Chase The Sunset: Best Spots For Golden Hour On The Sunshine Coast

There’s nothing quite like the unfurling of a picnic rug and the trickle of cool wine into a glass as the sun slowly dances towards the horizon. When you find yourself in one of the most picturesque locations in the country, it’s only natural to want to enjoy the day for as long as possible. Savour the sunset with friends, family or your own thoughts at one of these iconic Sunshine Coast spots.

Our favourite local sunset spots

Mount Coolum

Admire the natural light show with a 360-degree view atop Mount Coolum. Standing 208 metres above sea level, the trek up this ancient volcanic dome will ensure you earn that stunning sunset panorama. Just make sure you leave enough time to return safely to the carpark before it gets dark. Not in the mood to climb a mountain? Tread the flat timber trail of Coolum Boardwalk instead. Find the right spot and you can watch the sun dip behind Mount Coolum while surrounded by native flora and salty sea air.

Glass House Mountains National Park

Whether you want to test your fitness on the rugged peak of Mount Ngungun or stick to ground level, there are plenty of spectacular sunset views available in the Glass House Mountains National Park. Take your pick of walking trails, from short strolls to challenging rock scrambles. Dusk also offers plenty of native wildlife spotting opportunities – look out for eastern grey kangaroos and whiptail wallabies. The nearby Wild Horse Mountain Lookout is another great spot for golden hour.

Maleny-Montville lookouts

There is no shortage of scenic viewpoints in the Maleny-Montville area. With the advantage of being around 400 metres above sea level, getting that little bit closer to the sky makes any of these a fantastic sunset option. Choose from McCarthy’s, Gerrards, Balmoral Ridge or Howell's Knob Lookouts to appreciate a fleeting moment amongst the sunset hues.

Lake Baroon

Sitting between Montville and Maleny, Baroon Pocket Dam (Lake Baroon) is a peaceful spot to enjoy the sun’s descent. After a day of boating, fishing, swimming (in designated areas), canoeing, kayaking, walking, mountain biking and birdwatching, it’s a beautiful sight to witness the sunset blaze across the water. Crank up the BBQ or bring a picnic to savour the moment. Keep in mind the area closes to the public from sunset, so be ready to make your exit before dark.

The Bluff, Alexandra Headland

Alexandra Parade is one of those epic ocean roads that has drivers rubbernecking the entire ascent from Alexandra Headland to Mooloolaba. Nab a parking spot and haul the picnic basket over to The Bluff: a narrow slice of grass that offers views of coastal perfection. Turn your back on the passing traffic and watch the last of the day’s surfers dancing on the ocean in the fading light.

Photo credit: Andrew McInnes Photography

Point Cartwright Lighthouse

The 17-metre-tall ocean mural splashed across the water reservoir on Point Cartwright hill is hard to miss. Make ‘Subsurface’ your guide as you stroll up from La Balsa carpark and find a grassy patch to perch on. Views from one side of the hill stretch from the mouth of the Mooloolah River and The Spit to Mooloolaba Beach, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore. From the other side, you can check out all the beach hotspots from Buddina down to Moffs. The perfect place for an ocean vista twilight.

Currimundi Lake

A fixture on many young families’ activity rosters, Currimundi Lake is loved for its shallow, sheltered waters and surrounding vegetation. The coastal lagoon sits at the mouth of Currimundi Creek and changes shape on almost every visit, making it an ever-evolving gift. Bring a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, or simply enjoy a float as the sunset casts its fiery kaleidoscope across the sky.

Bulcock Beach

Caloundra is a popular place for shared sundowners at the end of a long day. Grab a takeaway from one of the many nearby cafes or restaurants, or BYO picnic, and enjoy views across Pumicestone Passage and out to the Glass House Mountains. Bulcock is a relaxing spot for a late afternoon paddle and the perfect gathering place for a twilight tipple.

Need a local brew to match your sunset view?

The Sunshine Coast is abundant with local tipple-makers. Check out some of our favourites: