The Top 19 Sunrise Experiences In Australia

Say yes to the country’s best sunrise activities to let a new day inspire and invigorate you.

Not a morning person? We get it. But did you know you’re missing out on some of Australia’s most spectacular immersive experiences? From life-affirming ocean swims and by-the-sea wellness journeys to one-of-a-kind animal encounters and adrenaline-pumping rides, our best sunrise experiences are guaranteed to surprise you. Set the alarm and get excited – our favourite picks are raring to go.

1. Sunrise Camel Experience at Uluru, NT

Strap yourself in for one of the most memorable rides of your life. A Sunrise Camel Experience through Uluṟu in the Northern Territory provides a cuddly (albeit a little smelly) hiking buddy while also recreating the Red Centre’s historical mode of transport.

a camel tour at sunrise in Uluru, NT — Ride with Uluṟu Camel Tours at sunrise. (Image: Tourism NT/ Matt Glastonbury)

Sit back and let the sway of your new mate clomping Australia’s spiritual heartland take you to a remote lookout where the big dusty rock and Kata Tjuṯa National Park can be witnessed in extreme golden hour glory. Wash everything down with freshly baked damper, tea and coffee.

people riding camels at sunrise in Uluru — Have a memorable Sunrise Camel Experience in Uluṟu. (Image: Tourism NT/ Plenty Of Dust)

2. Sunrise Kayak and Coffee on Sydney Harbour, NSW

Before the ferries and party boats kick into gear, Sydney Harbour is a quiet, soothing body of water begging to be skimmed with a kayaking adventure. While there are a bunch of access spots to jump into a session yourself, the Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour is an outstanding pick for anybody in need of a helping hand.

kayaking at sunrise on Sydney Harbour, NSW — Go on a magical sunrise kayak tour in Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Take in the Coat Hanger, the Sydney Opera House and every other iconic waterfront vista as coffee, a photographer and an experienced guide elevate your experience.

kayaking on Sydney Harbour, NSW — Paddle through Sydney Harbour as the sky lights up. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park, Vic

There are plenty of ways to experience the beautiful Grampians National Park in western Victoria but we especially love how simple it is to access its most exceptional lookout spot.

a couple admiring the sunrise from Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park, Vic — Watch the fiery sun from Boroka Lookout.

The Boroka Lookout is located 15 kilometres from Halls Gap and features two viewing platforms that cater for people with access needs. The peaceful morning views out to Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield are iconic while majestic mountain ranges fill out your entire line of sight.

a couple viewing the sunrise from Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park, Vic — Sunrise views from Boroka Lookout are truly exceptional.

4. Wellness at Sea cruise off Glenelg, SA

A one-hour meditation session on the water paired with the warmth of dawn breaking. The heavenly Wellness at Sea cruise off Glenelg in South Australia is a no-brainer, run by local yoga instructors to hone in on your breathing and meditative movement.

People meditating on the Wellness at Sea cruise off Glenelg — The Wellness at Sea cruise off Glenelg is heavenly.

Providing a grounding start to the day, despite the whole being on water thing, the vessel itself is lush with a viewing deck, indoor cabin and cushioned seating.

Wellness at Sea cruise off Glenelg — Start the morning off right.

5. ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Elephant Rock, Qld

It’s only once a year but factor the Gold Coast’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Elephant Rock into future planning.

a surfer heading out to surf at sunrise at Elephant Rock, Qld — Sunrise hits differently at Elephant Rock. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Staged by the Currumbin RSL annually, the service is set against the dramatic natural rock formation (fitted with a viewing platform to tackle once crowds dissipate) on Currumbin Beach. It’s an unsurprisingly moving experience and that backdrop is utterly incomparable.

sunrise at Elephant Rock, Qld — Head to Elephant Rock for spectacular views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Avon Valley, WA

One of Australia’s biggest and most scenic hot air ballooning destinations, Western Australia’s Northam is the place to kick start an up-air adventure across the Avon Valley. The region has been taking early birds to the skies since the late 1960s.

an aerial view of hot air balloons surrounding Avon Valley — Hop in a hot air balloon above the Avon Valley. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Book your ride with Windward Ballooning who’ll guide your journey across rivers, fields, mountains, streams and beyond.

a hot air balloon flight over Avon Valley — Fly above mountains and streams with Windward Ballooning. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach, Tas

Although Dark Mofo 2024 was cancelled, one of the festival’s most wonderful offshoot events is sticking around and guaranteed to delight.

In June, the Nude Solstice Swim in Tasmania invites liberated nudie rudies to plunge themselves into Long Beach as the day awakens. Marking the end of the June solstice, the longest day of the year, the event is free to join but you’ve got to register.

releasing red smoke at Dark Mofo's infamous Nude Solstice Swim — Join the Nude Solstice Swim in Tasmania. (Image: Dark Mofo/ Rosie Hastie)

8. Sunrise with the Wallabies Tour at Cape Hillsborough, Qld

Get up close and personal with our most iconic native critters on a Sunrise with the Wallabies Tour at Cape Hillsborough in Queensland’s Mackay.

wallabies on the beach against the sunrise backdrop at Cape Hillsborough — Sunrise makes the perfect backdrop. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Right before the sun rises, you’ll spy eastern grey kangaroos and agile wallabies tucking into mangrove seed pods as the shimmering blue comes to life behind them. Just make sure you check what time the sun’s up before you head off as the animals will retreat into the bush the moment day breaks.

a Sunrise with the Wallabies Tour at Cape Hillsborough — Sunrise with the Wallabies is an experience like no other. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Sunrise Paddleboard Tour at Yorke Peninsula, SA

Getting out on a SUP is always calming but signing on for a Sunrise Paddleboard Tour of the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia is super serene.

paddleboarding at sunrise in Yorke Peninsula, SA — Hop on a Sunrise Paddleboard Tour at Yorke Peninsula. (Image: Yorke Peninsula)

Whether you’re a total pro or just starting out, the team will ensure you’re gliding safely in no time, free to soak up the sensational ocean nothingness as the sun warms your face.

the Sunrise Paddleboard Tour at Yorke Peninsula, SA — Elevate your mornings. (Image: Yorke Peninsula)

10. First Light Club Beachfront Yoga at Byron Bay, NSW

Set your intentions for the day with a go at First Light Club Beachfront Yoga in NSW’s Byron Bay.

people participating in a yoga class on the beach at First Light Club Beachfront Yoga at Byron Bay, NSW — Set your intentions for the day with a go at First Light Club Beachfront Yoga. (Image: Destination NSW)

Run by the team at Elements of Byron (so you know it’s great), the daily beachfront class allows you to soak up Pacific Ocean views while indulging in restorative morning me-time. Expect to be twisting, stretching and opening up your body to increase breathing capacity during your session.

participants stretching their body during the yoga session by the beach at First Light Club Beachfront Yoga at Byron Bay, NSW — Take in ocean views while doing yoga. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Dawn, Heat and Dip at Kuuma Nature Sauna, Tas

Make the most of Tasmania’s chilly winter conditions with a Dawn, Heat and Dip at Kuuma Nature Sauna in Barretta, located at the southern end of the state.

Kuuma Nature Sauna at sunrise — Start the day at Kuuma Nature Sauna. (Image: Nina Hamilton)

Set on a pontoon, the incredible venue puts you right in the beauty of the region, allowing you to relish in the heat of a wood-fired sauna before taking a dip right outside to catch the sun peeking out. An ice bath like no other, this is hydrotherapy at its finest. It’s currently running until 31 August, so check the website for seasonal dates.

Person jumping from Kuuma Nature Sauna at sunrise — The incredible venue puts you right in the beauty of the region. (Image: Nina Hamilton)

12. Salty Sips ocean dip at Henley Beach, SA

There’s plenty to love about Henley Beach in South Australia, which is precisely why its community ocean dips, known locally as Salty Sips by Human.Kind , are so dang popular.

crowds of people at the a sunrise sweat, dip and sip event in Henley Square — Join the sunrise Salty Sips ocean dip. (Image: Jack Schofield)

Staged alongside yoga, coffee and snacks on the first Wednesday of each month, the initiative invites anybody and everybody, bringing out the best in the region to further enhance its staggering AM beauty.

a crowded beach during the Salty Sips Ocean Dip event — Wake up your senses at Henley Beach. (Image: Jack Schofield)

13. Sunrise Field of Light Tour at Uluru, NT

A non-negotiable while touring the Northern Territory, the Field of Light is an otherworldly arts and cultural experience, and now you can experience it at golden hour.

Sunrise Field of Light , which includes transfers to the renowned outdoor art installation, entry and a warm beverage, provides a life-changing perspective of the land at a time when the desert is stiller than ever.

the Sunrise Field of Light Tour at Uluru, NT — The Field of Light in Uluṟu glows at sunrise. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

14. Sunrise Session at Thredbo, NSW

NSW’s winter wonderland is especially magnificent at the break of dawn, which is why a Sunrise Session at Thredbo is never a bad idea.

the snow experience and Sunrise Session at Thredbo, NSW — Wake up early to catch the Sunrise Session at Thredbo.

You’ll be whisked up to soak up a new day atop Australia’s highest lifted point. Indulge in a boozy on-mountain breakfast before gaining access to the resort’s extra-long ‘Supertrail’ before anybody else tackles it that day.

a skier at the top of Australia's Highest Lifted Point in Thredbo during sunrise — Take in the chilly sunrise at Thredbo.

15. Honey Ryder Sunrise Jet Ski Tour in Darwin, NT

Is sunrise too slow for you? Dial up the thrills with a Honey Ryder Sunrise Jet Ski Tour in Darwin, a top-speed, 90-minute expedition.

the Honey Ryder Sunrise Jet Ski Tour in Darwin, NT — Welcome the sunrise on a jet ski. (Image: Tourism NT/Kane Chenoweth)

You’ll be cutting and carving like a pro thanks to an experienced onboard guide and if you’re feeling daring, over-16-year-olds can take a turn in the driving seat during the tour. Expect silky smooth conditions begging to be torn apart.

a woman riding a jet ski in Darwin at sunrise — Dial up the thrills with a Honey Ryder Sunrise Jet Ski Tour in Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT/Kane Chenoweth)

16. Hot Air Balloon Flight & Breakfast in the Yarra Valley, Vic

You’ve experienced the Yarra Valley’s famed wineries so take a new perspective. The hot air balloon Flight & Breakfast tour of Victoria’s much-loved wine country soars you above the vines first thing in the morning to marvel in their renowned allure.

a hot air balloon soaring above Yarra Valley — Soar above Yarra Valley’s famed wineries in a hot air balloon.

Once you’re done, a buffet breakfast teamed with sparkling wine at Balgownie Estate , awaits.

a hot air balloon above Yarra Valley at sunrise — Take the hot air balloon tour first thing in the morning.

17. Climb to Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, Qld

Peel yourself away from your island digs early to lose all manners of speech atop Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, one of the destination’s best walking trails.

a man gazing at the scenic views atop Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, Qld — Reach the top of Passage Peak for panoramic sunrise views on Hamilton Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s breathtaking in every sense as a not-too-difficult 234 metres above sea level will deliver 360-degree views across The Whitsundays. Plus, you’ll avoid the crowds which flock to this headline attraction come daybreak.

a group walking along the pathway at sunrise Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, Qld — Climb to Passage Peak at the crack of dawn. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

18. Stirling Range Twin Peak Hiking Experience, WA

Explore one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll, on a Stirling Range Twin Peak Hiking Experience for advanced hikers.

The multi-day tour through Stirling Range National Park is well worth the training as you’ll be treated to Bluff Knoll’s famed, jaw-dropping 360-degree views when the sun rises as well as Mount Talyoberlup when the sun sets.

breathtaking mountain views on top of the Stirling Range National Park — Take in jaw-dropping vistas atop Bluff Knoll. (Image: Tourism Western Australia/@apertunity)

19. Wildlife Sunrise Breakfast in the Hunter Valley, NSW

Switch out human companions for furry ones at a Wildlife Sunrise Breakfast in NSW’s Hunter Valley.

Held inside the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, the very special animal encounter welcomes a new day with exclusive access to the grounds, a hand-feed of the resident giraffes, breakfast, food for a few different animals and a zookeeper tour.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

The top 19 sunrise experiences in Australia