Whether you’re a casual photographer or avid Instagrammer, Australia has some of the ultimate spots to capture glorious golden hour pictures.
Golden hour is the period just after sunrise or before sunset when daylight softens. So where are the best sunrises and sunsets to be found? Australian technology retailer Becextech analysed data from Pinterest to create a list of the most popular settings nationwide. Get your cameras ready—these are the top ten best sunrises and sunsets in Australia.
10. Mooloolaba
@writeofthemiddle, Pinterest
Where: Queensland
Spots to snap: Point Cartwright Reserve, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba Beach
Things to do: Diving, whale watching, SEA LIFE Aquarium
In Mooloolaba, take some candid shots at a hip beachfront eatery or stroll along the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway. With its central location and calm waters, Mooloolaba is accessible to all visitors. This picturesque place is one of the best sunset spots near Brisbane.
Read more: 10 Awesome Reasons to Live on the Sunshine Coast
9. Lancelin
Where: Western Australia
Spots to snap: Lancelin Sand Dunes, Lancelin Jetty, Back Beach
Things to do: Sand boarding, surfing and paddle boarding, fishing
Lancelin is located on Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast and is one of the best places to watch a sunset near Perth. Spend an afternoon exploring the dramatic landscape of the Lancelin Sand Dunes before settling in for a sunset you’ll never forget.
Read more: A Guide to Perth’s Best Road Trips
8. Thredbo
@MargaritaMischief, Pinterest
Where: New South Wales
Spots to snap: Mount Kosciuszko Summit, Merritts Gondola
Things to do: Snowsports, hiking, adventure activities
Swap the beach for the mountains with a trip to Thredbo. Imagine a picturesque, European-inspired village overlooking the rugged peaks of the Snowy Mountains. Head out early and hike to the top of Mount Kosciuszko; you’ll be rewarded with one of the best sunrises in New South Wales.
Read more: Top 5 Road Trip Spots in NSW
7. Kings Canyon
Where: Northern Territory
Spots to snap: Light-Towers, Garden of Eden inside Kings Canyon
Things to do: Hiking, camel rides, Kings Creek Station
The red sky of golden hour meets the red desert of the Northern Territory at Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park. Slip on your comfiest walking shoes, grab your camera and follow Kings Canyon Rim Walk; beat the heat and go early, the glow of sunrise will be extra rewarding. Check out Light-Towers by artist Bruce Munro to make your sunset in the Northern Territory even more special.
Read more: 10 Awesome Reasons to Live in Alice Springs
6. Noosa Main Beach
Where: Queensland
Spots to snap: Laguna Bay, Little Cove
Things to do: Surfing, beach yoga, nature walks
Pay homage to all things sun, sand and surf at one of Australia’s most recognised and loved beaches. Noosa Main Beach, located in the heart of Noosa Heads, never fails to make it to the ‘gram. This small slice of paradise offers epic sunset views set against the backdrop of Noosa National Park.
Read more: The 8 Best Queensland Cities, Towns & Regions to Visit
5. Coffs Harbour
Where: New South Wales
Spots to snap: The Big Banana, Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout), Jetty Beach
Things to do: Snorkelling, hiking, fishing, local markets
Giant fruits aren’t the only thing that will leave you in awe in Coffs Harbour; the sunrises and sunsets here are truly unforgettable. Wake up early and head to The Forest Sky Pier at Niigi Niigi as golden hour approaches, you’ll be able to see for over 100 kilometres.
4. Great Ocean Road
Where: Victoria
Spots to snap: Bells Beach, Split Point Lighthouse, Phantom Falls
Things to do: Kayaking, surfing, hiking, hot springs
The Great Ocean Road is vast and beautiful; it stretches for 240 kilometres along Victoria’s dramatic, windswept coastline. Book a tour of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet and stick around for the best sunset in Victoria. If you’re considering a road trip, check out this itinerary to help with planning.
Read more: The Best Getaways in Victoria You Can Get to on Public Transport
3. 12 Apostles
Where: Victoria
Spots to snap: Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge
Things to do: Swimming, fishing, hiking, gourmet picnics
You’ll find the iconic 12 Apostles along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, but these limestone structures are so popular they deserve their own place on the list. See these magnificent natural wonders at sunrise and sunset as they change from a brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun to appearing dark and foreboding in the shadow of the evening.
Read more: 5 Short Trips for Melbourne Students
2. Margaret River
Where: Western Australia
Spots to snap: Mammoth Cave, Meelup Beach, Surfer’s Point
Things to do: Wineries, swimming, cave exploration
Margaret River is natural beauty and ancient geography. This region of Western Australia is large and diverse, providing plenty of spots to snap during golden hour. If you head two hours south of the city, you’ll find Busselton Jetty; it’s one of the best sunrises near Perth.
1. Great Barrier Reef
Where: Queensland
Spots to snap: Turtle Bay, Palm Cove, Shipwreck Bay
Things to do: Snorkelling, swimming, adventure sports
Taking out top spot on this list is one of the world’s most famous landmarks—the Great Barrier Reef. The beauty of the world’s largest coral reef system is unparalleled, especially during golden hour. The reef is huge, so find a city along Queensland’s coastline to use as your base for exploration. Port Douglas has so much to offer—you can set up for golden hour shots on the beach, reef or in the nearby Daintree Rainforest.
Tips to get the shot
The following tips will help you create some magical memories:
- Timing is key! Check each day what time the sun is expected to rise and set. If you’re setting off on a hike or long drive, make sure you leave enough time to get there for golden hour.
- If you’re using a smartphone, set your camera to High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. Go to Settings – Photos – HDR – select ‘view full HDR’ – this adjusts the display on your camera to help achieve that classic golden hour shot.
- If you’re using a camera, use the widest aperture your lens can handle. This lets in more light to the sensor and can really make your subject pop in front of the background.
