We're big fans of golden hour over here – after all, what's not to love? There's something breathtakingly calm and beautiful about that magical moment just after sunrise or before sunset when a warm, soft glow descends over everything. Also, it's a truth universally acknowledged that everyone looks good in a photo taken at golden hour. Trust us – it's science (actually, don't quote us on that).
And while we know Victoria is home to some epic sunrise and sunset spots, how do we stack up against the rest of country? Sure, there's some stiff competition – hello, Noosa and Margaret River – but we're stoked to report that two of our most famed attractions have made the list of Australia's best.
Australian technology retailer, Becextech, set out to find the top ten golden hour locations across the country. They gathered Pinterest data for Australia’s most popular sunrise and sunset spots, looking at the number of pins, reactions and repins to create a final score.
The golden glory was awarded to one of our most sought-after tourist hot spots, the Great Barrier Reef, which claimed the title of Australia's most picturesque golden hour location. As the sun dips below the horizon, the skies over the reef melt into hues of orange, pink and red. This casts a shimmering reflection over the clear turquoise water, making the vibrant coral colours truly come alive.
Coming in red-hot at third is none other than the 12 Apostles. While there may not be 12 left (shhh, don't tell anyone but there's only eight remaining), there's no denying it's a must-see for both locals and tourists alike. And best of all, a new $9.2 million viewing platform has just opened – so you can snap the perfect pic right as the sun hits the limestone stacks.
And it wouldn't feel right if the Great Ocean Road didn't make the list, so we're pleased to say the spectacular stretch of coastal road is the fourth entry on the list. There are ample vantage points along the winding tourist route to catch golden hour in all its beauty, with some of our faves being Teddy's Lookout in Lorne and Marriners Lookout in Apollo Bay. Pack your camera and let the scenery do the rest.
Australia’s magical stretches of coastline truly shine during golden hour, with popular spots like the Coffs Harbour and Noosa Main Beach all ranking in the top six. Other notable sites featured include Kings Canyon in the NT, Thredbo in NSW and Mooloolaba in Queensland. You can see the full list below.
Here are the 10 best golden hour locations in Australia:
1. Great Barrier Reef, QLD
2. Margaret River, WA
3. Twelve Apostles, VIC
=4. Coffs Harbour, NSW
=4. Great Ocean Road, VIC
6. Noosa Main Beach, QLD
=7. Kings Canyon, NT
=7. Thredbo, NSW
9. Lancelin, WA
10. Mooloolaba, QLD
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