Sydney’s Best Sunset Picnic Spots: 7 Places for Good Vibes and Golden Hour Magic
While Sydney's harbour icons and the vibrant energy of its beachside mornings often steal the spotlight, there's a quieter, equally captivating magic that unfolds as the day comes to a close.
If you're anything like me and not always a 'jump out of bed at dawn' kind of person, you'll be happy to know Sydney puts on a stunning evening show - we’re talking sunset picnics by the beach, secluded sandy coves, dramatic mountain backdrops - filled with good vibes, twinkling lights and a beautiful golden hour glow.
While there are plenty of spots covered by popular guides, these are some of my favourite local spots to catch the sky’s golden hour rays over some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
The most beautiful places to see the sunset in Sydney
View of the Barangaroo skyline from Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill: A classic sunset lookout
Location: Millers Point
Getting there: 9 min walk from Barangaroo Station
Why it’s magical:
There’s a reason why Observatory Hill is a popular sunset viewing spot in Sydney. As the highest point in Sydney, it’s a beautiful spot for breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and the surrounding bay.
Bring a snack and sit on the grassy hill for the evening, and watch the boats drive by as the sun goes down and casts a beautiful golden glow across the sky.
You can even see the lights switch on at Luna Park Sydney across the bay, and get a good view of the sunset behind the Barangaroo skyline.
Image credit: Dedokta
Barangaroo Reserve: Sunset with a skyline backdrop
Image credit: Sydney.com
Location: Barangaroo
Getting there: 5 min walk from Barangaroo Station
Why it’s magical:
Much like its neighbour, Barangaroo Reserve is a stunning sunset vantage point of the Harbour Bridge and the bay but with more space, so you have a little more privacy.
This is a better spot for an afternoon into evening picnic with large groups, and you’ll get similar views of the bay and the Harbour Bridge as well as the sunset over the horizon in the west.
Bondi Beach Park: A quintessential Sydney experience
Image credit: Bondi 38
Location: Bondi Beach
Getting there: 10 min bus ride or 26 min walk from Bondi Junction. Paid and unpaid street parking available.
Why it’s magical:
If you’re looking for good vibes, this is the spot for you.
There’s something special about sitting on the grassy hill with cheese and wine, coupled with some good company. Take in everything around you - the waves rolling into the beach, people walking their dogs, people dancing and playing music - and you can understand why Bondi lives on the world map.
If you want to watch the sunset over the horizon, head further along to Biddigal Reserve (North Bondi) for west-facing views.
Milk Beach: A hidden gem
Location: Vaucluse
Getting there: From Edgecliff Station, take the 325 bus. Street parking along Carrara Road.
Why it’s magical:
Tucked away along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk in a quiet bay lies the secluded Milk Beach, a hidden gem and a great spot for swimming and snorkelling and views of Sydney’s skyline.
Come here in the afternoon for a relaxing day in the sun, and witness golden hour over the beautiful city of Sydney.
‘The Office’ (East Esplanade Park): Good vibes on the north side
Image credit: Hello Manly
Location: Manly
Getting there: 5 min walk from Manly Ferry Wharf. Free 2hr parking in Council carparks.
Why it’s magical:
A popular spot during the summer months, East Esplanade Park (or ‘The Office’ as the locals call it) is a lovely, west-facing spot for beautiful sunsets and sunny afternoons by the bay.
Come prepared with snacks, drinks and chairs or a picnic rug!
For those visiting Sydney, it gives you a good reason to take the Manly Ferry across to the other side.
You can explore the Corso, go for a walk from Manly Beach to Shelley Beach for a swim or snorkel, pick up an acai bowl on the way back, before finishing off the day over on the ferry side before you head back into Circular Quay.
The Beach near Sydney Airport: Perfect for plane spotting
Image credit: John
Location: Mascot
Getting there: 303 bus runs along General Holmes Drive - however best accessed by car (free parking).
Why it’s magical:
Because of its location right next to Sydney Airport, this one is extra special for the plane enthusiasts.
It’s perfect for plane spotting and a beautiful sunset combined from the comfort of your own car - bring something to eat (takeaway pizza, burgers, fish and chips) as you watch planes disappear into the sky for a unique sunset experience.
Lincoln Rock (Blue Mountains): A mountain escape
Location: Wentworth Falls (Blue Mountains)
Getting there: Best accessed by car (free parking).
Why it’s magical:
If mountains are more your thing than ocean views, you can’t miss this one. For epic sunset views across a lush valley in the mountains, Lincoln Rock delivers.
While this used to be a hidden gem, it has become quite popular so head there a bit earlier to snag a parking spot and a good vantage point. Bring a jacket as it can get cold in the evenings!
