Inner-City 

Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer one of the best views in Brisbane so this is naturally top of the list when looking for sunset spots. We suggest packing a picnic or snagging one of the free barbecues for dinner and an evening 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 also a spectacular vantage point for sunset surprises. From this little park on the cliff’s edge above Howard Street Wharves, it’s easy to frame up the Story Bridge. Set up your camera tripod and wait for the sunset to turn the skies above Brisbane spectacular shades.

New Farm Park 

This riverside park is great any time of day but it’s a gorgeous spot to relax and watch the sunset, especially during jacaranda season. Throughout November, a brightly coloured sunset intensifies the colour of the jacarandas dotted around the park. Bring a lawn game and get in a round or two before your attention is stolen 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 the city. Fortitude Valley is home to MAYA Mexican, Soko Brisbane, Iris Rooftop above Hotel X and Cielo Rooftop. 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. 

Northern Suburbs

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. Watch on as the different hues reflect and refract the water.

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.

Western Suburbs

The University of Queensland

Everywhere you wander in this sprawling campus offers an equally stunning sunset view. Watch the light glisten on the water of the Brisbane River or the campus’s 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. 

Mt Coot-Tha Lookout

Although this lookout is most famous for a Brisbane sunrise, visiting Mt 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 and watch as Brisbane says goodbye to the day.

Southern Suburbs

Mt Gravatt Lookout 

This unsuspecting lookout is somewhat of a hidden gem, closely guarded by locals. It faces north-west towards the city centre 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 city 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. 

Eastern Suburbs

Wynnum and Manly 

Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, soak up the water views as you stroll along the esplanade and watch the sky turn a rainbow of dusky colours. We suggest grabbing dinner from a local fish and chip shop and setting up for a picturesque picnic along the water.

Cleveland Point Lighthouse 

At just 12m tall, this hexagonal wooden shiplap lighthouse is so cute we just want to hug it. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and is wildly popular with photographers. You can extend your visit by dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant across the road or order takeaway fish ‘n’ chips and snare a park bench for the ultimate in 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, there’ll probably be a few doggos around happy to receive your pats.

Islands

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. After the sun sets behind the headland, wander down to the jetty to see a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins enter the shallows. If you’re a guest of the resort, you can even feed the dolphins.

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 fresh seafood from around town and a beverage or two to enjoy a 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.

Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

Walk the steep 700 meters up a paved pathway and be rewarded with breath-taking 360-degree panoramic views across Pumicestone Passage, the Glasshouse Mountains and Bribie and Moreton Islands. One benefit of doing this in the evening means it won’t be as hot and the landscape will be bathed in dusky colours as it fades to night.

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 centre. Emulating the style of old band rotundas, the lookout affords distant views out to the mountain ranges on a clear evening.