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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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

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

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