With its striking city skyline, iconic landmarks, and scenic landscapes, Sydney offers plenty of fantastic spots to watch the sunset.
These locations range from the city and Harbour to the coastline and beaches, each offering a unique view as the sun goes down.
In Sydney, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, with slight variations throughout the year. To catch the best sunsets, you’ll need a spot with a clear western view. We’ve put together a list of 15 great sunset spots in Sydney, perfect for both tourists and locals.
Find all of the below sunset spots in this interactive map.
1. Robertson Park
Robertson Park in Watsons Bay offers stunning views across Sydney Harbour, stretching all the way to the CBD skyline. This makes it a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
The park slopes down to the water, where you’ll find the best vantage points, with anchored boats in the bay and the city skyline in the background.
Make a day of it by exploring the headland on the Watsons Bay Walk, then enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes, restaurants, or pubs nearby.
2. Barangaroo Reserve
Barangaroo Reserve is one of Sydney’s newest parks, perfectly located just moments from the CBD and overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Its west-facing position makes it an excellent spot to watch the sunset, especially on a warm summer evening.
The park features multiple levels, with benches and large rocks along the shore where you can sit and take in the views.
After the sun sets, you can continue your night out at Barangaroo, King Street Wharf, or Darling Harbour, all just a short walk away.
3. Burragula Lookout
Burragula Lookout on Manly’s North Head is often regarded as one of Sydney’s most impressive vantage points, offering stunning views of the city skyline, Sydney Harbour, and the ocean beyond.
It’s a fantastic spot to visit both during the day and in the evening when the setting sun creates a spectacular display of light and colour.
The lookout is part of the family-friendly Fairfax Walk, which features several other viewpoints, each offering a unique panoramic perspective.
4. Mrs Macquaries Point
Located within the Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Point is a classic vantage point for taking in Sydney’s stunning city and Harbour views, especially at sunset on a clear evening.
This is also where you’ll find Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench carved by convicts in the early 19th century for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth.
The point is easy to reach via a scenic foreshore walk from the Domain through the Royal Botanic Garden. This popular path continues along the shoreline to the Opera House and Circular Quay.
5. Cremorne Point Wharf
Hop on a ferry from Circular Quay and cross the Harbour to Cremorne Point, a leafy suburb on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Walking the Cremorne Point peninsula is always a great experience, but it’s even better in the evening when the sun sets behind the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge.
You don’t have to stay at the wharf to enjoy the sunset. Follow the path along the western side of Cremorne Point and find a quiet spot to take in the view as the sun goes down.
6. Milk Beach
One of Sydney’s prettiest secluded beaches is Milk Beach, a small stretch of sand Shark Island in Sydney Harbour, with the city skyline in the background.
Its location within the Harbour means calm waters, no big waves, and fantastic views, making it an ideal sunset spot.
Head there in the late afternoon for a refreshing swim, then stay to watch the sunset over the city. The perfect way to end a summer’s day!
7. Dudley Page Reserve
Dudley Page Reserve in Dover Heights is a popular lookout that offers a stunning view of the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.
The park has an open, elevated layout, providing an unobstructed panorama of the city, albeit from a distance.
From here, you can watch the sunset behind Sydney’s skyscrapers, creating a classic Harbour backdrop.
8. Luna Park
Luna Park is always a fun place to visit, but it’s especially enjoyable in the evening when the lights come on and the sun sets in the west.
That said, you don’t necessarily need to go inside the park to enjoy the sunset.
Instead, take a walk along the Lavender Bay shoreline, where you’ll find stunning Harbour views as dusk settles over the city.
9. Manly Cove
On a warm summer evening, a stroll around Manly Cove is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day in Sydney.
The area around the ferry wharf on Manly’s western side is always lively, especially on clear days when the sun sets in the distance.
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay in the late afternoon and head to Manly for a relaxing evening, complete with a sunset and dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
10. Observatory Hill Park
A favourite among tourists, Observatory Hill Park is one of Sydney’s most historic and iconic green spaces.
It’s home to several heritage buildings, including the Sydney Observatory, Fort Phillip, and the Observatory Hill Rotunda.
With its elevated position on the north-western edge of the CBD, the park offers a fantastic vantage point for a Sydney sunset.
After the sun goes down, why not explore nearby The Rocks and enjoy a meal and a drink at one of its heritage-listed pubs? Check out our pubs in The Rocks article for inspiration.
11. Bradleys Head
Historic Bradleys Head is a prominent headland on the north shore of Sydney Harbour and a highlight of several coastal walking tracks.
It features the foremast of an old navy ship, installed in 1934 as a monument to all Australian ships lost and sailors killed at war. The site also includes a fortification complex and a scenic amphitheatre.
With its prime location in the Harbour, Bradleys Head offers clear views of the city and the Harbour Bridge, making it a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
12. Sydney Opera House
It may be an obvious choice, but the walking path around the Opera House is a fantastic spot to settle in on a bench and watch the sun go down on a clear summer evening.
For an even better experience, head to Opera Bar nearby, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the sunset.
This popular bar and restaurant offers stunning views of the sun setting behind Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge.
13. Ray O’Keefe Reserve
For a good sunset experience, you don’t necessarily have to focus on the city skyline. In North Bondi, you can watch the sun set behind Bondi’s iconic stretch of sand, creating a stunning backdrop.
Ray O’Keefe Reserve sits on the southern tip of the northern headland of Bondi Bay, also known as Ben Buckler.
Its west-facing position makes it a perfect spot for sunset views, and a popular gathering place on warm summer evenings.
14. Yarranabbe Park
Located in Darling Point along the Sydney Harbour foreshore, Yarranabbe Park is one of Sydney’s finest parks.
While it may not have the best facilities, it offers fantastic views of the Harbour and city skyline, especially in the evening when the sun sets in the distance.
The park is a highlight of the walk between Rushcutters Bay and Rose Bay and is easily accessible by car or bus.
15. Clovelly Beach Car Park
It may not be the most obvious sunset spot, but the Clovelly Beach car park offers fantastic views over Gordons Bay and south towards Coogee Beach.
The southern end of the car park, which is part of the Bondi to Coogee Walk, is a great place to settle in for a sunset on a clear evening.
After the sun goes down, head into nearby Coogee for dinner at one of its many restaurants or pubs.
