We love watching the sun rise and suns set and try to get out to different view points as often as we can. Wherever we go, we are always looking for the perfect photography spots with the chance to capture that beautiful golden light
You're spoilt for choice in Sydney but some spots are definitely better than others. We are going to start with the best sunset spots in Sydney (but scroll down to check out our favourite sunrise spots as well).
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The Best Sunset Spots in Sydney
1: Observatory Hill
2: Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
3: Bradleys Head
4: Jeffrey St Wharf
5: Queens Avenue
6: Cremorne Point
7: Manly Cove
8: Dudley Page Reserve
9: America Bay, Ku-ring-gai
10: Lake Parramatta
11: Fairfax Lookout, Manly
12: Darook Beach, Cronulla
The 12 Best Sunset Spots in Sydney
1. Observatory Hill
The views from Observatory Hill are great at any time of day, but particularly special at sunset. This is one of the highest points in Sydney, and the hill looks directly to the Harbour Bridge.
It’s a great spot for a sunset picnic, and you’ll see lots of people on the lawn with picnic blankets which gives it a really nice atmosphere. Although the sun sets in the opposite direction to the bridge, the colour tends to sweep round.
We’d meant to go here for years and managed to finally do it! I have no idea why it took us so long.
2. Mrs Macquarie's Chair - Botanic Gardens
If you only have time for one sunset in the whole of Sydney, this is probably the one you should do.
It's not necessarily our favourite, but you can't visit Sydney without shooting this view.
Tucked away on the coast path at the Botanic Garden, you'll get the opportunity to see the sunset behind both the harbour bridge and opera house.
If you're a fan of long exposures, there are many rocks in the foreground to create that dreamy effect.
3. Bradleys Head
We'd often walked past Bradley Head whilst on the Taronga to Balmoral walk but it was only when we returned for sunset that I really fell in love with the spot.
Previously I'd looked at the concrete jetty and thought it a bit of an eye sore. However, if you walk out and sit on the end of the jetty it gives you the feeling of being right in the middle of the harbour, and actually turned out to be one of my favourite spots on this list.
You can see the whole skyline which is just gorgeous and you get some lovely reflection on the water just below your feet.
4. Jeffrey St Wharf - Kirribilli
Jeffrey St Wharf has been a favourite of ours, as it's a stones throw from where we live, but it genuinely is one of the best views in Sydney.
You get a magnificent view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House across the water and it's a great place to sit and watch all the harbour action.
There's a spot which always has a puddle, so you can get creative and get a great Harbour Bridge reflection shot.
5. Queens Avenue, Vaucluse
This is a sunset spot that’s really only known to locals. The harbour view is absolutely stunning, with Shark Island sitting in front of the Harbour Bridge.
You can sit and watch the sun go down on the grassy verge, which also makes for an amazing picnic spot. The foliage in the foreground has jungle vibes and there’s also gorgeous little Queens Beach below which is almost always quiet.
If you want to feel the sand between your toes you could also head down onto the beach and watch the sunset from there.
The one downside is there is only room for three cars to park in the car park, but you can park a little further away on Vaucluse Road, which only adds on a five minute walk.
6. Cremorne Point
The suburb of Cremorne offers some of the best harbour views in the city. The grassy verge you can see in the picture is around 100m from the Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf and makes for a lovely spot to watch the sun go down.
It never really gets very busy, though on a warm summer’s evening a few locals will pop down for a bit, but there’s such a lot of space you can always find a secluded spot.
7. Manly Cove
Manly Cove is no secret, but there are few better places to be on a summer evening. It's an amazing place to grab some fish and chips and watch the sunset.
The water here is as still as a millpond and you can spend hours watching the paddle boarders and ferries drift by.
8. Dudley Page Reserve - Vaucluse
Dudley Page Reserve has only recently appeared on our radar, but it is a superb place to have a picnic and watch the sunset over the city.
It's pretty close to Bondi and is nice and high up, giving you a glorious view of the harbour and the city below.
9. America Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park
America Bay certainly has the WOW factor, and is an epic place to watch sunset.
Perched on the top of a waterfall, overlooking a bay and the horizon where the sun will set, it’s hard to believe there are places like this so close to the centre of Sydney!
America Bay is in Ku-ring-gai National Park, which is about an hour north of the CBD. You’ll also need to walk for one kilometre each way, but it is well worth it. This is one sunset spot that you shouldn’t miss! Make sure you make it back out the park before the gate is locked though!
10. Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a real gem that you may not have thought about for sunset. We recommend heading to one of the big rocks that are 400m along the the Lake Circuit Walk heading anticlockwise from the car park.
From here you’ll get a reflection of the sunset in the lake as the sky lights up, and the gum tree backdrop makes it feel a world away from the city.
11. Fairfax Lookout, Manly
Manly has a couple of beautiful spots for sunset, and the Fairfax Lookout is one that is well worth checking out. This viewpoint is on the North Head and looks back on the city for sunset.
It’s a big, sweeping view which is a short walk from the car park. It can get very busy around here, but there are many different vantage points along the walkway. If you’re here between May and October you might even see whales!
12. Darook Beach, Cronulla
Sydney's beaches are known for being great sunrise spots, which isn't the best for those who aren't early risers. If that's you, you'll be pleased to know there is a gorgeous little beach which offers an incredible sunset view too!
It's a quiet locals beach and the vibe is great, so it's the perfect place to kick back and watch the show. There are a few logs to sit on or bring your own picnic blanket and relax on the sand.
The Best Sydney Sunrise Spots
1. Palm Beach
It doesn't get much better than catching a sunrise at Palm beach and then heading for breakfast at The Boathouse nearby. The whole area is a glimpse of just how great the aussie lifestyle is. It's beautiful at any time of day, but you'll have it all to yourself at sunrise.
If you head up to the lighthouse you can get some lovely views of both Palm Beach and Station Beach, and the easy 2.5km walks is one of our favourite things to do in Palm Beach.
2. Curl Curl Beach
Curl Curl beach is one of the northern beaches and is a great place to be at the start of the day.
It's likely that you'll have the whole place to yourself as it's a less popular spot than the eastern beaches.
There is a great cliff and ocean bath not shown in the shot above which also make for interesting photography options.
There's a small path to the top of the cliff which also offers some great views. It is definitely one of our favourite beaches in Sydney.
Read next: Where to stay in Sydney - all the best hotels in every suburb
3. Mona Vale Beach
Getting to Mona Vale requires a bit of effort if you're staying in the city centre, but it's worth it for a great sunrise.
Situated on the northern beaches, it has its own rockpool in the centre of the beach which is a great focal point for sunrise.
It's also a droner's favourite spot as it looks even better from above.
4. Hickson Road Reserve
For the iconic sunrise shot, head to Hickson Road Reserve in The Rocks.
This little park offers an incredible view across the harbour to the opera house and the sun will rise behind it.
In the Summer, you'll be lucky enough to have it rise directly behind the opera house, creating a very cool effect (although you'll need to be there at 5.30am!).
5. Bronte Beach
This is one sunrise spot you are ever not going to get to yourself, even in the dead of winter Bronte will be busy an hour before the sun is up. It's popular with everyone from surfers, to swimmers to photographers and it's easy to see why. Bronte Rockpool is one of the most beautiful in Sydney and the sun rises directly behind it.
If you've come just to watch the sunrise, rather than to take photos, then our top recommend would be to walk up the stairs beside the pool and climb up the sandstone cliff just behind it, where there is a large ledge to sit on. It has a direct sunrise view and you'll be just above the hustle and bustle going on down below.
6. Bondi Beach
Bondi beach is great at any time of day, but at sunrise it becomes even better.
There are fewer people here (although you'll still find a couple of surfers, runners and dog walkers) and you'll be in prime position to see the sun come up over the ocean.
After you've watched the sunrise why not check out one of the best walks in the city: The Bondi to Coogee Walk?
For details and other ideas for what to do in the city, check out our 2 day Sydney itinerary.
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Are you a sunrise or sunset person? Would you force yourself through the 4.30am alarm for a sunrise? Let us know in the comments below.
