Australia’s most breathtaking sunsets

There’s a reason people drop everything to watch a sunset. Maybe it’s the way the sky melts into fiery hues, or just a great excuse to pause, take it all in, and crack a cold one. Either way, it’s a daily show that never gets old—especially when you’re in Australia, home to some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets.

So, if you’re chasing your next golden-hour masterpiece, you’re in luck. From Outback ranges to endless ocean horizons, these are the best spots in the country to watch the sun work its magic. Grab a drink, find a good vantage point, and enjoy the show.

Best sunset spots in Australia

Cable Beach, Broom, WA

Watching a fiery sunset while riding a camel along a pristine beach? Tell him he’s dreaming. But at Cable Beach, this dream is as real as it gets.
As the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and purple, while camels stroll along the shoreline like they own the place. Grab a drink at a beachfront bar, kick off your shoes and wander down to the water, or saddle up for the most iconic ride of your life.

Time it right (March–October), and you might even catch the Staircase to the Moon—a natural illusion that makes it look like the moon is climbing its way into the sky. Now that’s a show.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, WA

Sunsets over the ocean are stunning, but Montgomery Reef takes it up a notch. As the tide drops, this massive reef appears to rise from the sea, revealing cascading waterfalls and swirling currents teeming with marine life.

As the sun dips lower, the exposed reef glows in deep golds and fiery reds, while the rushing water creates a scene that looks almost unreal. Watching it all unfold from a True North Kimberley waterfall cruise, or getting up close in an adventure boat, makes this one of the most unforgettable sunset experiences in Australia.

Raft Point, Kimberley, WA

Some places were made for sunsets, and Raft Point is one of them. Towering red cliffs overlook the vast, untouched waters of the Kimberley, glowing deeper as the sun sinks behind the horizon. The view alone is enough to stop you in your tracks, but this place holds more than just natural beauty.

High above the bay, ancient Wandjina rock art tells stories that have been passed down for thousands of years, adding a deep cultural significance to the scene. Watching the sky burn orange and pink while surrounded by this history? That’s a sunset you won’t forget.

King George Falls, Kimberley, WA

Sunsets and waterfalls aren’t usually a package deal, but King George Falls proves otherwise. As the tallest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, they thunder down towering red cliffs, and when the sun hits just right, the entire gorge glows in shades of deep orange and gold.

With nothing but rugged wilderness in every direction, the fading light transforms this remote landscape into something almost otherworldly. It’s raw, powerful, and one of the most unforgettable sunsets in the Kimberley.

Sydney Harbour, NSW

Some sunsets are best enjoyed in silence. This isn’t one of them.

As the sun dips behind the city skyline, Sydney Harbour puts on a show—golden light bouncing off the Opera House sails, the Harbour Bridge casting long shadows over the water, and the hum of ferries and waterfront bars adding to the atmosphere.

Watch from a harborside lookout, cruise past the skyline, or settle in at a rooftop bar with a drink in hand—this is city sunsets done right. And if you’re here on New Year’s Eve, stick around. When the last light fades, the city swaps golden hour for fireworks, and Sydney proves once again why it’s got one of the best waterfront views in the world.

Uluru, NT

You don’t just watch an Uluru sunset—you feel it. Even from a distance, the way its shadow stretches across the desert is something you don’t really think about until you’re standing there, watching it happen.

As the sun sinks lower, the rock shifts through shades of burnt orange, deep red, and finally, a dusky purple, putting on a colour show that feels almost unreal. Find a quiet spot at the sunset viewing area, crack a cold one, and take it all in. No rush, no distractions—just the Outback, the fading light, and a moment that stays with you long after the sun has set.

Ubirr Rock, Kakadu National Park, NT

If you want a hike that’s worth the hassle, Ubirr Rock is the one. A short climb to the top rewards you with one of the most breathtaking views in the Northern Territory—vast floodplains stretching to the horizon, rugged escarpments glowing in the fading light, and a sky that shifts through every shade of gold, pink, and purple.

But it’s not just about the view. Below the lookout, ancient Aboriginal rock art tells stories thousands of years old, adding a deep cultural connection to the land. As the last light washes over Kakadu, it’s easy to see why this is one of Australia’s most unforgettable sunset spots.

Flinders Ranges, SA

The Outback does sunsets differently, and Flinders Ranges is proof. As the sun dips lower, the rugged peaks and deep gorges light up in shades of burnt orange and deep red, while long shadows stretch across the ancient landscape. It’s raw, dramatic, and feels like something straight out of a postcard.

For the best view, head to Wilpena Pound Lookout, where the entire range unfolds before you, or take a scenic flight to watch the colours shift from above. However you see it, this is golden hour at its finest.

Adelaide Hills, SA

A sunset with a view and a glass of wine? Adelaide Hills delivers. Just a short drive from the city, this region is packed with rolling vineyards, charming towns, and lookout points that give you front-row seats to the sun sinking over the horizon.

For the best vantage point, head up to Mount Lofty Summit, where you can watch the city lights flicker on as the last golden glow fades. Or, grab a spot at a hillside winery, sip something local, and let the sunset do its thing.

Ceduna, SA

Sunsets don’t get much more rugged than Ceduna. Perched on the edge of the Great Australian Bight, this coastal town serves up endless ocean horizons, rugged cliffs, and some of the most dramatic golden-hour views in South Australia.

For something truly spectacular, head to Head of Bight, where sheer limestone cliffs drop into the deep blue below. Time it right (May to October), and you might even spot whales breaching at sunset—because let’s be honest, a glowing sky and a whale tail silhouette? That’s next-level sunset watching.

See Australia’s best sunsets from the water

Sunsets are pretty special no matter where you are—but what if we told you there’s an even better way to experience them?

Imagine watching the sunset from the deck of a luxury expedition cruise, far from the crowds, where the only sound is the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional gasp as the sky explodes into colour. This is the kind of magic that True North delivers—exclusive access to the most remote and spectacular sunset locations in Australia, places that few people will ever see.

Of course, you can’t watch a sunset at Uluru from a cruise ship (unless someone’s figured out how to put a hull on the Outback), but on the coast, you won’t find a better front-row seat than on board True North.

If you’re chasing golden hour perfection, explore Australia cruises with True North and experience these unforgettable sunsets for yourself.