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Subscribe Rise and Shine: The Best Places for Sunrise in Sydney
A new day is dawning, and we know just the spots in Sydney to watch this spectacular sight unfold.
Sydney is famous for many things: a sparkling harbour with iconic landmarks, a beach culture that’s envied among those craving the chilled-out life and a food scene that rivals the biggest cities in the world.
But there’s another thing we do better than almost any other place on the planet, and that’s watching the sun peek up behind the horizon to welcome the day. Sydney is a city that comes alive at the crack of dawn (just ask TikTok), with beaches, viewpoints and other sunrise hot-spots the places to be at daybreak.
Whether you’re a frequent early riser, a photography enthusiast or you’re just keen to set your alarm a little earlier to catch a spectacular sight, there are plenty of spots across the city to soak in this breathtaking moment.
Tried and tested by early birds who love to catch the worm, these are some of the hottest spots to catch the best sunrise in Sydney.
Where to Find the Best Sunrise in Sydney
Bondi Beach
Yes, we know it’s cliché, but Bondi Beach is one of the most famous Sydney spots—and it truly shines in the early morning light. Its convenient east coast location means you’ll be able to spot the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean, backed by a soundtrack of waves rolling (and depending on the conditions, at times crashing) onto the shore.
The Bondi to Coogee walk offers stunning panoramic views at this time of the day, but rolling out a towel on the sand with coffee in hand to start the morning is just as acceptable.
Be warned though, that Bondi at sunrise is no secluded spot: you’ll have surfers, runners, swimmers, yoga gurus and perhaps even a few pups as company as you watch the sunrise.
Bronte Baths
Not as well-known as Bondi but just as beautiful, Bronte Baths may just be one of the most photogenic ocean pools in all of Sydney. Frequented by early risers getting in a few laps to start the day, there’s often a moody, misty twist to sunrise here.
Less crowded than its world-famous neighbour, there’s something magical about this spot in the morning, with the baths’ fences and rock formations adding some interesting and creative features to any Insta-worthy snap.
Long Reef Headland
Those on the northern side of the bridge get an epic vantage point for the sunrise show thanks to Long Reef Headland. Beloved by locals for morning walks with their pups, the headland’s unique positioning offers near 180 degree views from Manly to Palm Beach.
When the sunrise coincides with low tide, the shallows and rocks along the shore and marine reserve put on a show, and during the right time of year, a pod of whales or dolphins might also join in on the performance.
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Blues Point
A favourite vantage point for the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks, Blues Point is also the perfect spot to start your day. With uninterrupted views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, you’ll also score the city skyline as a secondary backdrop. Spy the first ferries (and their commuters) zipping across the water, take a picnic rug and a thermos of hot coffee to Blues Point Reserve and soak up the serene view.
Blackwattle Bay
Fancy a bit of an urban twist to your dawn? Blackwattle Bay is the perfect spot to see the city slowly come alive, with the Anzac Bridge and Sydney skyline lit up in the pink and purple predawn light.
While Blackwattle Bay Park in Glebe offers a fantastic vantage point, we suggest taking a stroll along the foreshore to the Fish Markets, which is a hub of activity in the early morning—and the perfect place to grab a coffee.
The Wormhole, Queenscliff
A local secret, this secluded spot is one of the best in Sydney to spy the first rays of the day. Sitting between Manly and Queenscliff beaches, a hidden passageway leads to a beautiful view of the ocean in among the rocks. While it can be a bit of a precarious journey, and can only be accessed at low tide, this spectacular view is well worth the effort.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
If you’re after the most iconic Sydney sunrise shot, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is the place to be for panoramic views of two of the city’s most gorgeous icons. A popular tourist spot, brace for crowds also looking to soak up the city views, but the vantage point is well worth it.
Paired with a brisk morning walk through the Botanic Gardens, this is a morning in Sydney done right.
Loving our tips on the Sydney’s best sunrise spots and feeling inspired to soak up more that the city has to offer? Check out our list of the most romantic bars in Sydney to take date-night to the next level, or try some celeb-spotting at these A-list approved dining destinations.
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