Where to catch the best sunrise and sunsets on the Gold Coast

If you’re lucky enough to call the Gold Coast home (which you could with our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 306!), there’s a good chance you’ll live and play by the sun’s movements. 

When the sun wakes up for the day, so too will you, eager to not waste a moment of your new life: There’s always great surf to catch, amazing beachfront breakfasts to be enjoyed, and beautiful scenic walks to take.

Then, when the sun sets in the evening, as you reflect on the beautiful day you’ve just spent, you’ll realise that the day is far from over yet! The Gold Coast still has plenty to offer by moonlight, like an indulgent night of fine dining fare, buzzing night markets, and many waterfront surf clubs for catching up with your fellow locals. There’s also tranquil glamping in the hinterland, after-dark kayaking, theme park thrills under the stars, and so much more to do at night on the Gold Coast.

So, make sure you celebrate all those early morning sunrises and late afternoon sunsets by grabbing yourself the best seats in the house at these spots. Here’s where to go for the best views at sunrise and sunset on the Gold Coast.

Sunrise at Springbrook National Park

For unbelievable views first thing in the morning, you’ll want a good vantage point high up so you can watch the sun cast its rays over all the land. For a sight as spectacular as that, you’ll want to get up extra early and head to one of the many lookout points within Springbrook National Park. If you’re after a quick and easy walk, head along the short 800m return walk through the Antarctic beech forests that make up part of the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforests to the aptly named Best Of All Lookout in the Springbrook Plateau section of the park. One kilometre above sea level, you’ll have views over the extinct Tweed shield volcano all the way out to the ocean. The higher the sun rises, the more it will reveal—it’s a bit of a tease, but it’s so worth taking a seat and just taking it all in, inch by inch! 

Sunrise at The Spit

The early bird catches the best fishing with worms at The Spit, Main Beach. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pop your fishing lines down for a second as the sun rises over the horizon and glistens across the water. A beautiful spot for fishing, swimming or just sitting on the rocks and watching the water lap on the sandy beach, this is such a peaceful spot at sunrise. To really feel amongst the serenity as the sun rises, jump in your Sea Fox 248 Commander boat or Sea-Doo Jet Ski (included in the home lottery) for the best uninterrupted views—and great fishing!

Sunrise at Elephant Rock, Currumbin

This beautiful expanse of beach offers magical sunrise views, with plenty of reason to stick around afterwards. Just as dawn breaks, start by climbing up the stairs of the ancient volcanic rock of Elephant Rock right on the water’s edge. Then, keep enjoying that sunrise as the sun moves higher into the sky as you walk 500 metres north to the famous surf break known as Currumbin Alley to watch the local surfers in action. Grab a coffee at Salt Mill on your way so you can happily sit and stay awhile.

Sunset at Burleigh Hill

After an invigorating day hiking the trails of Burleigh National Park, reward your efforts with a picnic at Burleigh Hill. You’re sure to be amongst good company as this is a popular spot for locals to wind down at the end of the day and take in the stunning sunset colours 80-metres or so above Burleigh Beach. You’re spoilt with water views as well as the Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance, which lights up the horizon as the day transitions from sunlight to darkness.

Sunset at Rick Shores

To really savour one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast, sit down to a chef-hatted meal so close to the water’s edge you can feel the spray of the ocean. As you devour this iconic restaurant’s famous Moreton Bay bug rolls and Pan Asian flavours you can stare in awe at all the vibrant colours that light up the sky at sunset right beside your table. Finish off your night with a stroll along the beach—can life get any better?! 

Ready to be within easy reach of the best sunrise and sunset views on the Gold Coast? Buy your tickets today to win this waterfront Mater Prize Home lottery and wake up every morning and go to sleep every night knowing you’re living your best life. Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support the life-changing medical research and patient care at Mater.

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