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)

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.

You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.

1. Lake Tyrrell

Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.

2. Nhill Lake

There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.

3. Lake Bringalbert

Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.

4. Lake Hindmarsh

If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.

5. Pink Lake

Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.

6. Lake Lascelles

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.

The 21 most breathtaking sunsets in Australia