Best Sunrise Spots Melbourne In 2024

Melbourne is Australia’s second-most populated city and the capital of Victoria. It is famous for multiculturalism, events, arts, festivals, and amazing places such as beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, things to do and hiking places. In addition, the city is a wonderful place for delightful cuisine, beautiful sunsets, and very attractive sunrise spots. All of these qualities make this city a must-visit place as it offers its visitors unique and fascinating experiences. Melbourne is one of the top visited and most loved destinations.

It has some of the most exceptional and stunning locations to experience watching the sunrise. Sunrise is not just a beautiful natural phenomenon but can also be quite beneficial for a person’s physical and mental health. Observing the sunrise can greatly decrease stress levels, elevate your mood, enhance focus, provide vitamin D, and reduce the risk of anxiety. Other than the health benefits Watching the sunrise can be a peaceful and wonderful occasion, especially when you have someone to share this moment with, like your friends, family, or the love of your life. This can make these moments more memorable.

For those who are looking for the best places to witness the sunrise in Melbourne, Then below you will find a list of the most remarkable locations, their specialities, and how you can have an unforgettable experience. So get ready to pack your bags, and don’t forget to take the camera to capture these breathtaking moments.

1. Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance, also known as ‘The Shrine, is located in the heart of Melbourne. It is an influential monument that was built by Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop in 1934 for those people who once fought, served, and died for the country in World War I. This is one of the most breathtaking locations to witness the sunrise. It is best to visit this place on ‘Anzac Day’, which is also known as the ‘Day of Remembrance’ and comes every once a year on the 25th of April when marches are held all around the country.

There is a Gallery of Remembrance that contains over 800 photographs, objects, and uniforms that display the Australians at the time of war. Apart from the gallery, there’s also an exhibition that exhibits the people’s history known as ‘the First People’; these are the people who offered their service in the Australian Defence Force. This place is not only a famous historical building but also provides you with a great opportunity to see one of the most amazing sunrises in the city. From this place, you get the perfect view of the city, and the time of sunrise shows an amazing and magnificent scene.

Name	Shrine of Remembrance
Website	shrine.org.
Address	Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/k3fr759jrygWGhVg8
Distance From Melbourne CBD	2.6 km
Opening Hours	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
Phone Number	+61396618100
Nearby Attractions	National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Skydeck, Flinders Street Railway Station

Review on Google – “Must see while is Melbourne, is related to the war and is a good lesson of history. Entrance is free, you can make donations if you want. The best is the superb view from the balcony: botanical gardens and city view as well. Enjoy!” – Born to travel

2. St Kilda Pier

The next spot to catch a beautiful sunrise is St. Kilda Pier. It has been the city’s famous tourist spot for more than a century. St. Kilda Pier was built in the late 1800s, whereas the breakwater wall was built in late 1956 for the Melbourne Olympics. This place is also very well-known for seeing the march of adorable little penguins. There is a wall built to protect the land from the brutal force of the sea waves, which makes it a perfect place for the penguins.

A person can take part in various activities like cycling, roller skating, skateboarding, and rollerblading, or if they want to have some peace, quiet, and relaxing time, the option of fishing is also there. Other than that, you can take in some amazing views and eat at some fancy restaurants that offer different types of mouthwatering foods, drinks, snacks, and desserts. It is the perfect place to have a nice breakfast after watching the beautiful and amazing sunrise. If you are in Melbourne or planning to visit soon, then make sure to mark this place on your to-do list.

Name	St Kilda Pier
Website	parks.vic.gov
Address	Pier Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EpB7r4XLDZ87igC9
Distance From Melbourne CBD	7.7 km
Opening Hours	─
Phone Number	+61361450211
Nearby Attractions	Sandridge Lookout, Luna Park Melbourne, Southbank Lookout

Review on Google – “It’s such a beautiful and serene place, absolutely miss it when I moved away from saint kilda, when I used to go it used to be less crowded but now it was so busy even during the week. Also seen few people leaving their litter.” – Sam Kaz

3. Princes Pier

Princes Pier can be easily recognized by the fascinating wooden pillars. It is located in the Pier St. port in Melbourne and is very famous for being one of the most photographed places. Any visitor who comes to this place could not resist taking countless photographs because of its amazing beauty, especially at the time of sunrise. This place extends over a large area of approximately 580 metres and has a rich history that allows tourists a special chance to experience the past of this place. By taking a walk at this place, one can learn more about its past.

The pier was built between 1912 and 1915. It was used for the new arrival of migrants in Australia. One of the attractions of this place is the Italian restaurant named Ciao Cielo on Bay Street, which is quite famous for its exclusive food. It is an ideal location to watch the sunrise, as it provides you with a clear view of the eastern horizon. People, especially professional photographers, come from all over the place to watch and get a perfect shot of the magical sunrise.

Name	Princes Pier
Website	djsir.vic.gov
Addressv	Pier St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3Z8RhvqUJua185S7
Distance From Melbourne CBD	5.6 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 6 am–10 pm Tuesday: 6 am–10 pm Wednesday: 6 am–10 pm Thursday: 6 am–10 pm Friday: 6 am–10 pm Saturday: 6 am–10 pm Sunday: 6 am–10 pm
Phone Number	─
Nearby Attractions	Waterfront City, Sandridge Lookout, Webb Bridge

Review on Google – “Beautiful Pier to see a sunrise. We were lucky the day was clear, and we got to see a lovely sunrise. I was told that getting parking is usually an issue, but we got a couple 100 m away.” – Ashwini Dhavade

4. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Melbourne. It is an excellent place to watch a beautiful sunrise. This beach is a popular destination among both tourists and locals. It is a stunning beach with crystal-clear water and soft golden sand, and the famous Brighton Beach boxes make it an even more visually attractive location to watch the rising of the sun above the horizon. The beach is a peaceful and quiet place in the early mornings, making it a perfect location for people who want to get away from the noisy city life.

When the sunlight hits the water, it displays a fascinating reflection as the sky starts to light up with the rays of the sun. Additionally, the sounds of the gentle waves crashing against the shore make the moment even more peaceful and magical. Lots of people come to this beach in the early morning to take a morning walk, for jogging, walk their dogs, and especially watch the magnificent sunrise. The cold winds and the refreshing smell of the ocean are perfect to start your day. Brighton Beach is an ideal destination to watch the magical sunrise and start your day.

Name	Brighton beach
Website	brightonbathingbox.org
Address	Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria, 3186
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhKgWzRZUzpKJX4dAJ
Distance From Melbourne CBD	13.7 km
Nearby Attractions	Elsternwick Park, Rippon Lea Estate, Point Ormond Lookout.

Review on Google – “ It is definitely worth a visit! Just bring a jacket when visiting last week of December as it can be chilly. Make sure to have a phone with nice camera for the IG worthy pictures.” – Pearl Joan

5. Melbourne Skydeck

To this point, we know for sure that Melbourne has lots of amazing places to watch the sunrise. We have already discussed some points where you can enjoy the sunrise from ground level, but watching the sun while the city is below your feet will give you an experience on another level. The Melbourne Skydeck, also known as the Eureka Tower, is a building of extraordinary height. Popularly, buildings like these are called skyscrapers. It is about 297.3 metres (975 feet) tall and contains a total of 91 floors.

It is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, providing tourists with a good look at the entire city from an exceptional height. This skyscraper gives you the chance to get a 360-degree view of the city. This Skydeck provides you with various opportunities that allow you to test your bravery by going inside the glass box that expands from the building, and then you can see the city down. This place is famous for watching the sunrise, as it gives people an amazing and unforgettable experience to watch it from a high place.

Name	Melbourne Skydeck
Website	melbourneskydeck.com
Address	7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WZWW5AJTv4jdrn38
Distance From Melbourne CBD	1.9 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 12–9 pm Tuesday: 12–9 pm Wednesday: 12–9 pm Thursday: 12–9 pm Friday: 12–9 pm Saturday: 12–9 pm Sunday: 12–9 pm
Phone Number	+61396938888
Nearby Attractions	Alexandra Gardens, Gillis Alley Street Art, Below Bridge Lookout

Review on Google – “ Gives a good 360 degree view of Melbourne there is one caged viewing platform outside and a glass floor platform (extra cost for going out on glass platform which I didn’t try). There is a bar with drinks & snacks. Seating if you want to sit & enjoy the view to.” – Tracey May

6. Rooftop bar

The next one on our list is a bar that is located in the heart of Melbourne. It is called the Rooftop Bar and has a dynamic and energetic environment with some stunning views, making it a popular place for both tourists and locals. This bar provides you with many different types of drinks, wines, beer, and cocktails, along with some of the most delicious food.

It has cosy seats on the terrace where you and your family can sit comfortably and enjoy your meal. The rooftop bar also has a massive outdoor cinema, so you can enjoy the movies. You can have an extraordinary experience with your friends and family watching the sunrise as the light pierces through the darkness and lightens up the sky with beautiful colours. Don’t forget to check out this amazing place when you take a trip to Melbourne.

Name	Rooftop bar
Website	rooftopbar.co
Address	Curtin House, level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/yjUPgUQ83VUTWKcr6
Distance From Melbourne CBD	1.5 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 12 pm–1 am Tuesday: 12 pm–1 am Wednesday: 12 pm–1 am Thursday: 12 pm–1 am Friday: 12 pm–1 am Saturday: 12 pm–1 am Sunday: 12 pm–1 am
Phone Number	+61396545394
Nearby Attractions	Chinatown Melbourne, Parliament Gardens, Gillis Alley Street Art

Review on Google – “Great atmosphere! Vibey little place overlooking the city & great cocktails! The bar staff were friendly and cool. They put effort into the drinks – it was really nice to see.” – Hannah Smith

7. Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake is an excellent combination of a town’s comfort and the beauty of nature that gives the best experience of sunrise. It is an artificial lake that was made by humans in the year 1864 and was announced as a public park. This lake got its name from Prince Albert and was built in honour of Queen Victoria’s consort. A lot of people come to this place to be involved in various activities such as sprinting, jogging, cycling, strolling, and walking their dogs. It is hard to imagine that this beautiful place used to be a garbage dump and a military camp at some point in time.

This lake park is an essential part of life for people living in the traditional country of Bunurong. Bunurong traditional owners have a strong cultural connection to these lands and waters, which is reflected in this Aboriginal cultural landscape. Albert Park Lake is an inner-suburban oasis that is truly gorgeous and mixes completely with charming nature and tranquillity. This place also hosts big events like the Australian Grand Prix, cycling events, and pet-friendly meetups. As the sun starts to rise, a person gets to see the lovely reflection of the sun and the sky in the lake, which makes the trip worth it.

Name	Albert Park Lake
Website	parks.vic.gov
Address	Albert Park VIC 3206, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZbawGqzafojQjAQT7
Distance From Melbourne CBD	6.7 km
Opening Hours	─
Phone Number	─
Nearby Attractions	Inspiring Vacations, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Review on Google – “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.

8. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a botanic garden that is located in two places. One is in Cranbourne, and the other one is in Melbourne. The garden in Melbourne was made in 1846 and was located on the south side of the Yarra River. It spreads over approximately 94 acres (38 hectares). This garden exhibits more than 50,000 plants that represent 8,500 different species. This makes this garden one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Melbourne.

A person can witness the epic moments when the sun spreads its warm and bright light on the beautiful flowers and plants of the garden, which will surely be a sight to see. After you fill yourself with the positive, hopeful light of the sunrise, you can start enjoying the rest of the wonderful day by taking a walk in the garden. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is also the home of the State Botanical Collection, which is accommodated by the National Herbarium of Victoria. They have a collection of 1.5 million plants that are preserved as algae and fungi, which makes it the largest herbarium collection in Australia.

Name	Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Website	rbg.vic.gov
Address	Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/FiAXSpCuqkk5uvRx9
Distance From Melbourne CBD	3.1 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Thursday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Saturday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm Sunday: 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Phone Number	+61392522300
Nearby Attractions	Inspiring Vacations, Kings Domain, The Fairies Tree

Review on Google – “The garden is amazing. Many smaller thematic gardens with well maintain paths. There are plenty of benches to rest, you can also take a boat and have a nice ride along the lake. Definitely recommend!” – Culture Geek Travels

9. Kings Domain Gardens

Kings Domain is another beautiful garden that is located on Alexandra Ave. For the people of the Eastern Kulin nation, King’s Domain is a very essential part of their lives. It has historical significance because of its connection with the early settlement of Melbourne and the British colonial administration in Victoria. This area did not have any trees in the early years of Victoria’s colonial history. These areas became part of the Domain Parklands in the 1840s. Now this garden has lots of Australian and European trees, displays annual flowers, and contains shrub beds and ponds. It also has a statue that shows the civic functions of Victoria. All of these make it a valuable place to visit and watch a sunrise. There are lots of other things that you can enjoy with your family after watching the sunrise. You can take a walk and see the floral border of the Government House and enjoy the beautiful shrub beds that bloom all year round. There are picnic facilities available in the garden, so you can be sure to have a good time with your loved ones. Other than that, it has drinking fountains, seats, public toilets, and a sports ground. So you can be sure to have a fun time there.

Name	Kings Domain
Website	melbourne.vic.gov
Address	Alexandra Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/EeyHaykZZKSB9EHM6s
Distance From Melbourne CBD	3.19 km
Opening Hours	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
Phone Number	+61396589658
Nearby Attractions	Alexandra Gardens, Below Bridge Lookout, Under The Clocks

Review on Google – “An great spot for fireworks! We were roughly 100m from the spot they were lighting them off. You are also surrounded by the fireworks around the city so you can see all locations!” – Belle R.G

10. From A Hot Air Balloon

The last on our list is an adventurous task that will surely thrill you with excitement. Melbourne has lots of places to get a ride in a hot air balloon, but one of the best options where you can get a thrilling and enjoyable ride is “BalloonMan.” It is located on Bond St., Abbotsford. Visiting this place to get a balloon ride to see the spectacular sunrise will be a chance of a lifetime.

Flying on a hot-air balloon and taking a tour of the city from the sky can give you a memorable experience for sure. The stunning and dramatic views will leave you amazed and will surely help you form some of the best memories for yourself. It also gives you the opportunity to click on some amazing pictures and capture the moments of your fun times. Watching a sunrise from an exceptional height in mid-air as the sunlight cuts through the darkness of the night and spreads beautiful colours by painting the sky with its sunlight.

Name	BalloonMan
Website	balloonman.com
Address	10 Bond St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Directions	https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jti8PZtXwcvgE8a3A
Distance From Melbourne CBD	4.8 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 7 am–9 pm Tuesday: 7 am–9 pm Wednesday: 7 am–9 pm Thursday: 7 am–9 pm Friday: 7 am–9 pm Saturday: 7 am–9 pm Sunday: 7 am–9 pm
Phone Number	+61394270088
Nearby Attractions	Dights Falls, Merri Creek Labyrinth, Model Tudor Village in Fitzroy Gardens

Review on Google – “Such a fantastic way to start the day. Our flight started in Newport, went over the city and then followed the Yarra upstream to Balwyn. Chris has been flying for a long time and his experience shows. A perfect landing right on target!” – Peter Osang

Moreover, for those seeking to explore beyond Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles offer an awe-inspiring sunrise encounter. They’re amazing to see at sunrise. Even though they’re not in Melbourne, they’re definitely worth a visit. Seeing the sunrise here is unforgettable, so it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who loves nature or taking pictures.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are Australia’s natural phenomenon, located on the side of Great Ocean Road. It is one of the most spectacular sights to see. Even though this amazing location is a bit far from Melbourne, it can be a valuable journey as you get to watch the stunning sunrise. When the first ray of sunlight arises on the horizon, the piles of limestone and rocky cliffs get covered in a golden colour, which creates a spectacular view that gives you a unique and unforgettable memory in your head.

To catch this wonderful moment, a person needs to wake up early to witness the magical sunrise, and after that, they will have the rest of the day to enjoy this beautiful location and explore the other areas of the Great Ocean Road. The sunrise in the Twelve Apostles is a great thing to watch, especially if a person is a professional photographer or someone who loves to click photos. This location gives them a perfect opportunity to take some amazing pictures.

Name	Twelve Apostles
Website	parks.vic.gov
Address	Great Ocean Rd & Booringa Rd, Princetown VIC 3269, Australia
Directions	Google Maps
Distance From Melbourne CBD	226.5 km
Opening Hours	Monday: 9 am–5 pm Tuesday: 9 am–5 pm Wednesday: 9 am–5 pm Thursday: 9 am–5 pm Friday: 9 am–5 pm Saturday: 9 am–5 pm Sunday: 9 am–5 pm
Phone Number	+61384272002
Nearby Attractions	Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk, Port Campbell National Park, Gibson Steps

Review on Google – “So beautiful!! Plenty of parking, and a cute gift shop we didn’t expect. The walk says it’s 30 minutes return, but it’s much shorter. It took us maybe 5 minutes to get to the viewing platform, and 5 minutes to walk back. It’s accessible for wheelchairs, too.” – Maddie Lewis

Conclusion

Here, we have talked about some of the most amazing places in Melbourne where a person can watch the beautiful, breathtaking sunrise. Getting up early in the morning to witness the sunrise can provide a person with several physical and mental health benefits. People who wake up early and watch the rising of the sun develop a positive attitude, which allows an individual to enhance their focus powers and do well in their day, work, and other duties.

Each sunrise location in Melbourne presents memorable moments and life-changing experiences. So whenever you are planning your trip to Melbourne, do not forget to explore these sunrise spots to get the best view of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the sun rise later in Melbourne?

The reason for the sun rising late in Melbourne is because of its location. It is 144.96 degrees E in longitude, while Sydney is 151.21 degrees E. The difference between these two is 6.25 degrees in longitude. The sun takes 24 hours to travel through the 360 degrees of longitude around the earth. That makes it 4 minutes per degree of longitude, which means the sun rises in Sydney about 25 minutes earlier than in Melbourne.

Is the sun strong in Melbourne?

The radiation from the sun is stronger than in the Northern Hemisphere. With natural protection against harmful radiation, you can protect yourself from extreme sunlight as well as from sunburn. In comparison to the United States of America (U.S.A.) or Europe, there are much clearer skies in Melbourne, and sun radiation becomes more extreme.

Why is the sun red in Melbourne?

During sunrises and sunsets, the sunlight has to travel through a denser part of the atmosphere, like clouds. It makes the light change colour and look red. The colour is noticeable during volcanic eruptions or other circumstances where the atmosphere gets polluted.

Where is the sunrise first in Australia?

Cape Byron Lighthouse is the first place the sun rises in Australia because it is located on the easterly point of the mainland of Australia.

Which beach in Melbourne has the best sunrise?

Princes Pier is the best beach in Melbourne to watch the best sunrise, as it provides a picturesque view of the ocean as the sun rises over Port Phillip Bay.

Where does the sun rise from Melbourne?

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west in Melbourne, Australia.