The 21 Most Breathtaking Sunsets In Australia

From the Outback to beaches, here are some of the most spectacular sunset locations around Australia.

While sunrises are the domains of the early birds among us, watching the sun go down is far more accessible to those who inevitably hit the snooze button. And with sunsets this good-looking, you won’t want to miss out. Here are our top spots to watch sunsets across Australia.

1. Tyndall Range, Tas

Starting with our favourite island state, the Tyndall Range in the West Coast region of Tasmania serves up some truly drop-dead gorgeous sunsets. If you’re feeling up for the challenge, watch the rays go down from the Tyndall Summit.

sunset watching from a tent at Tyndall Summit — Bask in the grandeur of the golden skyline from the Tyndall Summit. (Image: allaboutadventure)

2. Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Tas

Whether it’s to see the Aurora Australia or falling snow in the winter or as a finishing point to its crisscrossing tracks through alpine vegetation and woodland, the lookout at the top of kunanyi / Mt Wellington is spectacular at any time. But watching the sun go to bed at the end of the long day is a glorious experience and one that can be had near Hobart at any time of the year.

two people atop the summit of Mt Wellington at. sunset — Hike up Mt Wellington for the best sunset views. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Glenn Gibson)

3. Gold Coast, Qld

Watching the surfers dive in and out of the water, evening walkers taking their strolls, and lingering sunbathers soaking in the last rays is always a good vibe. Hands down, the Gold Coast has to be one of our favourite cityscape sunsets – in part because it adds in a whole lot of beach to boot.

a woman heading to surf in Gold Coast, Qld — Ride the waves at sunset on the Gold Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Simpson Desert, NT, SA and Qld

Wild, desolate and beautiful, heading to the Outback is something everyone has to do at least once in their life. And while the extreme temperatures in the Simpson Desert can be scorching by day and downright chilly by night, the middle ground – the Outback sunsets – are simply breathtaking.

sunset at Simpson Desert, NT, SA and Qld — Sunsets over the Simpson Desert put gold-hued dunes in the spotlight. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Palm Cove, Qld

Newbies to the tip of North Queensland will be drawn to the top for many reasons, but predominantly to experience the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Let’s add to the list the coastal beauty of Palm Cove, best experienced while sipping a tropical cocktail and watching the sun sink over the water to that list.

Couple in Palm Cove — Watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand in Palm Cove. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Blue Mountains, NSW

When it comes to panoramic views that can be experienced on a day trip from Sydney, the hazy lilacs of the Blue Mountains beckon you out west. But if you make it an overnight trip (and we highly recommend you do), you can settle down on a picnic blanket with friends and a few beers to watch the sun go down over the bushland and sandstone peaks of the Three Sisters.

Scenic views over the Nepean River from The Rock Lookout,Mulgoa. — The hazy lilacs of the Blue Mountains beckon you out west. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Sydney Harbour, NSW

As far as Australian landmarks go, the world’s biggest harbour in the country’s largest city is a million miles away from a hidden secret. But when you’re on a boat out on the water, and the light catches the rolling clouds of a dispersed summer storm, making it look like the sky is on fire with neon pinks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you really will not care.

sun setting over Sydney Harbour — The sun sets majestically over Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Broken Hill

For an Outback experience in NSW, make the 13-hour road trip from Sydney to the old mining town of Broken Hill. To get the best, and strikingly different view of, the sunset here, we recommend stopping by the art installation of the Living Desert Sculptures.

the art installation of the Living Desert Sculptures in Broken Hill — The Living Desert Sculptures make a striking sunset backdrop. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Twelve Apostles, Vic

A must-do stop on any Great Ocean Road trip, the eight stacks (the others have crumbled away), are a magnificent sight to behold. Stop here in the late afternoon to capture the rosy light on these limestone giants.

sunset in Twelve Apostles, Vic — Catch the golden sunset casting a glow upon The Twelve Apostles. (Image: Visit Victoria)

10. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic

Want an east and a south coast sunset? Drive southeast from Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park in Gippsland. Top spots to see this include Whisky Bay, the dunes of the Big Drift and Squeaky Beach.

sunset in the Whisky Bay Wilsons Promontory National Park — Take in coastal sunset views from Whisky Bay, Wilsons Promontory National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

11. The Grampians, Vic

The sandstone mountain ranges (known as Gariwerd by the Jardwadjali people), teeming wildflowers and raging waterfalls have long attracted visitors to the Grampians. Make sure to linger a little longer to watch the sun go down over the ranges.

sunset over Grampians National Park — Witness the sun go down over The Grampians. (Image: Visit Victoria)

12. Broome, WA

Western Australia is lucky enough to have some of the best coastal sunsets in the country, thanks to the fact the sun directly sinks over the water. If you find yourself up at Cable Beach in Broome, one of the Kimberley’s most famous beaches, that means you can take a photograph of one of Australia’s most iconic sights. We are talking, of course, about snapping the camels walking across the sand with the sun sinking behind them.

Ride camels at sunset on Cable Beach, Broome. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. Burringurrah/Mount Augustus, WA

Out in the Mount Augustus National Park is a rocky wonder to rival Uluṟu in the Red Centre. Twice the size of the famous monolith, Burringurrah (as named by the local Wadjari people), it is the perfect place to watch the sun go down with fewer people around.

sunset over Mount Augustus National Park, WA — The breathtaking sunset at Mount Augustus National Park rivals Uluṟu’s. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

14. Margaret River, WA

As a travel destination, the Margaret River south of Perth is perhaps best known for its mouthwatering local produce, exquisite wines and towering Karri forests. But one of the underrated pleasures of this area is heading to the famous Busselton Jetty, which outcrops over 1800 into the sea and feeling yourself surrounded by all the colours of the sinking sun.

an aerial view of Busselton Jetty — Watch the sunset reflect onto the endless blues at Busselton Jetty. (Image: Tourism Western Australia; @ospreycreative)

15. Southport Beach, SA

One of the easiest getaways from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula has an embarrassing amount of riches, including the vineyards of McLaren Vale, the seals and dolphins of Victor Harbour and markets that serve up some of the region’s best produce. Add to that list Southport Beach at Port Noarlunga, catching a wave or watching the sunset.

surfing in Southport Beach at sunset — Hit the waves at Southport Beach come sundown. (Image: Samuel Price)

16. Mount Lofty, SA

About twenty minutes out of the city in the Adelaide Hills, you will find one of the locals’ favourite scenic viewpoints – Mount Lofty. Accessible either via a gorgeous, but steep, bushwalk the view makes for a well-deserved reward. (Or you can always drive up there.) Take advantage of the lower temperatures in the evening to make the walk, and watch the city below turn luminescent.

sunset in Mount Lofty, SA — The sunset casts orange silhouettes over the city from Mount Lofty Obelisk. (Image: Laszlo Bilki)

17. Flinders Ranges, SA

Rugged and wild, the Flinders Ranges are one of the top Outback experiences to have in South Australia. Travelling through its rocky peaks and depths, you will find stories of ancient creatures and Dreamtime stories. Come the evening, settle down to watch the ancient landscapes unfold below in all the colours of the sinking sun.

sunset in Flinders Ranges, SA — Soak up golden hour in the Flinders Ranges. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

18. Uluṟu, NT

When it comes to nature photography, it doesn’t get much better than the glow of Uluṟu at sunset. Onlookers will try to capture the deep reds, shifting oranges and pink-blue skies. But nothing can truly communicate the joy of seeing this sacred rock monolith in person.

sunset in Uluṟu, NT — Orange sunset hues paint the sky over Uluṟu. (Image: Emily Murphy)

19. Darwin, NT

The steamy capital of the Northern Territory is no shrinking violet when it comes to her sunsets. With the raging and dramatic summer storms come some breathtaking coastal evening views.

sunset at sea in Darwin, NT — The sun sinks into the sea in Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

20. Nitmiluk/Katherine, NT

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge National Park is an easy sell and leaves you with an impression of ancient times gone past: from seeing its outstanding sandstone gorges, swimming in its crystal summer pools and hearing ancient Dreamtime stories. Watching the sunset here is the icing on top of the cake.

the sun setting over Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge National Park — Sunsets in Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge National Park are outstanding. (Image: Tourism NT/Let’s Escape Together)

21. Lake Burley Griffin, ACT

This iconic lake in the centre of Canberra is not just one of the main tourist attractions in the Australian capital – it is also the lifeblood for the countless locals who cycle, run and walk around it every morning and evening. Join them for a jog but use the incoming sunset as an excuse to slow down and watch the lake begin to glow.

sunset in Lake Burley Griffin, ACT — Capture fiery sunset hues over Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: VisitCanberra)

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

The 21 most breathtaking sunsets in Australia