Ar you looking for the best Sydney sunset spots? This post covers the BEST places to watch the sunset in Sydney for photographers, locals and tourists alike.
Please note that this blog post most likely contains affiliate links to products or services I use and love! If you click on the links, it means I get a little extra pocket money at no additional cost to you.
This is what keeps my website ticking over – thank you!
With both an iconic city skyline and absolutely breathtaking ocean views over white-sand beaches or jaw-dropping cliffs, it’s safe to say Sydney has a vast variety of sunset spots. I’d even go further to say many of my favourite sunset memories are in this beautiful Australian harbour city.
After a PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE? My list of the best photography spots in Sydney is far more in-depth!
Another tip is that if you want to find a unique sunset spot in Sydney that isn’t over-crowded, you can walk along any of the Sydney coastal walks at sunset to find your own spot to watch the sun go down. While the most famous walks – like Bondi to Coogee Walk – are likely to still be busy at this time, many others are relatively quiet and perfect for enjoying a peaceful coastal view to yourself.
The Best Sydney Sunset Spots
Sunset spots in Sydney Harbour & Surrounds
MRS MACQUARIE’S CHAIR
This Sydney sunset spot is a favourite among tourists, and it is iconic for its gorgeous view over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Due to its close location to many central Sydney harbour hotels and hostels, it’s a popular spot for tourists to visit during their stay in Sydney.
You can easily walk here from the Opera House or through the Botanic Gardens. Just enter ‘Mrs Macquarie’s Chair’ into your Google Maps to find it.
OBSERVATORY HILL
While photographers may prefer this spot at sunrise (it gets busy!), this is a fantastic spot for locals to walk to after a long day working in the city. It’s a leisurely stroll from the city or Circular Quay. Take a picnic and chill out as the day closes.
THE OPERA BAR
The Opera Bar (located just outside the Opera House as the name suggests) is a must-see for anyone who wants to relax at the end of a long or is looking to celebrate in style. There’s nothing like watching the sun disappear behind the Harbour Bridge while sipping on a good wine at the Opera Bar.
THE ROCKS
Just around the corner from Circular Quay, this historic area is home to some of Sydney’s oldest pubs, quirkiest laneways and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It also makes a great sunset spot and is arguably one of the best things to do in Sydney.
Sit down by the water at Cruise Bar to relax with a cool drink at the end of the day. Just be warned – those pesky cruise ships will ruin your view if they happen to pull in at the wrong moment. 🙂
This photo was taken from outside the Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney.
DUDLEY PAGE RESERVE (near Bondi Beach)
This popular sunset spot is a spectacular way to view the sunset due to its neat view over the Sydney skyline. Other great vantage points from Bondi include ‘The Grassy Knoll’, the stunning Bondi icebergs (the swimming pool) or of course Bondi Beach itself, overlooking the ocean.
MILK BEACH
Near Nielsen Park, this fantastic vantage point of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is often enjoyed while hiking along the Hermitage Foreshore Footpath, part of the famous Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay Walk.
SYDNEY SUNSET VIEWS FROM THE NORTH SHORE
MILSON’S POINT / LUNA PARK
Luna Park, Sydney’s colourful fairground, will make for a fun-filled sunset spot, but just around the corner is Milson’s Point – a photographer’s dream. It’s very easy to walk here from Milson’s Point ferry wharf or train station.
BRADLEY’S HEAD
I first visited this location on the Taronga Zoo – Balmoral Beach Coastal Walk and later went back to witness its beautiful skyline view at dusk. The amphitheatre and pier make this unique spot perfect for both picnics and photographers.
It’s a 15-minute walk from the Taronga Zoo bus stop (or alternatively take the ferry to Taronga Zoo Wharf), or you can park at Bradley’s Head Road right next to the amphitheatre.
SYDNEY SUNSET SPOTS FROM MANLY TO PALM BEACH
MANLY WORMHOLE
This unique spot is excellent for photography enthusiasts who live close to Manly. Walk left along Manly Beach, and you should see the spot up to Manly Wormhole.
NORTH HEAD (MANLY)
The cliffs at North Head make this a dramatic location for sunset, but it can also be dangerous. Obviously, don’t stand too close to the edge.
This photo was taken right next to the car park – totally safe.
FRESHWATER ROCK POOL
This 50m ocean pool is a super unique way to end the day. You can park at the car park and enjoy swimming in the beautiful ocean pool. It’s a serene way to enjoy the water in the soft afternoon night.
LONG REEF
Long Reef, located North of Manly, is easiest to access by car, although there is a bus stop around 20 minutes from the Long Reef Lookout point. Glowy light over the rock pools gives it great potential for creative photos, or sit upon the grassy mounds and peacefully enjoy the view. The absence of light pollution also makes it an excellent spot for astrophotography.
BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE/PALM BEACH
If there was one single beach view I think many of us would choose as the ‘best in Sydney’, it would be Palm Beach! From Barrenjoey Lighthouse, there is a stunning 360 view over the small peninsula – as you can see in my photos below, which makes it particularly stunning at sunset!
It will take at least 2 buses from the centre of Sydney, so it’s best to check google maps to see the most accessible route from where you live.
Which amazing Sydney sunset spots do you think I’ve missed?
