Calling all early birds! Hoping to catch a stunning sunrise on the Gold Coast? There’s something magical about that moment the sky is lit with colour and the ocean reflects pretty pastels as the day begins. Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect perch to sit and watch a golden, glowing sunset? We’ve gathered some local knowledge on the best spots to catch nature’s spectacular daily show.
Best Spots to Watch Sunrise on the Gold Coast
Snapper Rocks
Start your day with sunrise at Snapper Rocks - one of the Gold Coast’s most popular surf spots. At first light, early surfers are already in the water, facing the Easterly glow as they wait for their wave. Watch the spectacle from the sand at Greenmount Beach or head up the hill to Point Danger to admire the coastline stretching north to the skyline of Surfers Paradise, glinting gold in the reflected light.
Currumbin
For one of the most stunning sunrises on the coast, head to Currumbin’s Elephant Rock, accessed by climbing the steps to Currumbin Beach Vikings Durf Life Saving Club (keep going past the entrrance and up some more steep stairs). You’ll feel like you’re king of the world as the sun makes its daily debut - be sure to keep an eye out for whales out to sea between July and October.
The Spit
On the most northern end, head to The Spit and stand on the jetty to watch the sun share her first few rays. You may even catch a prawn trawler or two making its way back into port through the choppy seaway.
Tallebudgera Creek
Dawn at Tallebudgera, water laps the oyster-encrusted pylons of Tally Creek Bridge. The creek itself, which normally gurgles with activity, is dead quiet at this hour, the water calm and clear as glass. The north shore of the creek is fringed by the rainforest of Burleigh National Park, where walking tracks weave through the trees (the view from the look out on top is unbeatable). On the south side, walk parallel to the creek towards the sea wall where you can watch the dawn break over the Pacific and the Gold Coast coastline stretching from Surfers to Coolangatta.
Best Spots to Watch Sunset on the Gold Coast
Burleigh Hill
It’s dusk at Burleigh Hill. The last few surfers are paddling in, Rainbow Lorikeets screech in the trees and down below people stroll the beachside walking path with dogs and prams. Groups gather on picnic blankets on the gentle grassy slope that leads down to the sea, and the pine trees that perch atop are silhouetted against the fading sky. With sweeping views northwest, towards the Hinterland and Surfers skyline, this a magnificent spot to spend the last hour of the day.
Binna Burra Lodge
Embrace the tranquillity of nature, indulge in scenic beauty, and immerse yourself in the spirit of Binna Burra Lodge in Lamington National Park. Head to the site of the old lodge at the end of the day to witness the sun sinking behind the mountain ranges - it’s literally breathtaking. Alternatively, you can enjoy the same view from the bed or balcony of Binna Burra’s tiny home accommodation, Tiny Wild Houses.
Moonlight Crag
Up at Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat team will take you to their secret sunset spot at Moonlight Crag. Offering one of the best sunsets on the coast, marvel at the breathtaking sight as the sun sinks behind the The McPherson Range painting the sky and surrounding landscape in pretty pastel hues.
Restaurants & Bars With The Best Sunset Views
Horizon Sky Dining
Welcome to the iconic buffet dining experience where every seat is the best seat in the house. Horizon Sky Dining is Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, perched on the 26th floor of the newly refurbished Crowne Plaza in Surfers Paradise. Book a dinner buffet dinner for a show stopping sunset that you’ll get to see from every angle - it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the belly!
Location: Crowne Plaza, 2807 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
La Luna
Savour a sundowner and modern Mediterranean cuisine at this luxe waterfront restaurant and pool club at Marina Mirage. With views of luxury vessels, the sparkling Broadwater and the distant hills of the Hinterland, La Luna is an extremely aesthetic venue... especially at sunset.
Location: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
SkyPoint
You can’t beat the view from SkyPoint - it’s at the top of the tallest building in the city. Enjoy the panoramic vistas along with some quality cocktails and scrumptious food at SkyPoint Bistro & Bar on Level 77. Wine and dine as the sun sets, or you’re feeling adventurous, take on the SkyPoint Climb for a spectacular sunset experience with added thrills.
Location: Level 77, Q1, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Currumbin Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club
Vikings Surf Lifesaving Club is perched right next to Elephant Rock (mentioned in the sunrise spots) and when you dine here, you’re sitting so close to the water it feels like you’re on a ship. Tuck into tasty meals accompanied by sweeping views of the coastline and Hinterland with soothing soundtrack of the waves - perfection.
Location: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Fancy your food with a view? Check out Gold Coast's rooftop bars.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.