Best Spots To Watch Sunrise In Melbourne

Sunrise is one of the most beautiful sights one can see. Aside from being the most important element of our lives, there is nothing more relaxing and magical than a sunrise. Sunrise is the symbol of hope, a new beginning, and positive vibes. You can see a sunrise from a variety of places, but you can’t deny the fact that location plays a significant role in enhancing the moment’s amazing beauty.

If you’ve landed on our page, you’re probably looking for the best sunrise spots in Melbourne. Whether you are a tourist, photographer, or sunrise lover looking for the best sunrise point in Melbourne, this list of sunrise spots will surely make your sunrise sighting an unforgettable experience. So get ready and set your alarms because we’ve compiled a list of the best sunrise places in Melbourne to help you witness this alluring natural phenomenon.

1. Brighton Beach

At Brighton Beach, encounter the lovely orange hues as the sun unfolds over the horizon of the sea. It is situated along the beaches of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. This lovely beach is well-known for its colourful beach boxes, pure sandy beachfront, and breathtaking views of the sea and city skyline. In this area, you will find an array of 82 colourful and identical bath boxes positioned along the shore. Tourists and locals keep coming to this beach in order to see the exquisitely decorated bathing boxes. If you enjoy beaches and sunrises, this location can provide you with the most memorable sunrise views. After watching the sunrise view, you can also witness the bright sun at the beach and enjoy water activities such as swimming, surfing, yachting, etc.

Name	Brighton Beach
Address	134 Esplanade Brighton, VIC
How To Reach By Car	The beach is located 11 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's central business district. You will arrive at your destination in around 20 minutes if you are travelling by car.
How To Reach By Train	From Flinders Street Station, you can also catch the train to reach Brighton Beach Railway Station within 20 minutes.
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	During winter, you can witness the sunrise at - 07:24 am
Opening hours	24 hours, everyday
Social Profile	Facebook
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	Middle Brighton Baths, Skydive Melbourne Rippon Lea Estate, Brighton Beach Hotel
Contact Number	+61 3 9599 4444

Google Review – “Very peaceful and beautiful beach, I love the decoration of each house. You can get a very nice view of both the beach and the city skyline when you walk all the way to the end of the beach. The neighbourhood is lovely and there are lots of nice places to eat nearby.- Lily

2. Shrine of Remembrance

The next place on the list where you can see the sunrise is the Shrine of Remembrance, also known as ‘The Shrine’. Situated in King Domain on St. Kilda Road It is a war memorial built to honour the men and women who served in World War I. Here you will also see over 800 artifacts from the 1850s. This iconic war memorial is not only a popular historical site but also offers a perfect spot to catch the sunrise. The Shrine’s elevated position on St Kilda Road offers a perfect view of the city, and when the sun rises behind the building, it creates a striking and majestic scene. You will definitely love the view of the sunrise here, along with exploring exhibitions and past history.

Name	The Shrine of Remembrance
Address	Birdwood Ave, Melbourne 3004
How To Reach By Taxi	Taxi is the fastest way to reach The Shrine from Melbourne central station.
How To Reach By Tram	Another good way to get from Melbourne Central Station to The Shrine of Remembrance is to take the Line 6 tram.
How To Reach By Train	You can take the train departing from 8-Melbourne Central Station/Swanston St station that will take you to 19-Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd.
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	07:24 am During Winters
Opening hours	Monday - Sunday (10 am-5 pm)
Social Profile	Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Skydeck, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne, P.J. O'Brien's
Contact Number	03 9661 8100

Google Review – “A beautiful tribute to the Australian Armed Forces. I walk around the shrine daily with my dog, before we walk around the botanical gardens. A peaceful place to watch the sunrise and view the hot air balloon’s that depart from Faulkner Park. Just a stunning shrine from the outside and informative and very interesting museum on the inside. – Dene-Marie Middleton”

3. Royal Botanic Garden

This vast garden, which is situated on the outskirts of the city, is home to 8,500 different plant varieties, zen lakes, and luscious grass. With hundreds of square meters of natural flora, this garden makes the list of the best sunrise spots to witness the sunrise in Melbourne. You can choose a place by the lake or lush greenery to watch the sunrise while enjoying the natural surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden. After watching the sunset, you can always explore the variety of plant collections and take a leisurely walk in the garden. Don’t forget to witness this garden, one of the best camellia collections in the world, which features more than 950 different varieties. Additionally, the National Herbarium of Victoria, which accommodates more than 1.5 million plants, algal, and fungal specimens, is also located in the Royal Botanic Gardens. As one of Melbourne’s most beautiful locations, the Royal Botanic Gardens is an excellent place to start your day.

Name	Royal Botanic Garden
Address	Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, Melbourne 3141
How To Reach By Bus	To get to the Royal Botanic Garden, take Route 605 (Melbourne Observatory/Birdwood Avenue).
How To Reach By Tram	Take Routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, and 72 (Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd)
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	7:21 am During Winters
Opening hours	Monday - Sunday ( 7:30 am – 5:30 pm )
Social Profile	Facebook, Instagram
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne Observatory, National Gallery of Victoria
Contact Number	+61 3 9252 2300

Google Review -“We did a free walking guided tour of the beautiful gardens. Been here many times over the years but the tour was an eye opener. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, we saw so much and learned a lot, yet so much more to see, and this is in winter! Free tours on daily, check the website and register. Ended with a yummy brunch at Terraces cafe serenaded by noisy birds.” – Anna V

4. Twelve Apostles

Next on the list, we have “The Twelve Apostles”, located along the Great Ocean Road, which is a natural wonder of Australia and one of the most breathtaking sights to witness. Although a bit outside of Melbourne, this iconic location is worth the trip to experience the sunrise. As the first rays of light emerge on the horizon, the limestone stacks and cliffs are bathed in warm, golden hues, creating a truly unforgettable and awe-inspiring moment. Make sure you wake up early to see the spectacular dawn in this location, as it will be well worth it. Additionally, you will have the rest of the day to explore and stroll along the Great Ocean Road once you have seen the dawn. Sunrise at the Twelve Apostles is a must-watch for any nature lover or photography enthusiast if they are visiting Melbourne.

Name	Twelve Apostles
Address	Great Ocean Rd & Booringa Rd, Princetown VIC 3269, Australia
How To Reach By Train	The best way to reach the Twelve Apostles is by taking the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Station.
How To Reach By Car	If you are travelling via car, you must go through Geelong and the Great Ocean Road to get to the Twelve Apostles.
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	7: 30 am During Winters
Opening hours	Monday - Sunday (10:00 am - 5:00 pm )
Social Profile	Facebook
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	London Bridge, Port Campbell National Park, Gibsons Steps, Grassroots deli cafe,
Contact Number	+61 3 8427 2002

Google Review – “The Twelve Apostles are collections of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. It took nearly 3 hours drive to get there. But the view is magnificent, and as time goes by, they will vanish one by one. Therefore, you better seize the time! Furthermore, the Twelve Apostles are located on the traditional lands of the Eastern Maar peoples. – Alex”

5. Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1,000 Step)

Feeling athletic, take these 1000 steps, which are around 2.8 kilometres away from witnessing the greatest sunrise. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a fantastic option. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you will surely love this place. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you to the top of One Tree Hill, where you can witness the sunrise amid the beauty of the Australian bush. As the sun emerges over the horizon, the surrounding landscape is bathed in soft morning light, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are a traveler or looking for a beautiful picnic spot to enjoy time with your family, this place will definitely not disappoint you. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to connect with nature and start the day on a refreshing note, this place is a must visit.

Name	Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1,000 Step)
Address	Tree Fern Gully Track, Tremont, VIC 3785, Australia
How To Reach By Train	Travel from Melbourne's CBD to Belgrave Station by train. From there, take a taxi, Uber, or local transport to reach the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. Alternatively, from Upper Ferntree Gully Station, head east and walk towards Burwood Highway for a kilometer to reach the park's entrance.
How To Reach By car	If you prefer driving, then you can take the car to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. It's approximately a 45-minute drive from the CBD to the Dandenong Ranges.
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	6: 25 am During Winters
Opening hours	NA
Social Profile	Facebook, Instagram
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	Dandenong Ranges National Park, Puffing Billy Railway
Contact Number	+61 131963

Google Review – “The effort you put in to get up the 1000 steps is worth it. Even if only for the view you get when you get to the top. Not exactly the easiest of walks, so pack your walking shoes. Lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the quiet that nature has to offer. – Ceda Young”

6. Princes Pier

Last but not least on our list of places to see the best sunrise in Melbourne is Princes Pier. Located in Port Melbourne, Princes Pier is not only a historic landmark but also an ideal location to watch the sunrise over Port Phillip Bay. The pier stretches into the bay, providing a clear view of the eastern horizon. As the sun rises, it paints the sky with beautiful hues, and the old wooden structure of the pier adds a touch of charm and feel to the scene. Photographers particularly love this spot for its picturesque views and unique setting. So if you are a photographer, you will surely get a perfect shot for your collection here. Overall, If you love watching the sunrise, this place will surely guarantee a great start to your day. After appreciating the beauty of nature, you can move on to enjoy some delicious dishes at the best restaurants.

Name	Princes Pier
Address	Pier St, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia
How To Reach By Tram	Taking a tram is a popular way to get to Princes Pier from the CBD. Tram routes 109 and 1 go to Port Melbourne, which is close to Princes Pier. You can catch the tram from Southern Cross Station to reach Princes Pier
Entry Fee	N/A
Sunrise Time	7: 21 am During Winter
Opening hours	Monday - Sunday (6:00 am - 10:00 pm )
Social Profile	Facebook
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Cooks' Cottage, Mr Lawrence at the London, Third Wave Cafe
Contact Number	NA

Google Review -“Princes Pier is a 580 metre long historic pier on Port Phillip, in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The pier was constructed between 1912 and 1915 by the Melbourne Harbor Trust to supplement the adjacent Station Pier. Access to this place is using Melbourne tram route 109 from beacon Cove station. Beautiful location and great surrounding views – Joydip Sinha”

7. Albert Park Lake

If you’re seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience for your sunrise experience, the next on the list is Albert Park Lake. Nestled just south of Melbourne’s bustling city centre, this picturesque location offers a delightful escape into peace while remaining easily accessible to all. As the sun starts to rise, the calm surroundings of Albert Park Lake come alive with a mesmerizing play of colours. The soft hues of pink, orange, and gold paint the sky, casting a magical glow on the water’s surface. The mirrored reflection of the sky in the lake creates a stunning symphony of light and shadow, making it a photographer’s dream and a soul-soothing experience for anyone who loves the beauty of nature.

Name	Albert Park Lake
Address	Albert Park VIC 3206, Australia
How To Reach By Train	Taking a tram is the easiest way to get to Albert Park. Services are frequently accessible. Belgrave, Upfield, and Werribee are a few of the train lines that stop close to Albert Park Lake.
How To Reach By Car	Albert Park is around 4 km from Melbourne, therefore, getting there by car will only take you about 4 to 5 minutes.
Entry Fee	Free
Sunrise Time	7: 21 am During Winter
Opening hours	Open 24 hours
Social Profile	Instagram
Direction	goo.gl/maps
Nearby Attractions	National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Skydeck, Vinetrekker Wine Tours, South Melbourne Market
Contact Number	(03) 8427 2010

Google Review -“Such a lovely trail with a pretty lake view. I like to come here during my work break and it makes me feel so at peace. There are a few benches dotted around the trail if you want to just sit, relax and enjoy the view.– Mandie L.”

Conclusion

There are several beautiful places in Melbourne where you may see a sunrise. The above-listed locations can accommodate a variety of interests, whether you want a peaceful and calm garden setting, historical landmarks, coastal beauty, or a mix of natural and urban environments. You can begin your day by watching a beautiful sunrise at each spot since each offers a distinctive experience. To record these priceless moments, don’t forget your camera and check the sunrise timing in advance. You can plan your sunrise trip at any of the locations and enjoy a memorable trip.

Best Spots To Watch The Sunrise In Melbourne 2024