in Tanna, Vanuatu
A photo of three women from the Yakel tribe taken on an iPhone 14 Pro. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Now, before you say that iPhone photos will never quite measure up to a real DLSR, which is true to an extent, iPhone quality isn’t what it used to be. I’ve had multiple images published in our print magazines that I took on my iPhone, including a stunning portrait of three young women from the Yakel tribe in Tanna, Vanuatu, which is the best picture I’ve ever taken.

And because I travel for a living, I have learnt that even the best camera is wasted without the right tricks. Here are the hacks I swear by to take my iPhone travel photos from “holiday snaps" to “wish you were here" moments.

1. Use the grid for symmetry

Josef Chromy Wines in Launceston, Tasmania
The grid is your trusty sidekick. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Head to Settings > Camera > Grid and switch it on. Lining up the horizon on the lower third makes that endless outback road look like it belongs on a movie poster.

2. Shoot in ProRAW

Uluru at sunset
Shoot in ProRAW and edit the image later. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Standing at the base of Uluṟu or floating on a canoe in the Cocos Keeling Islands deserves more than a quick snap. Switch to ProRAW mode to capture all the detail you can, then polish it later without losing sky colour or texture.

3. Master night mode

From street food markets in Melbourne to light shows in Adelaide, night mode on the iPhone 17 Pro captures vibrant colour and sharp detail. Hold steady for a few seconds and watch the magic appear.

4. Use the telephoto lens with confidence

Direction Island in the Cocos Keeling Islands
For the first time ever, all three iPhone lenses are the same quality. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Sometimes you cannot get closer, like when you are peering over a cliff edge or watching wildlife from afar. The 17 Pro’s new 5x telephoto zoom makes it possible to frame details without sacrificing quality.

5. Go ultra-wide for landscapes

Wollongong oceanscape
Use ultra-wide to show scale. (Image: Emily Murphy)

From Tasmania’s Bay of Fires to The Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls, the ultra-wide lens is perfect for showing the scale of a place. Tilt your phone upwards slightly to exaggerate the height of cliffs or mountains.

6. Capture motion with Live Photos

Hold down the shutter to record a few seconds of movement. Crashing waves, lanterns drifting into the sky, or a kookaburra mid-flight will bring your memories to life. Later, you can even turn these into long exposure shots.

7. Edit on the fly

Sunset in Brooklyn, NYC
Edit your pictures as you go. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Travelling light? The built-in editing tools do more than enough. Bring out shadows, soften highlights and use the vibrance slider instead of saturation for natural-looking colour.

8. Clean the lens every time

Hamilton Island
Don’t forget to clean your lens. (Image: Emily Murphy)

It sounds basic, but a quick wipe before shooting makes all the difference. Think of it as part of your pre-photo ritual.

9. Pack a pocket light

Natural light is king, but travel does not always deliver perfect conditions. A small portable light can rescue a dim hotel room, a moody restaurant, or a shadowy temple interior. I always carry one, and it makes a huge difference. This is the one I use .

10. Shoot video with intention

If you haven’t added the Cocos Keeling Islands to your bucket list, now’s your time!

The iPhone 17 Pro is a beast for video, with cinematic mode, stabilisation and Dolby Vision HDR. The trick is to treat it like you are directing a film. Move slowly, only pan with purpose and use both hands for stability. Bonus points if you have a gimbal. Short clips are best for editing later, and always think about capturing sound – a bustling market or crashing waves can bring your travel video to life.

The iPhone 17 Pro is already a powerhouse for travel photography, but the real magic comes when you learn how to use it well. With a few simple hacks, your shots will capture the spirit of your travels so vividly that your friends will feel like they are right there beside you.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges . A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination , which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens , which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary , where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park , is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges , the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park , with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au