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)

Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.

Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford , the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.

1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk

Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.

2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail

Macedon Ranges Walking Trail camel's hump lookout — Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)

The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.

3. Mount Alexander Traverse

Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.

4. Murmuring Walk

Murmuring Walk daylesford hikes — Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.

Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.

5. La Gerche Forest Walk

Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.

6. Sailors Falls Loop

Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.

7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk

Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.

8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk

An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.

The trails of Victoria’s Heartland offer a chance to reconnect with the landscape, local history and yourself. Start planning your next adventure at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.

The 21 most breathtaking sunsets in Australia