Glen Helen Gorge

Best Sunset Locations in Australia

Published
06 Jul 2023
Image credit
Greg Sullavan
Glen Helen Gorge

Summer in Australia in synonymous with sunsets. 

Picture balmy evenings, drinks on the deck and golden hour doing its finest work. These are the moments that  deliver a special kind of magic - a canvas of colour to celebrate the day!

From brilliant reds to cotton-candy pinks, bright orange glows and purple hues, here are some of our favourite places to watch the sky change colour. Whether you grab the camera or just enjoy the moment, these are some of the best sunset locations in Australia...

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Busselton

Two hours south of Perth you’ll find one of south-west WA’s favourite beachside towns. Busselton, with its famous jetty stretching 1.8km out to sea, is a perfect sunset spot. Watch as the sun dips into Geographe Bay to produce a spectacular display of coral and purple. Capture this and you’ll be the envy of your Instagram friends!

Nearest G’day Park:
Discovery Parks - Busselton 

Kununurra

Kununurra might be nine hours from its nearest capital  (Darwin), but for those who make the trip the rewards are clear. Known for its rugged landscapes and vast network of rivers and lakes, the East Kimberley Region's purple-tinged sunsets are not to be missed.

Nearest G’day Parks:
Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park
Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Flinders Ranges

With mountain plains, friendly outback towns and loads of history to explore, South Australia’s Flinders Ranges are a must-visit. At golden hour, fiery red and burgundy skies set against the rich ochre of Wilpena Pound’s limestone ridges make the Flinders something else.

Nearest G'day Park:
Rawnsley Park Station

CooBer Pedy

Coober Pedy is one of the Australian Outback's most unique destinations. As one of the opal mining capitals of the world, it attracts visitors from everywhere who come to explore underground mine shafts and experience awe-inspiring desert landscapes scorched by blistering heat. The result is views that appear to be inspired by science fiction films, and a collection of characters that would not be out of place!

Nearest G’day Park:
Opal Inn Caravan Park

Lake Bonney

A favourite location in SA’s Riverland, Lake Bonney in Barmera has something for everyone. After a day’s fun on the water swimming, fishing and kayaking, relax lakeside and be treated to trees silhouetted by pink and purple sunsets, beautifully reflected in Bonney's calm waters.

Nearest G’day Park:
Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin

Tropical Darwin is known for spectacular sunsets bursting with hues of gold, orange and red. Coastal hotspots include Mindil Beach with its famous sunset markets, Darwin Harbour, and Cullen Bay. Be sure to pack the camera here because it’s impossible to take a bad photo with views this good.

Nearest G’day Park:
Discovery Parks – Darwin

Alice Springs

The Red Centre comes alive at golden hour! In Alice Springs, Anzac Hill provides great views over the MacDonnell Ranges as the sky turns from cobalt blue to orange. You can also head out of town to the famous Old South Road sand dunes for the full desert experience. For something altogether different, experience sunset from the back of a camel by booking a 1-hour twilight ride.

Nearest G’day Park:
Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park

Glen Helen

No trip to the middle of Australia would be complete without exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges ancient mountains, plunging gorges and cascading waterfalls.  A little over an hour from Alice Springs, Glen Helen is a fantastic addition to any self-drive itinerary, with Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and the Larapinta Trail on your doorstep. 

Nearest G’day Park:

Discovery Parks - Glen Helen

QUEENSLAND

Noosa

The popular town of Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a favourite destination to relax and recharge. With sunsets of cotton-candy pink and lavender, take your pick of beaches to soak up the serenity while watching surfers take their last waves of the day. Cruise the Noosa River or head to the lookout at Mount Tinbeerwah in Tewantin National Park.

Nearest G’day Park:
Noosa Caravan Park

Mount Isa

Mount Isa might not be your first thought for picturesque Australian sunset locations, but this iconic mining town delivers exactly that. With mining stacks silhouetted against a blazing red and orange sky, it’s a true slice of outback Australia. 

Nearest G’day Park:
Sunset Top Tourist Park

NEW SOUTH WALES

Forster

Forster is in the heart of NSW’s Great Lakes region, between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake. With its many waterways, there’s no shortage of spectacular locations for watching the sun go down. Take in glowing amber skies as you relax on the banks of the Wallamba River or head to Pilot Hill for views of Main Beach and Wallis Lake.

Nearest G’day Parks:
Tiona Holiday Park
Lanis Holiday Island
Discovery Parks – Forster

Byron Bay

A coastal mecca known for its laid-back charm and beachy vibes, Byron Bay is a sun lover’s dream from dawn to dusk.  Catch a radiant Byron sunset when you take a picnic blanket to Main Beach. From here you can watch the sun dip below distant mountains with colours reflected on the stillest of water.

Nearest G’day Park:
Glen Villa Resort
Discovery Parks – Byron Bay

VICTORIA

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road stretches 243km along Victoria’s scenic Surf Coast, making it hard to pick a favourite sunset view. Topping our list has to be the iconic 12 Apostles, offering picture perfect sunset views against towering limestone cliffs. It’s also worth checking out Teddy’s Lookout in Lorne, or Cape Bridgewater in Portland. Plenty to choose from here!

Nearest G’day Parks:
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Apollo Bay Holiday Park
Portland Tourist Park

The Grampians

With its rugged mountains, dramatic gorges and bushland treks, Grampians National Park offers plenty of  vantage points for capturing spectacular alpine sunsets. Head to the Balconies for jutting sandstone rocks and sweeping valley views from north and south, or head to Boroka Lookout for Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. 

Nearest G’day Park:
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Lake Fyans Holiday Park

TASMANIA

Cradle Mountain

The World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake in St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s iconic locations - a magical spot with pristine wilderness, spectacular lookouts and natural beauty.

Truly a photographer’s dream location, capturing breathtaking mountain landscapes as the sky turns from crisp blue to golden pink is a must!

Nearest G’day Park:
Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain