From golden beaches to rugged mountain peaks and ancient landscapes, there’s nothing quite like watching the first light of day unfold across Australia’s most breathtaking locations.
1. Bondi Beach’s Sunrise Buzz
Where: Bondi, Sydney, NSW (30 mins from our Sydney branch)
Few places capture the magic of a Sydney morning like Bondi Beach. As dawn breaks, locals hit the sand with a coffee in hand, joggers weave along the Bondi to Bronte Walk, and surfers carve through rolling waves. Take a dip in the famous Bondi Icebergs ocean pool, where the rising sun casts a golden glow over the turquoise water.
2. Grampians’ Panoramic Peaks
Where: The Grampians, VIC (3-hour drive from Melbourne)
Victoria’s Grampians National Park is an adventurer’s paradise, but it’s at sunrise that this rugged landscape truly shines. Stand atop Boroka Lookout, where sweeping views of Halls Gap, Lake Bellfield, and the mountain ranges unfold beneath a sky painted in pinks and oranges.
3. The First Light of Mainland Australia
Where: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, NSW (45mins – 1 hour drive from GC branch)
Perched on the easternmost point of mainland Australia, Cape Byron Lighthouse is a sunrise spot like no other. Arrive early to watch the first light of day illuminate the Pacific Ocean, revealing playful dolphins, sea turtles, and (in season) migrating whales. The walk up is worth every step for a front-row seat to nature’s morning masterpiece.
4. Surfing into the Sunrise
Where: Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, QLD
At Snapper Rocks, surfers are up before the sun, paddling out to catch the first waves of the day. The sunrise here is something special, as golden light bounces off the sea spray and the early morning ocean hums with energy. Whether you’re watching from the shore or riding the waves yourself, this is the definition of a perfect Australian morning.
5. Tasmania’s Mountain Majesty
Where: kunanyi/Mount Wellington, TAS (30-minute drive from Hobart)
A trip to Hobart isn’t complete without catching sunrise from the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. As the city awakens below, take in the vast wilderness, rolling hills, and snow-dusted peaks stretching into the distance. Bring a thermos of coffee, bundle up, and watch as the morning mist lifts to reveal breathtaking Tasmanian beauty.
6. Sunrise with Wallabies on the Beach
Where: Cape Hillsborough National Park, QLD (40-minute drive from Mackay)
For a uniquely Australian sunrise, head to Cape Hillsborough, where wallabies and kangaroos gather on the sand each morning. As the sky turns pink and gold, these curious creatures forage along the shore, creating a picture-perfect moment straight out of a travel postcard.
7. Brisbane’s Skyline Glow
Where: Mount Coot-tha Lookout, QLD (20-minute drive from Brisbane)
Rise early and take in a panoramic sunrise over Brisbane from Mount Coot-tha Lookout. As dawn breaks, the city skyline transforms into a silhouette against the glowing sky. On a clear day, you can see as far as Moreton Bay, making this a spectacular spot for a sunrise picnic.
8. The Golden Glow of Remarkable Rocks
Where: Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, SA
Nature’s artistry is on full display at Kangaroo Island’s Remarkable Rocks. These striking, lichen-covered boulders, shaped by wind and sea over millions of years, turn a deep golden hue as the sun rises. The contrast of the burnt-orange rocks against the vivid blue ocean makes for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
9. Canberra’s Tranquil Waters
Where: Lake Burley Griffin, ACT
In the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin offers a serene sunrise setting. The still waters create a perfect mirror effect, reflecting the pink-streaked sky. Join the locals on a morning stroll, hop on a bike, or take in the view from above with a hot air balloon ride over the city.
10. Surfing into the Sunrise
Where: Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, QLD
At Snapper Rocks, surfers are up before the sun, paddling out to catch the first waves of the day. The sunrise here is something special, as golden light bounces off the sea spray and the early morning ocean hums with energy. Whether you’re watching from the shore or riding the waves yourself, this is the definition of a perfect Australian morning.
Which of these epic sunrise spots is on your bucket list? Let us know your favourite place to start the day!
Don’t forget to have a pit-stop every 2 hours. Safe travels!