Chasing the sun: The best sunrise spots on Australia's east coast

Sydney, New South Wales

Image: Destination NSW

Sydney's world-famous icons look good in any light, but catch them in the early hours and there's something magical about them. Start your day with a breathtaking backdrop as the sun splits the sky and awakens this beautiful city (though you'll probably find many already starting their day with a run along the harbour foreshore). Be sure to have your camera in hand to snap one of Sydney's iconic harbour vistas at daybreak.

Where to stay: YHA Sydney Harbour

Cape Byron, New South Wales

Image: Tourism Australia

There are few sights more jaw-dropping than that of the sun ascending over the rugged unspoilt coastline of Byron Bay. The vicinity of Cape Byron Lighthouse (the easternmost point of mainland Australia) is the perfect elevated spot from which to take it all in, so set an alarm, take the short walk up the hill and watch Mother Nature put on a show at dawn. 

Where to stay: YHA Byron Bay | YHA Cape Byron

Snapper Rocks, Queensland

It doesn't get much more Australian than watching talented surfers doing their thing. And when you combine it with a spectacular sunrise, it's fair to say that you can almost feel the magic. There are plenty of great surf spots to on Australia's East Coast to get your fix, but Snapper Rocks on Queensland's Gold Coast, the location of the Australia Quicksilver Pro, is perhaps one of the best. Renowned among surfers for its wicked long barrel waves and attracting some of the best in the business, here you'll not only witness golden pink sunbeams at dawn, but likely some seriously world-class surfing as well. This is a sunrise definitely worth an early alarm.

Where to stay: YHA Coolangatta

Mount Coot-tha, Queensland

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Situated a short distance west of Brisbane-proper and forming the eastern extent of the Taylor Range, lies Mount Coot-tha – 287 metres above sea level. A favourite vantage point for its impressive city views, Mount Coot-tha offers the most outstanding sunrise spectacle over Queensland's capital while she still sleeps, with the rising sun's sparkling rays rebounding off the urban sprawl below like a strobe. Try to arrive nice and early – with its heightened elevation, the sun crests the horizon a little earlier than the officially billeted sunrise time will tell you. 

Where to stay: YHA Brisbane City

Frenchman's Beach, Queensland

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Tucked into the north-eastern side of North Stradbroke Island, Frenchman's Beach is a gorgeous place to sip your sun-up coffee as you gaze out over the rolling waves of the Coral Sea. It's magnificent experience worthy of standing up the hair on the back of your neck. Remember those worries you had? Gone. This place is truly a paradise-found representing all that is incredible about this great land, and locals and visitors alike revel in the radiance of dawn here each morning with a walk, surf or swim timed for the light hitting their skin. You should too.

More great spots to catch an Aussie sunrise

It's not just the places above that have the monopoly on sunrises. There are so many incredible spots across Australia to welcome a new day, including: 

Echo Point (Blue Mountains), New South Wales

Marvel at the Three Sisters at sunrise, with the Echo Point Lookout offering up spectacular views as the day dawns over the valley. Nearest YHA is YHA Blue Mountains.

Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales

Grab your torch and hike to the summit (18km return) of Australia’s tallest peak to catch the different colours of the mountains appearing at first light. Nearest YHA is YHA Thredbo.

Sunrise Beach, Queensland

This immaculate stretch of sand is nestled just south of Noosa, the picturesque hub of Queensland's Sunshine Coast region. The name should tell you everything you need to know. 

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

With so many lookouts over this stunning ancient land, you’ll get a true taste of Indigenous Australia. 

Uluru, Northern Territory

See one of the Natural Wonders of Oceania glowing as the sun ascends into the sky from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the main sunrise viewing area for Uluru.

Apollo Bay, Victoria

Nothing beats a beach sunrise. With the waves lapping at the shore, kick off the start to your day with a stroll along the shoreline of Apollo Bay Beach. Stay at YHA Apollo Bay Eco.