If there’s one thing that Australia excels at tremendously, it’s the country’s gift of nature. A wide range of wildlife, scenic landscapes, clear, turquoise water – the list goes on.
And the country doesn’t miss out on the most iconic and enchanting sunset views too. The land down under has a plethora of spots under its sleeves that will make your sunset-loving heart go giddy like a child.
So if you’re looking to snap some striking Australian sunsets or soak in the magical transition of the wild blue yonder into an azure or fiery spectrum, you’re in the right place. I’ve listed the top six destinations in Australia where you can enjoy the dusk in all its twilight glory.
Best Places for Australian Sunsets
1. Busselton (Western Australia)
A quaint seaside town, the calm, glass-like water cascading for miles, a quiet, undisturbed atmosphere to enjoy the view at its best – Busselton has perfected the ideal place for sunset viewing description.
The cherry on top of this charming place is the Busselton Jetty, which extends 1.8 kilometers into the sea. It provides plenty of room to view the sunset from every angle imaginable.
Since the Geographe Bay, where the Busselton beach is located, faces north, the sun sets in the west instead. This not-so-typical setting place for the sun, combined with the serene ambiance of the sea, makes Busselton one of the top sunset viewing destinations in Australia.
A Guide to Western Australia
2. Grampians National Park (Victoria)
Want to see the sun take its slumber in a mountain backdrop? The Grampians National Park is the perfect spot for you! The mountain range offers a panoramic view of the canyons and blue skies above.
You can trek around Grampians National Park and get a good glimpse of the skies transforming from a blue to red-orange spectrum. However, if you want the best spot, check out The Balconies. The unique rock formations that stand out of the mountain makes it the perfect backdrop for an Instagrammable sunset shot.
The Grampians may not be easily accessible for everyone, especially for those who are not into hiking. But the trip is worth it for that spectacular sunset and misty sunrise.
3. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa (Northern Territory)
Picture this: a vast desert landscape, grasses dancing to the rhythm of the wind, and a full view of the clear skies. Now that makes for an ideal sunset scene?
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has all of this covered. Its spacious landscape and undisturbed view of the skies had made it the most iconic sunset spot in Oz. If you’ve Googled best sunsets in Australia, you’re bound to find a photograph of Uluru on the list.
The park boasts a giant rock in the middle of its desert territory that changes into a rich explosion of colors once the sun casts its glow on the monolith.
The park has five dedicated viewing areas for travelers like you who want to soak in on the magical sunset experience or photograph the picturesque scene for your photo albums. The great outback is vast, though, so if you find those five spots not up to your liking, there are plenty of quiet areas you can check out, too.
4. Harbour Bridge (Sydney)
Not a fan of nature-themed sunset spots, or just looking for a sun-themed break for your city escapade? If yes, head on out to Jeffrey Street Wharf in Kirribilli if you’re out in Sydney.
The wharf has the best view of an urban sunset with the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in the picture. It doesn’t get as crowded as other tourist traps, so you can enjoy the iconic Sydney sunset skyline in peace.
Sometimes, there’ll be puddles present in the quay, too. If you’re lucky to find one, make sure to capture a shot of the reflection of the Harbour Bridge and the sunset in the puddles for extra photography points!
If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to view the sunset straight from the bridge, you can take a “twilight climb” on the bridge itself. Once you reach the top, you get a 360-degree view of the Summit, with the red-orange skies enveloping the city skylines and the famous Sydney Opera House.
5. Glenelg (South Australia)
If you ever find yourself strolling in the coastal district of Glenelg, the sunset in this seaside escape is the perfect way to end your shopping and adventure galore.
Once you decide to take your feet for a rest, grab a bite from one of the restos in the suburb and enjoy a good meal with a sun-themed sightseeing opportunity.
And if you feel like dancing or getting some drinks, either to wait for the sunset or to end the night with a bang, there’s an array of bars and alfresco spots you can visit.
The best spot on the beach to view the sunset is on the Glenelg Pier. If you’re lucky, you can find some dolphins playing beneath the twilight.
If you’ve got the bucks to spare, you can book a twilight cruise. Watch the sunset over the sea on a sailing catamaran while you splurge on some sparkling wine and the twinkling Glenelg shore in the distance.
6. Lord Howe Island (New South Wales)
There are so many great Australian islands to check out, many with spectacular sunsets to enjoy. This laid-back island paradise boasts a spectacular ocean view, sandy beaches, nature-filled adventures, and a world-heritage class of experience.
The island’s mountain structure traces its roots to the erosion of a seven-million-year-old shield volcano on the island. The rocky formations had since provided the best spots for visitors to view the fire in the sky over the lagoon. For the best 360-degree view of the sunset on the humble island, make sure to hike Mt. Gower!
To enjoy the splendor of the island, you’ll have to do plenty of climbing (and spending, too), so prepare your muscles for the trek that awaits you. Don’t worry – once you reach the peaks, you’ll realize the hike is worth it.
If your itinerary allows, make sure to stay until the night to see millions of stars twinkle and dance in the sky. The island only allows limited tourists on the island, so you get a quiet and magical stargazing experience too.
After enjoying some amazing Australian sunsets why not check out some of the best places to go stargazing in Australia and New Zealand.
Author: Gabriela Kurtz: I am an experienced writer who is passionate about digital marketing and traveling! – I always try to give my most honest advice or talk about topics I consider relevant in today’s society. – If you want to say hi, please reach out here gabikurtzmarketing@gmail.com