The best sunset drives around Australia

When you factor in Australia’s climate, low light pollution and pristine natural scenery, it’s no surprise it is often named in top 10 lists for the world’s best sunset destination. From beaches to mountain tops, many of the best viewing locations can be found just a short drive from our major cities, and offer unique perspectives for capturing those last golden moments of the day. Here are four road-trip worthy sunset locations – pack a picnic and have a camera ready.

Sunset Coastal Drive to Cottesloe, WA

Watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean is an unmissable west coast attraction, and there’s arguably no better place to see it than Perth’s Cottesloe Beach. Cottesloe is just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, but you can maximise the road trip fun by driving up to Scarborough Beach first, then following the West Coast Highway down towards City Beach. Here, veer off onto Oceanic Drive to check out Reabold Hill Summit Lookout, the highest natural point in the metropolitan area, from where you can admire scenes of Perth City, Rottnest Island, and Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Make Cottesloe your final destination; pick a spot on the grassy foreshore or white-sand beach to watch the sunset palette paint the sea, or head to one of the many beachfront bars or restaurants for dinner with an unforgettable view.

The Best Sunset Spot in Sydney, NSW

Near Manly, 30 minutes’ drive from the CBD, North Head tops the list of Sydney’s most breathtaking sunset spots. From here, you can watch the sun sink behind the city skyline, silhouetting buildings that are then reilluminated in twinkling lights once darkness arrives. Arrive early and explore the 1km Fairfax Walk, which loops around the top of North Head and offers wall art-worthy views of the Harbour and the South Pacific from two separate lookouts. The paved walking loop is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with children, too.

Sunset Road Trip to Mornington, VIC

A one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful spot to witness both the sunrise (over Western Port) and the sunset (over Port Phillip Bay). To catch the latter, navigate the hairpin turns of Arthurs Seat Road and drive to the summit of Arthurs Seat, 314 metres above sea level, and the Arthurs Seat Lookout. At this elevation you feel like you can brush the pink-hued clouds, and on a clear evening you'll see over Port Phillip bay and all the way out to Mount Macedon. Also near the summit, Seawinds Gardens feature a range of Indigenous and exotic formal gardens, and a barbecue area for a DIY dinner. If you just can’t get enough of that view, there are other lookouts dotted along the road back to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway.

Tamborine Mountain, QLD

Just under 50 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain

is often referred to as “the green behind the gold” – but it’s the vibrant orange that steals the show as the sun sets behind the lush Scenic Rim and Great Dividing Range. Hang Glider Launch and Lookout, a clearing on the mountain’s western escarpment, is one of the most popular spots to watch this natural spectacle – you can access it via Main Western Road. Knoll Road Lookout is another winning spot, with tree canopies perfectly framing the ribboned layers of vibrant-coloured horizon. If you have more time to explore, extend the trip into a four-day self-drive tour and enjoy rainforest walks, glow worm caves, boutique wineries and charming galleries.

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^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}