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

Maritime landmark The Southport Spit isn’t just a favourite for local fishermen throwing in a line.

But make your way to the permanent sand spit that separates Southport Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean at sunrise, and you’ll see one of the district’s best vistas. Budding photographers can’t afford to forget their camera; the jetty and its population of local fishing fans make excellent subject matter.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Set forth on an adventure in the hinterland, where World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park resides. There’s no better guide to the area than ecotourism pioneers O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

After a day spent traversing the natural landscape, watch the sunset over the western McPherson Ranges, from one of 48 self-contained villas perched on the hillside.

Skypoint Climb

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better viewing station of the sunrise or sunset than SkyPoint Climb.

The adventurous offering is not for the faint of heart, guiding you 270 metres into the air above the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise, one of the tallest towers in the country. Take in 360-degree views of the Gold Coast and its surrounds before descending to the comfort of level 77 and the SkyPoint Observation Deck.

Snapper Rocks

Wave haven Snapper Rocks isn’t just home to reliable swell and one of Australia’s best known surfing competitions, but the beach is often the place to view one of the Gold Coast’s best sunsets.

Get settled on the sand for the show, or better yet take to the neighbouring Snapper Rocks Surf Life Saving Club, on the beachfront, to enjoy the sunset with a cold brew in hand.

Rick Shores

Foodies will already be all too familiar with Rick Shores. Sitting on the Burleigh beachfront, the eatery isn’t only considered one of the best fine diners in the country but boasts impressive views to the ocean beyond.

Sit back with a Asian-inspired feast (including the famed bug rolls), and a wine in hand, and toast to the sunset.

Currumbin

Further south you’ll greet Currumbin, where river greets sea. After a day stand-up paddle-boarding Currumbin Alley, or learning to surf in the shallows, make your way to Elephant Rock. The rocky outcrop offers an impressive vantage point for the sunset, courtesy of its views of Surfers Paradise in the distance.

Those who prefer the comfort of a seat can head slightly further afield to the equally beachfront Currumbin Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Surfers Paradise

What better way to welcome the sunset then with a fruity cocktail in hand. The beauty of Surfers Paradise now being home to a bustling metropolis of high rise towers is that a bevy of these boast outstanding views onto the coast.

Sit back in one of the many rooftop bars to take in the sunset; Nineteen at The Darling, The Island and QT Gold Coast are some of the well-recognised stand-outs.

Burleigh Hill

It’s in Burleigh Heads you’ll find Burleigh Hill; the undisputed champion in terms of prized picnic locations. Locals gather here morning, noon and night to socialise and swim, but you’ll find that it’s just before the sun sets that the hill is overrun with residents, arriving with eskys in hand, to take in the view and watch the surfers at play.

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