Discovering the most amazing sunrise spots in Melbourne is not just about wanting to see something beautiful; it’s about taking the time to enjoy the stunning views that make the city special. Melbourne, known for its unique skyline, becomes a canvas for nature’s art when the first sunlight graces its buildings. Picture warm shades of yellow and orange spreading across the sky, making Melbourne look stunning—and trust us, there’s no arguing with that! The great thing is that you don’t need to be in a specific place in the city to catch this incredible sight; you can enjoy it pretty much anywhere. It’s like watching a natural miracle right before your eyes.
For those who love early mornings, we have put together a list of the best spots to catch the sunrise in Melbourne. It’s an hour of warmth, bliss, and pure morning joy that you won’t want to miss.
1. Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles is located in Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, which is a must-see spot about 4 hours away from Melbourne City. When you visit this place, you will be treated to a beautiful sunrise with the sky all lit up in pastel colours. For an extra special experience, hop on a helicopter to get a bird’s-eye view of the Twelve Apostles, the star attractions of The Great Ocean Road. These limestone stacks, shaped over time by the patient hand of erosion, stand as a testament to nature’s unparalleled artistry. When the first sunlight hits the view during sunrise, it’s something you can’t put into words. The lookout is open 24/7, all year round, so you can enjoy the different faces of this amazing place wherever you go.
| Name | Twelve Apostles |
|---|---|
| Address | Great Ocean Road & Booringa Road, Port Campbell, Victoria 3269 Australia |
| Opening Time |
Tuesday: Open 24 Hours Wednesday: Open 24 Hours Thursday: Open 24 Hours Friday: Open 24 Hours Saturday: Open 24 Hours Sunday: Open 24 Hours |
| Sunrise Time | 6:15 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
2. The Royal Botanic Garden
Catch the beauty of sunrise from a cosy spot at the Royal Botanic Garden in Melbourne. After soaking in the sunrise, take a stroll through the garden, where you will find an impressive 8,500 types of plants all around. Friendly guides are there to help, telling you all about the plants and how they are used for food, medicine, and making places look pretty. And it’s not just a morning thing – the garden is a fantastic spot for a chill afternoon picnic with its peaceful lake and colourful lawns. Families with children will love it too, as there are cool outdoor shows and movies to enjoy. The Royal Botanic Garden is a surefire way to have a fun and lovely day out for everyone.
| Name | The Royal Botanic Garden |
|---|---|
| Address | Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens |
| Opening Time |
Tuesday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Thursday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Friday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Saturday: 7:30 am to 6 pm Sunday: 7:30 am to 6 pm |
| Sunrise Time | 5:54 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
3. The Shrine of Remembrance
Make sure to put the Shrine of Remembrance on your list of places to visit for a beautiful sunrise view and a meaningful look into military history. It’s on the big lawns of Kings Domain Gardens and serves as a tribute to the Victorians who served in World War I. Tourists often enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the steps or the green grass, and there’s a special sculpture where the first sunlight hits the shrine just right. Adding to the reverence, the site is vigilantly guarded by military-trained personnel, enhancing the sense of respect and gratitude for those who served. So, besides the lovely sunrise, you get a chance to connect with history and show respect to those who served.
| Name | The Shrine of Remembrance |
|---|---|
| Address | Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia |
| Opening Time |
Monday: 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday: 10 am - 5 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 5 pm Thursday: 10 am - 5 pm Friday: 10 am - 5 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm |
| Sunrise Time | 6:03 AM |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
4. Albert Park Lake
If you want to catch a beautiful sunrise in Melbourne, head over to Albert Park Lake. Enjoy the calm morning vibes with a cup of tea while you watch the sun come up. Take a leisurely 5 km walk around the park and you will likely come across people strolling their pets and joggers enjoying the morning. The natural scenery is lovely, and there’s more to do here, like sports, hitting the gym, and trying out the aquatic centre with lots of water activities. And if golf is your thing, there’s a golf club too! So, whether you like a peaceful walk, playing sports, or just soaking in the sunrise, Albert Park Lake has something for everyone to kickstart a great day.
| Name | Albert Park Lake |
|---|---|
| Address | Albert Park Lake, 34 Lakeside Dr, Albert Park, VIC. |
| Opening Time |
Monday: Open 24 Hours Tuesday: Open 24 Hours Wednesday: Open 24 Hours Thursday: Open 24 Hours Friday: Open 24 Hours Saturday: Open 24 Hours Sunday: Open 24 Hours |
| Sunrise Time | 5:55 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
5. 1000 Steps Walk
The 1000 Steps Walk in Melbourne is like a special place to catch the sunrise. It’s not just a walk, but a cool adventure to see the sunrise in a unique way. As you climb the 1000 steps, it’s like a journey with nature. The air smells fresh with eucalyptus, and you can hear leaves rustling quietly. Each step you take builds up excitement. When you reach the top, you get this amazing view of the city waking up in the gentle morning light. The 1000 Steps Walk mixes exercise with the beautiful sunrise, making it a really awesome spot for those who want to feel connected to the city and nature at the same time.
| Name | Walking the 1000 Steps |
|---|---|
| Address | Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and the Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully. |
| Opening Time |
Monday: 6 am - 9 pm Tuesday: 6 am - 9 pm Wednesday: 6 am - 9 pm Thursday: 6 am - 9 pm Friday: 6 am - 9 pm Saturday: 6 am - 9 pm Sunday: 6 am - 9 pm |
| Sunrise Time | 6:03 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
6. Brighton Beach
Are you willing to experience the different shades of the sunrise scene with calm water and a cosy vibe? If yes, then you must visit Brighton Beach and explore it. This place is crowded with tourists and local citizens. You can come across the beautiful and vibrant bathing boxes that are situated on the beach. These colourful wooden boxes catch the attention of visitors. With the presence of these colourful boxes, the beach looks more attractive and affectionate. The deckchairs are also placed at this place to enjoy the sights. You can also enjoy the aquatic activities at this place, such as swimming and surfing. Food accommodations are also available here so after enjoying sunrise you can try some of the best food too.
| Name | Brighton Beach |
|---|---|
| Address | 134 Esplanade Brighton, VIC |
| Opening Time |
Tuesday: Open 24 Hours Wednesday: Open 24 Hours Thursday: Open 24 Hours Friday: Open 24 Hours Saturday: Open 24 Hours Sunday: Open 24 Hours |
| Sunrise Time | 6:11 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
7. Global Ballooning Australia
Take a magical ride with Global Ballooning Australia for an amazing sunrise view in Melbourne. Picture yourself going up in a hot-air balloon, quietly watching the sunrise. The morning sky is peaceful, and you get to see everything below lit up by the warm, golden sun. Riding in a hot air balloon gives you a special view of dawn, showing Melbourne waking up to a new day. The city looks like a wonderland in the soft morning light, creating memories that you’ll remember forever. This cool experience is more than just enjoying the early morning; it feels like a heartwarming journey, a peaceful dance between nature and the city as the sun brings its enchanting light to the day.
| Name | Global Ballooning Australia |
|---|---|
| Address | 30 Dickmann St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia |
| Opening Time | Opens early in the morning (Time varies according to the activity) |
| Sunrise Time | 6:03 am |
| Directions | View on Google Maps |
Conclusion
As the sun rises, it brings a burst of happiness and new beginnings to Melbourne. This city is packed with awesome spots to catch this beautiful sight, like the Twelve Apostles, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Shrine of Remembrance, and more, as mentioned in our blog. These places paint a colourful picture of morning magic. Melbourne invites early birds to explore these spots and soak in the beauty of dawn. This isn’t just about pretty views; it’s about celebrating life and starting each day with a fresh perspective. So, as you head out to welcome the day, let these recommended spots be your go-to places for moments of joy and inspiration as the sun comes up.
