Melbourne, Australia, is known for its multicultural heritage and mesmerising street art. Not to mention that it’s said to be the coffee capital of the world. On top of all of this, it has also received the title of the most livable city worldwide.
There is so much to do when visiting this beautiful part of Australia. This includes watching the sunset in Melbourne from many spectacular spots. You can even visit the Flinders Street Station Victoria, one of many Australian landmarks you need to visit.
18 Places to Watch the Sunset in Melbourne
If you’re heading to this coastal city sometime soon, you’re going to want to put ‘watching the sunset’ on your list of things to do in Melbourne.
Here are 18 of the best spots to watch the sun go down in Melbourne.
And if you’re looking for accommodation, here are some of the best places to stay.
1. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is one of the highest lookout points in Australia to watch the sun go down.
Take your choice of what kind of cabin you want to go up in. And once you’ve chosen, enjoy a slow night of 360 degree views of the sunset.
2. The Boatbuilders Yard
The Boatbuilders Yard is a cafe and bar on the waterfront of the Yarra River. With both indoor and outdoor venues, and up to 20 guests per party, this place has everything you need to enjoy a magnificent Melbourne sunset.
Decide between a waterfront river and cityscape view or the spacious beer garden with the city skyline. You can even pick the decks by the Yarra River. With so many options to choose from, try a different sunset experience at The Boatbuilders Yard each evening.
3. St. Kilda Pier
Whether you’re in the mood for a stroll, a cycle, or a quick fishing trip, St. Kilda Pier is the perfect spot. Here you can enjoy a relaxing outdoor activity while watching the sun go down.
They also offer ferry-rides if you want to be on the water while embracing the afternoon glow. Travel between Gem Pier in Williamstown or Station Pier in Port Melbourne. You might even spot some penguins and rakali (native water rats).
4. Eureka Skydeck 88
Take the fastest elevator (in the Southern Hemisphere at least) up to the 88th floor of the Eureka Skydeck for stunning sunset views. This luxury building offers you a 360 degree view to fully soak in the sunset from all angles.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can step into The Edge. This glass cube on the side of the building offers views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Watching the sun go down from this 88th floor will be unlike any other sunset setting you’ve seen before.
5. Flagstaff Gardens
Flagstaff Gardens offers you a sunset experience unlike any other as you embrace the nature around you in the oldest park in Melbourne. Whether you prefer a picnic or barbeque, or even both, this is the perfect spot.
And if you’re looking for a cute date idea, this garden offers you romantic park benches surrounded by rose gardens, to enjoy watching the sun setting through the trees. A simple yet beautiful way to see the sunset.
6. Transit Rooftop Bar
Transit Rooftop Bar is the perfect place for you to watch the sun set slowly over the Yarra River and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With live music and the Taxi Kitchen to offer delicious food, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment. Whether you want to watch the sun go down from the dining room, the terrace, or the river room, you won’t be disappointed by the views.
7. Albert Park Lake
This inner Melbourne suburb is home to the beautiful Albert Park Lake and also the location for the Australian Grand Prix. As if that wasn’t enough it also offers a gorgeous sunset. The best way to experience the sunset from Albert Park Lake is to take an early evening stroll around the lake and then head to The Point for a drink and/or dinner.
8. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is located in the Melbourne suburb of Black Rock. This is a classic sunset from the beach or bay view. Sit on the rocks at Half Moon Bay and watch the sunset over Port Philip Bay.
9. Swan Street Bridge
This well known Melbourne bridge stretches over the Yarra River in the Melbourne inner city suburb of Richmond. If you’re attending any of Melbourne’s many sporting events Swan Street Bridge is very close to the MCG, the Rod Laver Arena, the Myer Music Bowl and Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens.
The bridge is about a 15 minute walk from Flinder’s Street Station so you’ll easily be able to head into the centre of Melbourne for a post sunset dinner.
10. The Shrine
The Shrine is where both the ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies are held as well as being home to an eternal flame. Located on the busy St Kilda Road, hop on a tram from Flinder’s Street Station and then sit and watch the sunset in Melbourne from this iconic Melbourne landmark.
11. Olivigna Restaurant, Warrandyte
Unlike most of the other viewing spots in this article, Warrandyte is a bit of a ways from the heart of Melbourne but worth it. Warrandyte provides a bit of a country Australia feel in the north east of Melbourne. Olivigna is both a winery and a restaurant. They are Italian in theme and have 20 acres of grapes.
12. Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar is in fact the name of one of Melbourne’s best rooftop bars. With backyard barbecue vibes and delicious food, this is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner.
Be sure to purchase a ticket for the rooftop cinema to ensure you don’t get sent home before the sun goes down. The Rooftop Bar and movie make this an intimate and entertaining sunset experience.
13. Lui Bar Melbourne
The Lui Bar is located on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building in the heart of the city’s central business district. The bar features an extensive wine list (covering many of Australia’s best) as well as a snack menu designed by Vue de Monde, more about this fantastic restaurant later in the post. A great location for drinks and a sunset view in the heart of Melbourne.
14. Atrium bar on 35 at the Sofitel
Level 35 of the Sofitel Hotel on Melbourne’s Collins Street is home to the Atrium Bar and some fantastic sunset views of Melbourne. The Atrium Bar has some fantastic cocktails as well as offering wine flights – red, white or sparkling – to accompany your sunset.
⇒ Heading to Sydney? Check out my posts on the best Barangaroo Restaurants, the perfect Sydney Itinerary, a day trip to Watsons Bay Sydney and the best weekend getaways from Sydney.
15. Boat Cruise on the Yarra River
Melbourne’s Yarra River runs along the eastern side of the city’s Central Business District and is a great place to see Melbourne at sunset. Many of the cruises kick off from Melbourne’s southbank area (up next) so you’ll get a southbank sunset as well as potentially one from the docklands with some great views of the city skyline.
As you head north you’ll also cover Richmond and the Swan Street Bridge which is earlier in this post plus the iconic Nylex sign. This is the best option if you’re looking to get several Melbourne sunset viewpoints in one day.
16. Ponyfish Island/Southbank
This floating restaurant and bar sits underneath the pedestrian bridge on the Yarra adjacent to Melbourne’s southbank. You’ll get some stunning shots – or head to Southbank and visit one of the many bars and restaurants there and enjoy the view with the bridge in the foreground of the Melbourne skyline.
Planning a trip to Queensland? Check out my posts on the top 15 Brisbane Boutique Hotels and my Gold Coast Itinerary.
17. Vue de Monde
You may have liked the sound of the Lui Bar earlier in this post. Well Vue de Monde is the restaurant that sits on the 55th floor of the Rialto Building and is one of Melbourne’s top restaurants. This is definitely the place for a decadent, money is no object Melbourne sunset experience.
Vue de Monde specialises in local indigenous ingredients often applied in a European style. The tasting menu isn’t cheap but combine it with the view and Vue de Monde’s iconic wine list and you will have a night to remember.
18. Mount Dandenong’s SkyHigh
With lavish seafood and a warm sunset glow, Mount Dandenong’s SkyHigh is perfect for a sunset session. With stunning views from the terrace and peaceful trail walks around the place, the sunset is just the cherry on top.
⇒ Planning a trip to Melbourne? Read about the Best Place to Stay in Melbourne, where to have a fantastic Melbourne Brunch, 18 brilliant places to watch the sunset in Melbourne, and 2 of Melbourne’s best side-trips: The Mornington Peninsula and Daylesford. And don’t forget Melbourne is very close to the wonderful Tasmania.
And if the bistro isn’t your vibe, enjoy your own little barbeque and picnic while the sun sets and the moonlit sky arrives. The perfect end to your week of wonderful sunsets.
See the Sunset in Melbourne
Well, there you have it. The best spots to watch the sun go down in the coastal capital of Victoria, Australia. Now you can add it to your bucket-list, and you know exactly where to go for a spectacular sunset next time you’re in Melbourne.
And if you need a good brunch spot to grab a bite before your sunset session, we’ve got you covered.
I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this sunset in Melbourne post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.