The best places to watch the sunrise in Sydney

What better way to start the day than by watching Sydney transform at golden hour? From sky-high luxury suites to coastal walks and secret headlands, here are the top places to see the sunrise.

Destination NSW

Apr 2025 -

min read

From a hot air balloon

Where: Camden

It’s hard to imagine a more breathtaking way to experience the sunrise than from the cloud-grazing basket of a hot air balloon. Balloon Aloft Camden lets you drift peacefully above the tranquil scenery of southwest Sydney’s farmlands and villages at dawn, so you can witness the sun emerge over the horizon, illuminating the landscape from the Pacific Ocean to the Blue Mountains and the CBD.

Observatory Hill

Where: The Rocks

Take an early morning stroll in The Rocks and walk up to Observatory Hill. Stand in the rotunda or find a patch of grass on the slope and watch as the historic precinct below and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are enveloped in the morning’s soft golden light.

Observatory Hill, Millers Point

Glebe Foreshore Walk

Where: Glebe

Join fellow sunseekers in Sydney’s Inner West along the Glebe Foreshore Walk, stretching from the Sydney Fish Market to Bicentennial Park. Hit the trail at dawn to catch a picturesque Sydney sunrise, with the city skyline offering a stunning backdrop. Take in the view of the Anzac Bridge over Blackwattle and Rozelle bays before wandering up the hill to enjoy breakfast at one of Glebe Point Road’s many buzzing cafes.

ANZAC Bridge, Pyrmont

Shangri-La Sydney

Where: CBD

The suites at five-star Shangri-La Sydney offer next-level views of the city so you can witness the world waking up below. From the comfort of your bed, you can indulge in the hotel’s delicious breakfast or choose to slip into the freestanding tub as you watch the watercolour wonder of the sky shifting from night to day, illuminating the Sydney Opera House.

Sunrise, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Hornby Lighthouse

Where: Watsons Bay

When the sun hits the historic Hornby Lighthouse in the early morning, the scene is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse stands proudly overlooking South Head, not far from Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. Follow the South Head Heritage Trail and enjoy the panoramic views of the rugged headlands and the ocean.

Morning view from South Head in Watsons Bay, Sydney East

South Head, Watsons Bay

Bondi Beach

Where: Bondi

No trip to Sydney is complete without experiencing the iconic Bondi Beach. With approximately 2.5 million yearly visitors, this spot at sunrise is not only spectacular, but slightly less crowded than later in the day. In summer, the sun rises just to the right of Ben Buckler headland, casting a golden glow over the ocean and early morning surfers. Once the sun is up, enjoy an early morning swim, stroll along the coastal walk or join a local yoga class.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Where: Palm Beach

Built in 1881, the heritage Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a must-see Sydney attraction, renowned not only for its rich history but also for its stunning location at the tip of Palm Beach's Barrenjoey Head. Perched 91m above sea level at Sydney's northernmost point, the view extends across Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Central Coast, and it looks even better at dawn.

Sun rising over Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach

Cockatoo Island

Where: Sydney Harbour

While you could catch the first ferry at 6.15am to Cockatoo Island in hopes of glimpsing part of the glorious sunrise over Sydney Harbour, opting to camp (or glamp) overnight ensures you won’t miss a moment. It’s one of the best places to watch the dawn break behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Family relaxing and enjoying their stay at Cockatoo Island's waterfront campground, Sydney Harbour

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Bronte Baths

Where: Bronte

Just over a kilometre south of Bondi, Bronte offers equally stunning sunrise views, encompassing the Pacific Ocean, with the bonus of fewer crowds. For a truly idyllic experience, watch the sunrise from Bronte Baths, a sheltered, ocean pool tucked against the southern headland.

Bronte Baths, Bronte

Balls Head Reserve

Where: Waverton

This hidden gem is just a short stroll from Waverton Train Station in Sydney’s north. The harbourside headland is home to the historic Coal Loader, which has been developed into parklands and a Centre for Sustainability. The view encompasses the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Goat Island and the CBD skyline. Watch the sun peek through the bridge at dawn, then explore the Coal Loader Tunnel, see the community garden and have breakfast at the Coal Loader Cafe.