The best places to watch the sunrise in Sydney

Observatory Hill, The Rocks

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

Observatory Hill, Millers Point

Glebe Foreshore Walk, Glebe

In the Inner West, locals walk and run along the Glebe Foreshore Walk around Bicentennial Park. Hit the trail at dawn to catch a classic Sydney sunrise edged by the city skyline. Pause across from Anzac Bridge and enjoy the spectacle of this modern structure protruding through the shimmering sunrise.

ANZAC Bridge, Pyrmont

Shangri-La Sydney, CBD

Wake to a stunning sunrise high above the harbour in luxurious surroundings. The suites at the five-star Shangri-La Sydney have the best views in the city. Feast on breakfast in your luscious bed or slip into the freestanding tub and look out over the city as the sky transforms into gold and reflects off the water and the Sydney Opera House.

Sunrise, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Hornby Lighthouse, South Head

When the sun strikes the Hornby Lighthouse in the early morning, it’s a breathtaking scene. The iconic red and white striped lighthouse is not far from Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. Take the South Head Heritage Trail and enjoy the sweeping views of the headlands and the ocean.

South Head, Watsons Bay

Bondi Beach, Bondi

You can’t visit Sydney without experiencing Bondi Beach, and it’s boldly beautiful and a little less crowded at dawn. In summer, the sun rises to the right of Ben Buckler headland, painting the ocean and early morning surfers with glints of gold. Have an early morning swim, stroll the coastal walk or join a local yoga class.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach

Built in 1881, the heritage Barrenjoey Lighthouse is an iconic Sydney attraction, as much for its history as its stunning location at Palm Beach's Barrenjoey Head. Positioned 91m above seal level and sitting at Sydney's most northern point, the vistas are simply breathtaking, overlooking Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Central Coast. They only look better at dawn.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

While you can catch the first ferry (6.15am) to Cockatoo Island in hopes of catching at least part of the glorious sunrise over Sydney Harbour, its guaranteed if you glamp overnight. Its one of the best places to watch dawn break behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Bronte Baths, Bronte

Just over a kilometre's walk south of Bondi, the sunrise views from Bronte are just as spectacular – encompassing the surrounding Pacific Ocean – but without so many crowds. Take it in from Bronte Baths, a sheltered, ocean-fed pool tucked beneath the south headland (an added bonus: entry is free).

Bronte Baths, Bronte

Balls Head Reserve, Waverton

The hidden gem is a short stroll from Waverton Train Station in Sydney’s north. The harbourside headland is home to the historical Coal Loader, which has been developed into parklands and a Centre for Sustainability. The view takes in 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 Coal Loader Cafe.

Balls Head Reserve, Waverton