Inner-City

Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer one of the best panoramic views of Brisbane and is an incredibly popular sunset spot. Whether you settle in at the top or the bottom of the cliffs, we suggest packing a picnic or barbecue goods for dinner and a natures light show as you watch the sunset paint the sky and the city a thousand shades of orange and pink.

Wilson Outlook

Wilson Outlook, one of Brisbane’s hidden gems, is a spectacular vantage point for sunset surprises. From this little park on the cliff’s edge above Howard Street Wharves you can easily set up your camera to capture the sun set behind the Story Bridge.

New Farm Park

This riverside park shines at any time of day but it’s a gorgeous spot to relax and watch the sunset, especially during jacaranda season in November. Bring a lawn game for a friendly round or two, and then settle in as your attention is captured by the light display in the sky.

Rooftop bars

Enjoy a balmy Brisbane evening and a stunning sunset view from one of the many rooftop bars dotted throughout Brisbane. Fortitude Valley is home to MAYA Mexican, Soko Brisbane, Iris Rooftop above Hotel X and Cielo Rooftop or Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm. If you're in Brisbane City, head to Sixteen Antlers, a rooftop bar above the Pullman and Mercure Hotel with views across King George Square and beyond. South of the river is The Terrace, a rooftop bar perched atop Emporium Hotel in South Bank while LINA Rooftop is just around the corner. Or find the rooftop named perfectly as Sunsets Rooftop in Woolloongabba.

North Brisbane

Woody Point Jetty

Woody Point Jetty conveniently faces south, making this one of the only points in the area where you can see the sunset over the water as you face west. Sit back and take it all in as layers of colour ripple across the water surface, reflecting the changing colourful hues of the sky.

Shorncliffe Pier

Stretching 350m out into the water of Bramble Bay, the iconic Shorncliffe Pier is Brisbane’s largest (and most picturesque) timber pier. Wander to the end and look back at the setting sun or look forward to the bay and watch the sunset ripple on the water.  

West Brisbane

Mount Coot-Tha Lookout

Although this lookout is most famous for a Brisbane sunrise, visiting Mount Coot-Tha’s Lookout at sunset is just as delightful and relaxing at day’s end. Sit back with a cheese board on the grassy hill or dine at The Summit Café & Restaurant and watch as Brisbane says goodbye to the day.

The University of Queensland, St Lucia

Everywhere you wander in this sprawling campus, an equally stunning sunset view can be seen. Watch the light glisten on the water of the Brisbane River or the campus tranquil lakes, see the impressive shadows cast on the lawn of The Great Court or admire the spectrum of colour as the historic sandstone buildings change hue.

East and South Brisbane

Mount Gravatt Lookout

This unsuspecting lookout is somewhat of a hidden gem, closely guarded by locals. It faces north-west towards The City so drive or hike the gentle trail to the summit for a stunning suburban sunset.

Highgate Hill Park

This sloping pocket of greenery sits at the top of Dornoch Terrace and at 62m above sea level, offers uninterrupted views of Brisbane’s skyline. Roll out the picnic rug or take a seat in the heritage gazebo at the park’s apex to watch the sun’s rays light up the city’s buildings as they dip.

Wynnum and Manly

Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, soak up the water views as you stroll along the esplanade and watch the sky shift into a rainbow of dusky hues. Pick up dinner from a local fish and chip shop and settle in for a picturesque picnic along the water. 

Regions

Redlands Coast

Mount Cotton

Mount Cotton rises gently over a national park and koala conservation area, offering a stunning elevated vantage point to watch the sunset.  For a livelier way to see out the day, head just down the road to Sirromet Winery, where you can catch the sunset over rolling vineyards with a glass of local wine in hand for the perfect blend of golden-hour views and relaxed ambience.

Cleveland Point Lighthouse

At 12m tall, the hexagonal wooden shiplap lighthouse is a favourite spot for sunset watching a popular subject for photographers.  Extend your visit by dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant across the road or order takeaway fish ‘n’ chips and snare a nearby park bench for relaxed waterfront dining.

Wellington Point

Wellington Point has a pier of its own and is also a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Watch the sky turn a lavender purple as the sun sets over the bay and if you’re lucky, low tide brings about a natural sand pathway out to the walkable King Island.

Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah

Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah also faces west, allowing you to watch the sun set over the mainland. Grab some local fresh seafood and a beverage or two to enjoy the full island experience. 

Scenic Rim

Haigh Park, Lake Moogerah

Want to watch a reflecting sun set over a completely still lake? That’s what you’ll find at Lake Moogerah. The city lights don’t reach this piece of rural paradise so pitch a tent and enjoy the spectacle then continue to stargaze late into the evening.

Lake Maroon

Only a short way away from Moogerah, you’ll find the same spectacular sunset views reflecting over Lake Maroon. It also has designated camping areas so why not catch a sunrise the next day too? 

Tamborine Mountain 

Tamborine Mountain is a must-visit destination and staying for its sunset view is essential. Take a blanket, camera and all your day trip essentials and set yourself up at Hang Gliders Lookout or Rotary Lookout for breath-taking sunset views. Watch the hang gliders launch off the side of the mountain and see them floating above you as the sky burns from orange to black.

Morans Falls 

A postcard-perfect view awaits at Morans Falls in Lamington National Park. Found in the Green Mountains area, you’ll have to embark on a 4.6km walk to reach this lookout but we promise the sunset views are worth it.

Moreton Bay region

Lake Samsonvale

There’s something magical about sunsets over lakes. Watch dusk fall over the mountains from Bullocky Rest at Lake Samsonvale. There is no shortage of picnic tables, shelters and barbecues to make your trip more relaxing.  

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

Watching the sun set over the water is not a luxury often afforded on the east coast of Australia but because Tangalooma Island Resort and the western side of the island faces the mainland, you can watch the glowing sun drop below the horizon, right before your eyes. 

Ipswich

Queens Park

Lions Lookout provides sunset-seekers with an unmatched vantage point in the picturesque Queens Park to watch the setting sun light up Ipswich’s historic city. Emulating the style of old band rotundas, the lookout affords distant views out to the mountain ranges on a clear evening.