Best places to watch the sunset in South Australia
19 JUL 2024
Mount Osmond, Adelaide Hills
Did you know that South Australia is one of the only places in Australia where you can watch the sunset over the ocean? Catch nature’s nightly light show from one of these westward facing lookouts.
The sunrise – and its eventual set – can be seen around the world. So, what makes sunsets in South Australia so special? Imagine a sky stained with streaks of pink, orange and purple. A horizon seemingly humming with the glow of last light. Clouds lit from beneath, making it feel as though the Earth itself is canopied by fairy floss. Yep, those are just some of the scenes you can expect to see when you catch a sunset in Adelaide or beyond. If the sunset is nature’s masterpiece, then our diverse landscapes and westward facing beaches make for an exquisite canvas, that only enhances the fiery palette of the days’ end. From coastal gems to rugged outback vistas, here are some of the best spots to watch the sun bid adieu in South Australia.
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Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula
Nestled along the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, Port Willunga offers a serene setting for soaking in the sunset's splendour. ‘Port Willy’ is a popular pick for locals – it’s close to Adelaide and offers plenty of space and sand to throw a blanket out and take in the golden hues. Settle in for an oceanside picnic dinner, with a view of the sun sinking into the horizon – silhouetting the famous jetty pillars.
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Henley Beach, Adelaide
One of Adelaide’s most popular city beaches, Henley Beach draws nightly crowds looking to catch one last glimpse of daylight. Stretching along the Gulf St Vincent, Henley Beach boasts golden sands and an uninterrupted view of the horizon, creating a picturesque backdrop for the evening sky. Writer’s Tip: In the warmer months we suggest booking an outdoor table at one of the dozens of restaurants and bars that dot the foreshore here. Grab a cocktail at West Rooftop Bar and bask in the golden hour. Alternatively, see the famous Henley Beach jetty at sunset time from your seat at Ocean Bar and Kitchen.
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Lake Bonney, Barmera
Tucked away in the heart of our river regions, Lake Bonney offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of some of the more popular sunset spots near Adelaide. Just a little over two hours drive from the city, you could easily drive out here for a day of swimming and boating at this serene lake. Alternatively, settle in for the sunset show – without having anywhere to go – when you book a stay at the Lake Bonney Holiday and Caravan Park. With its mirror-like waters, you’ll feel as though you are getting two sunsets for the price of one when the lake reflects the kaleidoscope of colours painted across the sky.
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The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, Coober Pedy
Looking for that iconic outback Australia photo-op? Look no further than golden hour at the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, just outside of Coober Pedy. If you are driving north from Adelaide towards Darwin on the Explorers Way road trip, you’ll drive straight through this rugged Martian-like landscape. The colour palette of the Breakaways – a mix of orange dirt and ochre, red rock – makes for a breathtaking backdrop. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the desert landscape, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a CGI scene from an intergalactic blockbuster.
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Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Flinders Ranges and Outback
It is as though mother nature herself struck a match against these craggy peaks, sparking an orange glow as tangible as firelight come sunset time. Watching the mountainous ranges of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park light up during golden hour is a bucket list experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. As humans, we all know our time is finite. But it can feel everlasting when watching this prehistoric, outback mountain range transform from earthen brown to a vivid pink in a matter of seconds. If you get a good view of the Chace Range you should be able to catch a glimpse of this phenomena, or you can join Rawnsley Park Station’s Sunset On The Chace tour. Nearby, Wilpena Pound Resort also offer a Sunset Spectacular tour that will take you to a local lookout point.
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Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island
Hop on over to Kangaroo Island for a dramatic coastal show. Flinders Chase National Park boasts one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks, as well as some of South Australia’s most iconic sunsets. With coastal cliffs meeting pristine beaches and lush bushland, the evening sees a golden glow cast over Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Whether you're exploring the park's rugged coastline or embarking on a bushwalk through its diverse landscapes, witnessing the sunset in Flinders Chase National Park is a truly unforgettable experience.
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Mount Osmond, Adelaide Hills
Just 15 minutes outside of the CBD lies Mount Osmond, a hidden gem offering panoramic views of Adelaide’s city sprawl. From this elevated vantage point, you get the best of both worlds – the unique beauty of a sun setting over an urban jungle, before watching it disappear behind the ocean horizon. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely hike to the summit or picnicking amidst the tranquil bushland, Mount Osmond provides the perfect setting for a sunset rendezvous. Writer’s Tip: Mount Osmond has been the home of thousands of first dates. This lookout is known for setting a romantic scene, from first loves to fiancés!
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Coffin Bay National Park and Elliston, Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is a western coastline – meaning there are literally dozens of coastal spots to catch a sunset over the ocean. Our two top picks are Coffin Bay National Park and Elliston. If you are wanting to catch the sunset over pristine white sands and calm bay waters, then Coffin Bay National Park will deliver. You might even have some fury friends hop on out and join you for the show! Elliston (a few hours further along this rugged coastline) offers the same outlook but from a different, more dramatic, vantage point. Take the scenic drive that starts from this quaint seaside town and snakes along the sheer cliffs that make-up the edge of the Australian continent. Known as the Elliston Coastal Trail, you have over 13 kilometres of clifftop tracks to stop and catch the last light of day.
Keep exploring nature…
One of the best ways to see South Australia and its incredible sunsets is through self-discovery on a road trip. From the Southern Ocean Drive’s impeccable ocean views to the Epicurean Way’s culinary delights; hit the road and find your very-own South Australian sunset spot.
