We were fortunate to visit some incredible places in Australia during our 18 month Australian road trip. Many of them came with a bonus, a magical sunset at the end of the day.
Whilst I love a good sunrise as much as anyone to kick start my day, there’s just something about sunset that I especially look forward to – maybe it’s the fact that I can enjoy it with a cold beer in hand and my favourite tunes playing in the background (press play on Jack Johnson please!)
Unfortunately we didn’t get to take in as many sunsets as I would have liked at every town we visited along the way, but we were either out and about busy doing other travel related activities, tied up with business things, or more importantly being parents.
But I think I witnessed the best of the best. Check out my list and then please add your own suggestions in the comments at the bottom of the post.
Let me just mention that no places in South Australia made my list because we have NOT been there, yet! These sunsets locations are only from places we have personally visited. So cool your jets SA peeps, we’ll get there eventually.
In no particular order, here they are.
1. Strahan, Tasmania
There are two reasons to visit the town of Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. One is to do the World Heritage Gordon River Cruise. The other is to witness the brilliant sunset.
2. Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay is one of the better places to see the sunset on the east coast, and it’s the most easterly point on mainland Australia.
Take a sunset stroll along the beach, or head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse for stunning views.
3. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
The beaches in Melbourne get a bad wrap, especially when compared to Sydney.
But one of our memorable moments was grabbing a take away pizza and a bottle of wine and ending our day on St Kilda Beach.
4. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park easily ranks as one of our favourite National Parks in Australia and the best place to see the sun go down is from up top of the rock at Ubirr with views over the Nadarb floodplains and Arnhem Land. One of the most beautiful sunsets we have seen!
5. Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic places in Australia to visit, with the Twelve Apostles being the star of the show.
Best seen at sunset (or sunrise) as you avoid the midday congestion of the tourist buses from Melbourne.
6. Katherine Gorge, Northern Territory
Every evening just on sunset the hundreds of fruit bats take to the sky over Katherine Gorge providing for a unique silhouette photo against the bright orange sky.
7. Daydream Island, Queensland
Lovers Cove is the place to be on Daydream Island in Tropical North Queensland for a sunset drink with your significant other.
8. Mindil Beach, Darwin
Darwin in the Northern Territory would be in our top three places to see the sunset in Australia and Mindil Beach is probably the most popular location, especially during the Thursday night market when hundreds hit the beach to watch the sun sink below the horizon.
9. Cullen Bay, Darwin
Cullen Bay is more of an upmarket neighbourhood to stay in Darwin and the sunsets certainly don’t disappoint.
10. Ski Club, Darwin
My favourite place to finish the day in Darwin is at the Ski Club with dinner and drinks. Super casual and with front row view of the famous Darwin sunset.
11. Town of 1770, Queensland
Last year we wrote about why you should visit the Town of 1770 and for being an east coast town again the sunsets are pretty special.
12. Coolangatta, Gold Coast, Queensland
Coolangatta holds special memories for us, we got engaged on the beach here at sunset. Being at the southern end of the Gold Coast it offers distant views of the Surfers Paradise skyline which acts as a brilliant silhouette against the red sky.
13. Rainbow Bay, Gold Coast, Queensland
If you only go to one place on the Gold Coast for sunset drinks, we recommend the Rainbow Bay Surf Club overlooking the famous Snapper Rocks surf break. Again, you have incredible views all the way up the coast to Surfers.
14. Fraser Island, Queensland
Fraser Island is well known as one of the best 4wd adventure destinations in the country, and for being the largest sand island in the world. The perfect way to end your day is with a sunset drink near the jetty in Kingfisher Bay.
15. Karumba, Queensland
Karumba up on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria is a popular fishing destination. If you’re not into fishing, grab some takeaway fish & chips and sit on the beach and enjoy the night time show put on by mother nature.
16. Magnetic Island, Queensland
Magnetic Island or “Maggie” to the locals is a chilled out island just off the coast of Townsville. And the perfect way to slip into Maggie time is during sunset at Horseshoe Bay.
17. Uluru, Northern Territory
The are 9 ways to experience the magic of Uuru and one of the best ways is at sunset. As the sun slowly goes down the colours of the rock change and besides sunrise is the most spectacular time of the day. Head to one of the designated viewing areas, jump on a camel or sip on a few glasses of champagne.
18. Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory
Kata Tjuta is only 50 kilometres up the road from Uluru, and whilst my sunset family photo doesn’t do it justice once again the changing of the colours in the rocks as the sun sinks down is a sight to see. You can also get an excellent sunset silhouette from in town at Yulara (main town of Uluru).
19. Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia
Not only is Cable Beach one of my 38 favourite beaches in Australia, along with Darwin it’s my favourite place to enjoy a sunset beer. You can take it in several ways; sit out front of the surf club with a few beers on Friday & Saturday nights, have a sunset cocktail at Zanders, have dinner & drinks at the sunset bar & grill, or enjoy the famous sunset camel ride on the beach.
20. Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia
Yet another glorious sunset in Broome. Move away from Cable Beach and down to Gantheaume Point. Time it right with the tides and you’ll see dinosaur footprints.
21. Lake Argyle, Western Australia
If you only have time to do one thing at Lake Argyle like us, jump on board the sunset cruise. Even if you don’t jump in the lake with 25,000 freshwater crocs, the sunset memories will stay with you forever!
22. Kalbarri, Western Australia
We didn’t have the most memorable time in Kalbarri but being a West Australian town the sunset sure was a highlight.
23. Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia
For a city beach, Cottesloe is one of the better one’s. Perth knows how to put on a sunset show and Cott is the place to be with take away fish & chips and a cold bevvy.
24. Anzac Hill, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
The best place to take in the sunset in Alice Springs is at the top of Anzac Hill, right in town. Not west coast stunning by any means, but a nice place to be on a warm evening.
25. Great Keppel Island, Queensland
You don’t have to leave Great Keppel Island to appreciate the sunset, but why not take to the water for a few champers and nibbles on a sunset cruise. It’s what we did, even with the kids, and we all loved it.
26. Longreach, Queensland
I didn’t expect such a beautiful sunset in Outback Queensland, but was pleasantly surprised by the event that took place during our stop at Camden Park Station in Longreach. Just magic.
27. Mount Isa, Queensland
For a mining town, Mount Isa sure did surprise us and taking in the sunset silhouette of the stacks is a nice way to finish your day in the Isa.
28. Agnes Water, Queensland
This laid-back coastal town in Queensland is a close neighbour to the Town of 1770. Agnes Water is the last place heading north on the east coast where you can surf, and a picturesque sunset location for us east coasters.
More Australia Tips
Plan Your Trip in Australia
We’ve been traveling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:
- Booking.com has 700,000+ hotels, apartments and hostels worldwide. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
Flights
- Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).
Car Rental
- RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.
What number was your favourite sunset? What places in Australia would you add to this list?
