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.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.