The Best Sunset Spots in Sydney: 8 of the Most Magical Locations

As the age-old saying goes, the best things in life are free, and nothing rings more true than witnessing the other-worldly magic of a sunset over our sparkling shores. It doesn't cost a single cent, yet the power and emotion it evokes are beyond priceless.

Golden hour in Sydney is when our Emerald City shines brightest, with sunbeams of orange and red dancing off the harbour waters. And come winter, there's no better way to spend an evening than snuggled up with a best mate or two, pizza in hand and watching this dazzling spectacle do its thing. 

So, if you consider yourself a sunset enthusiast, bookmark this list as we wrap up the best spots in Sydney to watch the sunset.  

Observatory Hill, Sydney

Spend a lazy afternoon at this Millers Point spot. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and head to the Observatory Hill Park for a sunset picnic with an awesome view. While there's a short hike up the hill, it's all worth it for the peace and quiet it offers. What's more, as the sun bids adieu to the day, the city lights up; thus, you get an unparalleled panoramic vista of the city and the Harbour Bridge.

Upper Fort Street, Millers Point

Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney

Every Sydneysider needs to experience a sunset from this vantage point at least once in their lifetime! With uninterrupted views of two of Sydney's biggest landmarks — the Opera Hosue and the Harbour Bridge, it's a true pinch-me location that is steeped in history. 

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, also known as Lady Macquarie’s Chair, was hand-carved from sandstone by convicts in 1810 for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the then Governor of New South Wales, Major-General Lachlan Macquarie. Come at dusk, and we guarantee your jaw will be on the floor. It's like a real-life Vivid. 

Mrs Macquarie's Road, Sydney

Salmon Haul Reserve, Cronulla

With epic views over Port Hacking River towards Bundeena and the Royal National Park, Salmon Haul Reserve in Cronulla is a cracking spot to watch the sun go down. Its landscaped grounds, new playground, and picnic facilities provide a family-friendly setting for a chilled evening. Enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply relax and take in the serene natural beauty of this slice of paradise.

58 Glaisher Parade, Cronulla

Curl Curl Beach, Curl Curl

The beauty of Curl Curl lies in all things natural, from the rocky headlands to the sun-soaked beach to the open parklands. This Northern Beaches suburb also boasts some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets on the peninsula. The best place to experience a Curlie sunset session is to park up on the boardwalk, which overlooks the pool, and soak up the fiery orange hues. 

Beach Street, Curl Curl

North Head, Manly

While Manly is packed with amazing places to watch the sunset (including Manly Cove), the top spot goes to North Head. After extensive refurbishments to champion the views, the Burragula (which means 'sunset') and Yiningma lookouts offer beautiful sunset views of the entire city skyline and dramatic cliff tops.

If you're really lucky, you may even spot a whale breaching between May and November. The Burragula lookout showcases Sydney Harbour, while Yiningma provides a cliffside panorama. Raised for safety, these lookouts offer breathtaking vistas of Sydney like you've never seen her.

Fairfax Walk, Manly

Cremorne Point, Cremorne

Cremorne Point is one of Sydney's best-kept sunset secrets. With its stunning harbour views, lush walking paths, and pristine gardens, it's a pretty special place to watch nature in all her glory. The sight of the sun setting behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House is something you'll never forget. During the warmer months, you can have a swim at Maccallum Pool, which is perched on the edge of the harbour. 

Cremorne Point, Cremorne 

Sydney Park, St Peters

For sunset chasers in the Inner West, Sydney Park in St Peters is a glorious spot to set up camp and watch the sun do her thing. With its expansive green spaces, picturesque wetlands, and elevated hills, it offers panoramic views of the Sydney skyline. Grab some takeaway from one of the many local hotspots nearby, and soak up this buzzing part of our city. 

Sydney Park Road, St Peters 

Grassy Knoll, North Bondi

At the end of Sydney's Bondi Beach is the iconic Grassy Knoll, also known as Biddigal Reserve. A popular spot year-round for tourists and locals alike, its gentle grassy slope makes for an excellent perch to watch the sunset against the unbeatable backdrop of Bondi and the glistening ocean. In summer, you can dip in and out of the water before grabbing some fish and chips and throwing down a picnic rug. 

Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi

Now you're across the best spots to watch the sunset in Sydney, why not keep exploring our city's natural beauty and check out our edit of Sydney's best hikes, then have a look at our round-up of the best picnic spots in Sydney.