Embrace Golden Hour at The Best Sunset Spots in Canberra
Watch the sky transform into breathtaking shades of orange, purple and pink from the best sunset spots in Canberra - get the camera ready!
There is something magical about Golden Hour, where the buzz of the day quietens and the sky transforms in front of your eyes. Shades of purple, pink, yellow and orange dance across the horizon, and trying to capture the beauty on your phone is the only struggle.
Canberra boasts some spectacular sunsets year-round, and fortunately for sunset enthusiasts, there are lookouts, lakes, hiking trails and picnic spots with unbeatable vantage points to take it all in.
So, next time you want to end the day in the most picturesque way, bookmark this guide to the best sunset spots in Canberra.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
A hike is always easier when you get a reward for your efforts, and if you time your walk up to Mount Ainslie Lookout correctly, a stellar sunset view is your prize.
From the top, you can view almost the entire city and its iconic buildings, and during twilight hours, you might be lucky enough to spot a few kangaroos. Stick around a little longer and watch the city begin to twinkle as night falls.
Mount Ainslie Drive, Ainslie
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin offers multiple viewing spots, where you can lay out the picnic rug and gaze to the sky, with Rond Terrace or Lennox Gardens filling up as the sun begins to sink to the horizon.
You could take in the sunset from the water with a slow paddle on a kayak, or make an evening of it with a GoBoat sunset cruise. Skipper a boat through the water, with your BYO cheeseboard and wine making this a sunset experience you won't soon forget.
If you'd rather your sunset wine served lakeside, Margot Bar Sunday Sessions offer a relaxing spot to watch the sun go down, with curated drops, pizza and chill DJ sets setting the mood for the week ahead.
National Arboretum Canberra
The National Arboretum Canberra is perched high above town, with stunning views of Canberra and beyond. Encircled by green forest, the Arboretum has several walks you can do before stopping to take in the changing sky.
Dairy Farmers Hill is our pick, with 360-degree views of Canberra, the hills and beyond providing a stunning photo op, whichever way you look.
Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
James Turrell 'Within without' Skyspace at NGA
Light is the medium of choice for American Artist James Turrell, and his spectacular permanent sculpture 'Within without' in the Australian Garden at the National Gallery of Australia provides a unique viewing experience come dusk and dawn.
Visit the website for optimal visiting times (sunset is our pick, of course) and enter a large, square-based pyramid with a sky-facing viewing chamber. Look above as the sky shimmers and light is given a dramatic platform to shine - you'll want to bring your best camera for this one.
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
One Tree Hill Lookout
This lookout is only accessible by foot, which makes sense now we know hiking and sunsets go hand in hand in Canberra. The lookout at One Tree Hill is another top spot for a cracking view looking back over the city, though this is one of the longer trails, so a full picnic may not be on the cards.
From top to bottom (including time to take in the sunset) you'll be walking for a couple of hours, but this heavily used and well maintained trail, which is part of the Canberra Centenery Trail, provides a peaceful walk with views that make up for your efforts.
Hall, ACT
Weston Park
Proving that west is best come sunset, Weston Park sits on the western side of Lake Burley Griffin, providing unobstructed views of delightful displays at dusk.
Pack a picnic for dinner and sprawl out on the lush grass to watch as the sun sinks behind the mountains, casting shades of orange and red across the sky on the right day. And, if you're lucky, you may even spot the inquisitive kangaroos who call this park home.
Weston Park Road, Yarralumla
Sunrise with Balloon Aloft
We know this article is all about dusk over dawn, but if you ever feel the urge to wake up with the sun, a hot air balloon ride over Canberra is the definition of spectacular, with a sunrise ride in the ACT being a rite of passage.
Soar through the sky with Balloon Aloft, taking in Canberra’s iconic landmarks and the surrounding valleys and mountains, all swathed in muted early-morning light – trust us, the early rise is worth it.
Has our guide to the best sunset spots in Canberra inspired you to spend more time outdoors? Why not hit up one of the best markets this weekend, or strap on the hiking boots and go for a walk?
