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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Book your ride with Windward Ballooning who’ll guide your journey across rivers, fields, mountains, streams and beyond.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you’re done, a buffet breakfast teamed with sparkling wine at Balgownie Estate, awaits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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