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.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.