The best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Sydney

Situated on the northern most edge of Sydney Harbour and 11km from the city, North Head has a fantastic panoramic of the harbour and Sydney skyline, making it the perfect sunset (or sunrise) watching spot. Head up there with a zesty takeaway and a chilled bev and watch the city turn pink. Make sure you're there for when the city's lights switch on, and pro tip: keep an eye out for bandicoots. 

Parramatta River was an important food source and meeting point for the Burramattagal, Toongagal, Wallumattagal, Wangal, and Wategora peoples before colonisation. It is also a pretty incredible place to watch the sunset. Think brilliant colours, bold pinks and glimmering light. 

Located smack-bang on the water along the historic Pier One in Walsh Bay, Pier Bar offers gorgeous views of Sydney Harbour plus a prime spot to watch the flaming orange sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Drawing inspiration from the rich marine history of Pier One – which was built in 1912 as a seafood and entertainment heaven – Pier Bar serves fruity cocktails and seafood as fresh as if it were just plucked from the sea.

Come on down from 5 to 6pm weekdays to snap up the golden happy hour with $12 cocktails and $2 oysters, plus DJs will be hitting the decks on Fridays and Saturdays.

For wild views look no further than America Bay. An hour drive from Sydney's CBD, this location requires a one kilometre walk each way and is rocky terrain (so proceed with caution). But once you're there, the sunset can't be beat. Just make sure you walk back before it gets dark. 

For a sunset with a swingin' '60s twist that overlooks all (and we do mean all) of Sydney, you can't go past Bar 83. For rotating spectacular views, cocktails and eye-popping decor, this venue is an excellent place to park yourself for the big star's descent down.

Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel faces west, but yet (plot twist) you're seated facing over the water. This curious combination makes for a stellar sunset spot in Sydney. Grab an Aperol and take in the pretty lights. 

This sprawling rooftop bar on the 12th floor of the Hyatt Regency Sydney was designed to mimic the aesthetic and vibe of a superyacht, water-view sunsets included. The west-facing space looks out across Darling Harbour and the rooftops of Pyrmont, with the peaks of the ANZAC Bridge cutting their silhouette into the sky. Arrive here an hour or so before sunset and you can watch the city’s sky turn from amber to navy with a Martini in hand, and if you visit on a Friday or Saturday, there will be a DJ on site to soundtrack your night once the sun has set.

Sitting up on Observatory Hill is a good decision for any keen sunset hunter. With panaromic views across Sydney city and the harbour, this gorgeous spot elevates you above the wilderness of the Sydney metropolis. A popular proposal and wedding photo spot, this rounded corner of Sydney is one that deserves attention. 

For deep gold light, eye-watering visuals and crazy water reflection action head to Manly Cove at around 5pm. Snaffle hot chips, perch yourself on the low stone wall and try spot a fairy penguin (or two). 

Snaking along the shoreline all the way to the end of Johnson Street in Annandale, this Glebe waterside park offers one of the best views of ANZAC Bridge and is a perfect place to lay out a picnic spread and watch the dogs gambol, the sun set and the lights of Sydney's CBD illuminate.