Glorious and Golden: Adelaide’s Top Sunset Viewing Spots
Sunsets are a sight to behold, especially when in Adelaide. From the golden sands of Glenelg Beach to the panoramic views at Mount Lofty Summit, our shining city is one of South Australia’s prime spots for sunset viewing.
We’ll show you the best places to view the sunset in our city!
Hallet Cove Conservation Park
Website: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/hallett-cove-conservation-park
Address: Hallett Cove SA 5158
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Hallett Cove Conservation Park is known for its stunning coastal cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop for sunsets.
The park’s rugged and weathered cliffs create a picturesque scene as the sun dips below the skyline, casting radiant colors onto the massive seaside rocks.
We love watching sunsets from the elevated grounds near the park’s tranquil beach, where we can also catch glimpses of the ancient glacial pavements.
Sunset Secrets: For those who prefer to experience gentle waves while admiring the sunset, make your way to the southern entrance of the park, which grants direct beach access.
Moana Beach
Address: 404 Esplanade, Moana SA 5169
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Our 40-min drive to this coastal retreat was worth it, as Moana Beach’s stretch of unobstructed shorelines gave us front-row seats to nature’s golden curtain call.
For fellow motorists, you may park your car at the beach by paying the $8 access fee.
For this affordable cost, you can secure one of the coziest spots to see the sun’s farewell. Plus, you can enhance your experience by bringing along some picnic snacks!
Sunset Secrets: Don’t forget to consider the weather and temperature, especially if you plan to stay at the beach for an extended period. We suggest dressing comfortably and bringing a light jacket or sweater in case it gets cooler as the sun goes down.
Southport Beach
Address: Port Noarlunga SA 5167
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Southport Beach offers the chance for an outstanding sunset viewing with its beach stairs and breakwater jetty!
Another spot you shouldn’t miss at this Port Noarlunga gem is the sandhill, an upland area with dunes and an unobstructed sightline to the beach.
Why not bring a picnic blanket here and pop some wine to add a dash of romance and class to your afternoon escapade?
Sunset Secrets: Does fishing while waiting for the sunset sound fun to you? If it does, pack your fishing gear and beeline to the breakwater jetty.
The marine world is more active during hours before evening, so there’s a huge chance you might catch your dinner. Trust us, the sunset gets better with free food!
Mount Osmond Reserve
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Sunset at the hilltops of Mount Osmond Reserve looks like something straight out of Hans Heysen’s gallery. Nestled amid native vegetation, this spot offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding suburbs, cityscape, and the ocean’s vast expanse.
We reached this area by following the Burnside walk. Also, good news for rock formation fanatics: along the trails or within the reserve, you may come across rocky outcrops offering platforms for sunset viewing!
Sunset Secrets: Glen Osmond Reserve is a natural habitat for various flora and fauna. Make sure to respect the environment by not disturbing plants or animals and by following any park rules or regulations in place.
Mount Lofty Summit
Address: 266 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, Adelaide Hills, SA 5152
Contact Details: 088370 1054
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Just like at Mount Osmond Reserve, in Mount Lofty Summit, it’s all about embracing the heights and seeking elevated vantage points for an unmatched spectacle of the setting sun.
When it comes to capturing the perfect sunset moment here, there’s no better place than the Summit Lookout. With its safety, tranquility, and unbeatable angles for photo ops, it reigns as the ultimate spot for sunset enthusiasts in Mount Lofty Summit.
Sunset Secrets: As the golden hour approaches, keep an eye out for local wildlife that may emerge from their hiding spots, adding an extra touch of natural beauty to the scene.
We spotted kangaroos, kookaburras, and magpies!
2KW Bar
Website: http://2kwbar.com.au/
Address: 2 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 5511
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
2KW bar is where happy hour meets the sunset. With a rooftop drinking lounge that provides a towering vantage point and some fiery cocktails to go along with the view, this spot is like a glass of Whipped Tropical Sunset—you simply can’t pass up on it!
The rooftop setting is intimate, peaceful, and during sunset, absolutely magical.
Sunset Secrets: Before heading to the bar for sunset viewing, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast. Clear skies and minimal cloud cover can greatly enhance the beauty of the sunset. Plus, you don’t have to pack umbrellas or raincoats, which can be a total buzzkill.
Henley Beach
Website: https://visithenleybeach.com.au/
Address: Henley Beach SA 5022
Sunset viewing is a delight at Henley Beach because of its trendy cafes, relaxed atmosphere, and unspoiled sandbars.
Swing by Rocky Point Lookout, a sandy terrain in Henley Beach’s northern part adorned by rocky outcrops filled with barnacles, algae, and tiny crabs. You can enhance your sunset experience here with gelato or muffins from a nearby café!
We also suggest exploring the weathered timber pilings and experiencing a touch of history at the Grange Jetty Ruins. Just let the northward coastline guide you to reach these rockin’ ruins.
Sunset Secrets: The early bird gets the perfect sunset viewing spot. Henley Beach is a popular destination for sunset viewing, especially during peak season.
Arriving early ensures that you can find a prime spot along the shoreline or on the jetty, where you can enjoy a clear view of the sunset.
Glenelg Beach
Website: https://glenelgsa.com.au/
Address: Glenelg SA 5054
Sunset viewing in Glenelg Beach combines coastal charm with the city’s electric energy. The beachfront promenade is a hub of seaside activities.
Head to the buzzing Mosley Bar and Kitchen to view the sunset with a couple of drinks.
If you prefer something more secluded, we recommend cycling toward the quieter Patawaloonga Creek, a hidden waterway just north of Glenelg Beach. We liked this spot’s silence, but the bugs can be off-putting, so keep in mind to bring insect repellant.
Sunset Secrets:
- The Glenelg Jetty offers a nearer alternative to the creek, one where you don’t have to pedal for over a km, but be mindful of the pelicans or seagulls and mind your step to avoid an unplanned swim!
- For a unique and special experience while sunset viewing at Glenelg Beach, consider taking a dreamy and romantic cruise.
- Several local operators like Temptation Twilight Cruise and Ocean Safari offer boat tours that allow you to witness the sunset from Glenelg’s water.
Skye Lookout
Address: 120 Coach Rd, Skye SA 5072
Our afternoon picnics and sunset viewing moments at Skye Lookout are hard to top.
This grassy vantage point dotted by oak and cypress trees is where you can see Adelaide’s northern suburbs, hills, and the CBD’s western skyscrapers all at once during sunset.
For a more adventurous escapade, try venturing to the Cliffside Outlook. From this steep but lofty viewpoint, you can witness the sunset in all its glory.
The horizon trails will take you here, just prepare for unpaved pathways and hard-to-navigate tracks.
Sunset Secrets: If time isn’t an issue at all, we suggest setting up camp at Skye Lookout and staying until night spreads its twinkling splendor. Skye Lookout is also an ideal place to stargaze and be starstruck!
Waite Conservation Reserve
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/waite-historic/reserve/
Address: Waite Rd, Urrbrae SA 5064
Contact Details: (08) 8313 7405
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 8 pm
We almost ran out of steam before we reached this historic reserve’s highest vantage point, but the 300-m ascent was worth it.
The climb led us to other lookout areas like Bluff Ciff and the Rocky Outlook, where the sunset was also top-tier.
This reserve is less-known. The Waite Conservation Reserve is adjacent to the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus and located 10 kilometers south of the CBD.
Entry points here are at Fullarton Road and Claremont Avenue.
Furthermore, this reserve spans the suburbs of Urrbrae, Springfield, and St. Georges. This area coverage results in astounding sunsets that harmoniously mix nature’s mellow glow, Adelaide’s brilliantly-green pastures, and the suburbs’ architectural wonders!
Sunset Secrets: Consider bringing a pair of binoculars or a telescope here. The reserve’s expansive open spaces and minimal light pollution make it an ideal location for observing celestial bodies during the golden hour and beyond!
Also, take snaps on the reserve’s hilltop swing during sunset. This is a tradition you can’t miss!
