Now is the best time to catch a sunrise

Australia is currently in a prime sunrise-watching position – here’s why (and where to catch it before it’s too late).

Everyone loves a good sunrise – especially us Aussies. We’d be foolish not to, considering our island home is one of the best places in the world to witness a swirling, pastel-painted sky.

While some of us are practically pros at getting up before dawn, others can find it difficult to leave the comforts of home to see the sun come up. But if there is one time of year worthy of dragging yourself out of bed, it’s the next two weeks.

Why are the next two weeks the best time to see a sunrise?

Autumn ushers in a time for simple pleasures – big fluffy blankets, mugs of hot chocolate and cosy autumnal festivals. But it also signals the end of daylight savings, meaning the days get shorter and darkness falls earlier. As sun-obsessed Australians, we’re practically preconditioned to let out a heaving sigh. But what if I told you it’s actually one of the most beautiful times of the year for our golden giant?

Sunrise on the Gold Coast, Qld — Cold fronts mean cloud cover reflects the sun’s light. (Image: Mister Delirious/Getty Images)

Introducing the March Equinox: when the Earth tilts on its axis and crosses the celestial equator. The solar event occurred on 20 March this year, causing a northward shift of the sun’s path across the sky. As a result, cold fronts are sweeping across our continent and bringing mid to high cloud cover that reflects light in all directions.

“Due to the tilt of the Earth, the sun comes up at a greater angle in autumn compared to summer," says Jonathan How, senior meteorologist at Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology . “This means longer duration sunrises and more opportunity for light to scatter in the atmosphere."

“The air is drier, which means good visibility, and there’s less chance of low cloud and fog, which can prevent a good sunrise. States with daylight savings also allow a later sunrise, so more people are up and able to observe the sunrise when conditions are most ideal," How adds.

People watching the sun come up from a lookout — Waking up early has never looked so good. (Image: Josh Calabrese/Unsplash)

At the start of autumn, when these cold fronts arrive, the sun is still rising around 7am, a small but auspicious window is opened in which everything perfectly aligns. While this window only lasts for around two weeks between March and April, it creates an unforgettable sunrise, incomparable to any other time of year.

Where should I head to catch a spectacular sunrise?

Luckily for you, Australia is blessed with plenty of places to catch this natural phenomenon. In fact, we’ve got a whole roster of experiences dedicated to seeing the sun come up, from yoga on the beach in SA to Tassie’s iconic nude solstice swim during Dark Mofo . But if you’d rather just soak in the beauty of a magical morning, here’s where you should head.

1. Uluru, NT

Sunrise at Uluru, NT — Witness Uluru change colour during sunrise. (Image: Simon Bradfield/Getty Images)

Timelessly beautiful, this 550-million-year-old monolith in Australia’s beating heart is, hands down, one of the best places to witness a sunrise. Uluru’s unique mineral composition, particularly its high levels of iron oxide, refracts the sun’s light as it moves across the sky, changing the colours of the rockface as it goes. Voted as the best place in the world for a sunset last year, Uluru would be just as magnificent come morning.

2. Byron Bay, NSW

Sunrise in Byron Bay, NSW — Byron Bay is Australia’s most easterly point. (Image: Ampuero Leonardo/Getty Images)

Yes – Byron’s beautiful beaches, slow lifestyle and plethora of coastal lookouts make it perfect for catching a sunrise. But that’s not the (only) reason you should head here for an unforgettable sunrise. Byron Bay marks the most easterly point of Australia, meaning the sun technically rises here before anywhere else. Take the Walgun Cape Byron walking track and be among the first few to see the sun come up.

3. Cape Hillsborough National Park, Qld

A kangaroo in Cape Hillsborough National Park, Qld — Kangaroos and wallabies gather on the beach as the sun comes up. (Image: Toni Aules/Getty Images)

Head to Queensland’s Cape Hillsborough National Park, and you won’t be the only one up early. This rugged natural landscape is home to large groups of kangaroos and wallabies that head down to the beach each morning. Gathering on the sand to feed and mingle, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet these iconic Aussie animals, all backdropped by a magnificent sunrise.

Other amazing sunrise spots around Australia include Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, Kunanyi/Mt. Wellington in Tasmania, the Remarkable Rocks on SA’s Kangaroo Island, Roebuck Bay in WA and The Grampians of Victoria.

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.

Now is the best time to catch a sunrise – but only for 2 weeks