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Chase the Light: The Best Spots to Catch a Sunrise or Sunset in Tasmania
Chase the light across Tasmania’s most stunning sunrise and sunset spots.
There’s a quiet magic to the way light dances across Tasmania’s wild edges. From mist-veiled highlands to wind-sculpted coasts, the island offers a sublime stage for both dawn and dusk. The best ones never feel scheduled—they’re stumbled upon, chased down dusty tracks or caught in the hush before the world wakes. You’ll find yourself pulling over on a whim, or lingering longer than planned, wrapped in the kind of light that makes everything feel a little softer.
A secret the island only shares when you’re really paying attention. These are the places where Tasmania’s light puts on its best show.
Bicheno Beach
Bicheno’s main beach is a laid-back beauty where sunrise paints the sky in soft pastels over the ocean. Early risers might spot penguins retreating to their burrows or waves crashing dramatically on the rocks at The Blowhole nearby. It’s a great place to start the day with a peaceful walk, warm coffee in hand, and golden light dancing on the sand. Bonus: the lack of crowds means you often get it all to yourself.
Bicheno, Tasmania
Mount Amos, Wineglass Bay
For those chasing a truly epic sunrise, the Mount Amos climb delivers. The hike is steep and rocky, but reaching the summit rewards you with jaw-dropping views over Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. As the sun breaks the horizon, the granite beneath your feet glows orange, and the sea below lights up in blues and golds. Go early and only in good weather — it’s not a hike to attempt in the wet, but worth every step when conditions align.
Mount Amos Track, Freycinet, Tasmania
Bathurst Harbour
Bathurst Harbour is where the world slows, offering a sunrise or sunset experience unlike any other. As dawn breaks, the still waters catch the first light, casting a soft glow across the rugged peaks and ancient forests. By sunset, the sky explodes into fiery hues, reflected perfectly on the water’s surface, creating a moment of rare beauty. Accessible only by boat or plane, this remote sanctuary feels like a secret whispered by nature itself, an unfiltered slice of Tasmania’s wild heart.
Southwest National Park, Tasmania
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kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Towering above Hobart, kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers panoramic views that are particularly magical at sunrise or sunset. From the summit boardwalk, watch the city, Derwent River, and distant mountains glow under a golden and pink-hued sky. The light changes fast, and if you’re lucky, you might see clouds rolling beneath you like a sea of mist. Dress warmly — even in summer, the summit can be icy — and arrive early to catch the best pre-sunrise or sunset light.
Pinnacle Road, Hobart
Arthur River and the Tarkine Coastline
At the wild edge of the world, Arthur River and the Tarkine Coastline serve up rugged, wind-blasted beauty. The sunsets here are powerful — often dramatic, with crashing surf, shifting clouds, and glowing skies over untouched landscapes. Known as “The Edge of the World,” this is where Tasmania’s west coast meets the full force of the Southern Ocean. It feels raw and ancient, and the isolation makes the changing light feel even more profound. Perfect for those craving solitude and spectacle.
Arthur River, Tasmania
Tessellated Pavement
The Tessellated Pavement is a natural rock formation that looks almost man-made, with neat rectangles stretching into the sea. At sunrise, this place turns ethereal — water pools reflect soft pinks and golds, and the light dances across the stone grid. It’s easy to access, just a short walk from the car park, and best enjoyed at low tide when the pattern is most visible. Photographers love this spot for its symmetry and early-morning glow.
380 Pirates Bay Drive, Eaglehawk Neck
Alum Cliffs
These lesser-known cliffs in northern Tasmania offer breathtaking views over the Mersey River and the Great Western Tiers. At sunset, the escarpment catches warm light and glows above the valley below. The walking trail is short and peaceful, winding through eucalyptus and rainforest before opening to a dramatic lookout. It’s one of those places where you can sit in silence, watch the sun go down, and feel completely immersed in Tasmania’s ancient landscape — no crowds, just calm.
Alum Cliffs Track, Tasmania
MACq 01
The best way to experience a truly magical sunrise or sunset at Macq 01 is by staying in one of the rooms with a balcony lookout. Perched over the water, the hotel juts out like a boat docked in the harbour, offering one of the most impressive views of Hobart’s cityscape. As the sky lights up, the scene feels almost timeless, evoking the awe of the first explorers discovering this beautiful harbour. It’s a perfect blend of luxury and history, where nature and city meet in a breathtaking panorama.
18 Hunter Street, Hobart
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Dove Lake
Dove Lake is a dreamscape at sunrise — mirror-like water, alpine peaks, and morning mist combine to create one of Tasmania’s most iconic scenes. When Cradle Mountain reflects perfectly in the still lake, it feels like a moment out of time. The surrounding boardwalk trail offers multiple vantage points, but early morning is ideal for photographers chasing soft light and minimal wind. It’s peaceful, cool, and wildly atmospheric. Visit in autumn or winter for added drama with snow-capped peaks.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Maria Island
Sunrises and sunsets on Maria Island feel otherworldly. Stay overnight to watch the sky light up with no one else around — wombats grazing, waves lapping at the shore, and colours rippling across the sea. Catch sunrise from Darlington’s beach, or challenge yourself with a hike up Bishop and Clerk for a dramatic coastal panorama. With no cars and limited visitors, Maria’s silence enhances every natural detail, making golden hour an experience, not just a view.
Maria Island, Tasmania
The Neck and Truganini Lookout, Bruny Island
One of Bruny Island’s most iconic spots, The Neck offers sweeping panoramic views over the isthmus connecting North and South Bruny. Sunrise here is spectacular, with soft light spilling over the narrow stretch of land, often misted with early morning fog. At sunset, the sky explodes in hues of pink, orange, and purple as the sun dips over the Southern Ocean.
The lookout is easily accessible, and the views are unforgettable, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Bruny Island.
Truganini Lookout, Bruny Island
Kingston Beach
Just a short drive south of Hobart, Kingston Beach offers a relaxed and scenic spot to catch sunrise or sunset, with sweeping views across the River Derwent toward the distant mountains. At sunrise, the sky often glows pink and orange behind the headland, while at sunset, warm light spills over the water and bathes the beach in gold. Popular with locals for morning walks, swims, and paddleboarding, it’s an easy-access gem with a laid-back coastal vibe — perfect for unwinding.
Kingston Beach, Tasmania
Tasmania’s sunrise and sunset spots aren’t just beautiful—they’re transformative. From rugged coasts to serene lakes, each moment captures the island’s wild spirit, leaving you with memories that linger long after the light has faded. It’s nature, redefined. For more awe-inspiring Tasmanian experiences, explore these incredible national parks and discover the best spots to witness the island’s stunning wildflowers.
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