Best spots to catch a Brisbane sunset

18 JANUARY 2023

Have you been lucky enough to witness one of Brisbane’s epic sunsets? Wherever you find yourself in the city as the sun dips down, you’re sure to be wowed by a vibrant colour display of pink, orange, yellow, purple and red hues. Check out our sundowner’s guide to the best spots in Brisbane to enjoy the last of the sun’s rays.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Inner-City 

Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer one of the best views in Brisbane so this is naturally top of the list when looking for sunset spots. We suggest packing a picnic or snagging one of the free barbecues for dinner and an evening light show as you watch the sunset paint the sky and the city a thousand shades of orange and pink.

Wilson Outlook 

Wilson Outlook, one of Brisbane’s hidden gems, is also a spectacular vantage point for sunset surprises. From this little park on the cliff’s edge above Howard Street Wharves, it’s easy to frame up the Story Bridge. Set up your camera tripod and wait for the sunset to turn the skies above Brisbane spectacular shades.

New Farm Park 

This riverside park is great any time of day but it’s a gorgeous spot to relax and watch the sunset, especially during jacaranda season. Throughout November, a brightly coloured sunset intensifies the colour of the jacarandas dotted around the park. Bring a lawn game and get in a round or two before your attention is stolen by the light display in the sky.

Rooftop bars 

Enjoy a balmy Brisbane evening and a stunning sunset view from one of the many rooftop bars dotted throughout the city. Fortitude Valley is home to MAYA Mexican, Soko Brisbane, Iris Rooftop above Hotel X and Cielo Rooftop. If you're in Brisbane City, head to Sixteen Antlers, a rooftop bar above the Pullman and Mercure Hotel with views across King George Square and beyond. South of the river is The Terrace, a rooftop bar perched atop Emporium Hotel in South Bank while LINA Rooftop is just around the corner. 

A purple sky and Jacarandas fram the building on the lake at the University of Queensland.
Sunset at University of Queensland

Southern Suburbs

Mt Gravatt Lookout 

This unsuspecting lookout is somewhat of a hidden gem, closely guarded by locals. It faces north-west towards the city centre so drive or hike the gentle trail to the summit for a stunning suburban sunset.

Highgate Hill Park 

This sloping pocket of greenery sits at the top of Dornoch Terrace and at 62m above sea level, offers uninterrupted views of Brisbane’s city skyline. Roll out the picnic rug or take a seat in the Heritage gazebo at the park’s apex to watch the sun’s rays light up The City’s buildings as they dip. 

Eastern Suburbs

Wynnum and Manly 

Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, soak up the water views as you stroll along the esplanade and watch the sky turn a rainbow of dusky colours. We suggest grabbing dinner from a local fish and chip shop and setting up for a picturesque picnic along the water.

Cleveland Point Lighthouse 

At just 12m tall, this hexagonal wooden shiplap lighthouse is so cute we just want to hug it. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and is wildly popular with photographers. You can extend your visit by dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant across the road or order takeaway fish ‘n’ chips and snare a park bench for the ultimate in waterfront dining. 

Wellington Point

Wellington Point has a pier of its own and is also a spectacular spot to watch the sunset. Watch the sky turn a lavender purple as the sun sets over the bay and if you’re lucky, there’ll probably be a few doggos around happy to receive your pats.

Islands

Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

Watching the sun set over the water is not a luxury often afforded on the east coast of Australia but because Tangalooma Island Resort and the western side of the island faces the mainland, you can watch the glowing sun drop below the horizon, right before your eyes. After the sun sets behind the headland, wander down to the jetty to see a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins enter the shallows. If you’re a guest of the resort, you can even feed the dolphins.

Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah also faces west, allowing you to watch the sun set over the mainland. Grab fresh seafood from around town and a beverage or two to enjoy a full island experience.

Scenic Rim Brewery in purple sunset.
Scenic Rim Brewery
A distant shot of a couple sitting on a tree trunk on a beach