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 charm of Mildura is hidden in plain sight along the Sturt Highway. The capital of Tropical North Victoria is in a league of its own.

From the moment you arrive in Mildura , the warm air and palm trees invite you to slow down. While most Australians might drive right past it, Mildura is full of surprises. Here you’ll spend one day witnessing over 50,000 years of First Nations history in a UNESCO-listed National Park, and the next dining in a hatted restaurant after wandering through 12,500 fireflies as the outback sunset bursts to life above. From roadside fruit stalls and family-run wineries to houseboats and galleries, it’s time to explore Mildura.

Feast Street, at the heart of Langtree Avenue in Mildura. — Taste, wander and be surprised in Mildura.

Taste Mildura’s produce

It makes sense to start your trip by addressing the most important question: where to eat. In the beating heart of Australia’s food bowl, sample the local produce directly from the source. And then, of course, experience it through the menu of a hatted chef. Or sandwiched between pillowy slices of Nonna’s ciabatta.

Rows of orchards and olive groves invite you to spend the day traipsing from farm to farm. Taste olives propagated from Calabrian trees brought over in the 40s, oranges picked right from the tree and squeezed into juice and spoons full of honey . Bring the holiday back to your kitchen by stocking your pantry at roadside produce stalls, or calling into the ‘silver shed ’ (Sunraysia’s gourmand Mecca).

Thanks to the warm, balmy air and fertile soils, the wineries dotted along these hills produce award-winning local wines. Like Chalmers , a family-run, innovative winery dedicated to making their wines as sustainable as possible. And picturesque Trentham Estate offers views of the snaking Murray River as you sample their vintages.

Venture beyond the gnarled shadows of olive groves and fragrant rows of blossoming fruit trees and you’ll find an otherworldly side to Mildura. With Discover Mildura as your guide, visit Murray River Salt’s Mars-like stacks. The naturally pink salt is formed from an ancient inland sea and evaporated entirely by the sun to create one of the region’s most iconic exports.

Start your day with just-squeezed sunshine.

Hatted dining & Italian history

Mildura is home to a proud community of Calabrians and Sicilians. This, paired with the exceptional local produce, means that you can find paninos on par with those in Italy. The Italian is a Paninoteca serving up made-to-order, hefty, authentic Sicilian paninos. Nonna Rosa’s pork meatballs, slowly cooked in tomato ragu and served in a crusty, fluffy roll topped with gratings of Grana Padano cheese and salsa verde, will call you back to Mildura for the rest of your days.

To find hatted dining in Mildura, simply follow the staircase down into the basement of the historic Mildura Grand Hotel to find Stefano’s . Following the muscle memory and instinct of his Italian roots, he delivers on the principle of ‘cucina povera’. That is, the Italian cooking ideology that turns simple, local ingredients into magic.

Things to do in Mildura include dining at the acclaimed Stefano’s, where simple local ingredients are transformed into Italian culinary magic beneath the historic Grand Hotel. — Bite into Mildura’s Italian heritage.

Discover a thriving culture scene

The city is alive with culture. Whether it’s painted on the town’s walls, told in ancient yarns, or waiting for you in a gallery.

The Mildura Arts Centre was Australia’s first regional art gallery. Behind the walls of Rio Vista Historic House, you’ll find a lineup of ever-changing exhibitions. The gallery’s wall space pays tribute to the art and songlines of local First Nations People, the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and more. Outside, on the gallery’s lawn, find 12 contemporary sculptures in the Sculpture Park.

Mildura’s streetscapes are a punch of colour. Swirling strokes of paint blend the winding artery of the Murray River, red dirt and local characters into a story you can see with your own eyes, thanks to the Mildura City Heart’s Mural Art Project . Pick up a copy of the Murals of Mildura guide from the Visitor Information Centre.

Follow the border of NSW and Victoria on a map and you’ll see it hugs the curves of a tiny island on the Murray. That’s Lock Island, where, as the sun and moon trade places, the island comes alive as darkness falls. The island is dotted with 12,500 firefly lights that lead you on a meandering path through the outback sunset. The installation is known as Trail of Lights and was created by the same visionary who dreamt up Field of Light at Uluṟu, Bruce Munro.

Things to do in Mildura include exploring its rich cultural scene. From vibrant street art and ancient stories to exhibitions at the Mildura Arts Centre, Australia’s first regional gallery. — Find culture around every corner.

Wonder at ancient landscapes

The landscapes of Mildura feel almost transcendental. The skyline bursts to life with reds, pinks, and deep, sparkly night skies.

The nature will leave you in awe. See hues of pink water changing with the weather at Pink Lakes inside Victoria’s largest national park, Murray Sunset National Oark. Cast a line into Ouyen Lake. Watch the sunset against 70-metre tall red cliffs that reflect the setting sun. Or get the heart racing and sandboard down the Perry Sandhills dunes, formed 40,000 years ago at the end of an ice age.

Just don’t leave without following the twists and turns of the Murray. Stroll or ride along the Shared River Front Path, or jump onboard a boat for a scenic ride.

Your itinerary will be incomplete without a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park . Head out with an Indigenous ranger to witness ancient campsites and footprints, before standing in awe of ancient civilisation near the discovery site of Mungo Man—Australia’s oldest human skeleton at 42,000 years old.

Mungo National Park at night is a vast, silent landscape where ancient dunes glow under moonlight and stars blanket the sky in breathtaking clarity. — Walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisation.

Meet your home away from home

On equal par with planning your meals and adventures, is finding the perfect place to relax at the end of each day.

Sleep inside a Palm Springs postcard at Kar-Rama . A sleek boutique hotel complete with a butterfly shaped, sun-soaked pool. Here you’re staying right in the heart of Mildura but you’ll feel worlds away. Or if you really wish to connect with nature, a night glamping under the stars at Outback Almonds will have you spellbound.

When in Mildura it’s only right to stay on one of the Murray River’s iconic houseboats . Wake up each day to the calm waters of the Murray lapping outside your window. Enjoy days full of river swims, fishing and exploring. All boats are solar-powered and can be self-skippered or moored along the river.

A solar-powered houseboat on the Murray River in Mildura. — Stay and play on the Murray in a solar houseboat.

Start planning the perfect getaway at mildura.com .

The top 19 sunrise experiences in Australia