Colors, clouds, and the clinking of beverages; it’s the sense of serenity as we watch the sun bid the day farewell as it dips below the horizon. It’s one of the most spectacular phenomena to experience from mother nature. And if you’re visiting Perth, you’ll be spoiled by the plethora of excellent places to watch the beautiful display the sun puts on for us. So where are the best sunset spots Perth has on offer?
Sometimes when life gets a little too busy, there’s nothing better than to sit back, relax, unwind, and admire the incredible show works nature puts on for us. Watch as the sky turns from hues of honey yellow and copper-orange to cool shades of purply pinks; sounds good?
Things to Book Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation.
🐨 Most Popular Tours in Perth:
1. Rottnest Island – my top pick – don’t miss visiting this beautiful island
2. Dive with Sharks – this one has limited spots so booking is key
3. Pinnacles and Swan Valley Wine Trip – jaw-dropping natural beauty + great Aussie wine
4. See Perth on a Segway Tour – the most fun way to zip around Perth
🛏️Where to Stay in Perth:
1. The Como Treasury – Perth’s most stylish hotel in the heart of downtown
2. QT Perth – the quirky style choice also downtown
3. The Alex Northbridge – sleek modern design
4. The Hougoumont Fremantle – boutique hotel made from sea containers
Head to these fabulous Perth sunset spots to catch the golden hour on your incredible Perth itinerary.
Best Time To Watch the Sunset Perth Style
From balmy hot, dry summers to mild, crisp winters, Perth is no stranger to great weather, perfect for any outdoorsy activities. Moreover, the city is arguably one of the best places to watch the sunset.
So, the most important thing to find out here is the exact time the sun is setting in Perth. So, take a look at the best times to watch the sunsets and in what season.
Sunsets in Perth in Summer
Months: December – February
Perth’s summer season is dry and hot, with little rainfall. The average temperature ranges between 17 – 30°C. Sunsets begin to fall in a southwesterly direction from 7 pm in December and a few minutes later in a westerly direction in February.
Perth Sunsets in Autumn
Months: March – May
Perth’s autumn months are warm and sunny and become cooler at night. The average temperatures range between 18 – 26°C. The sun begins to set around 6:50 pm in a westerly direction, and come May; it begins to set as early as 5:38 pm in a northwesterly direction.
Sunsets in Winter
Months: June – August
Winter months in Perth are relatively cool, with average temperatures ranging from 8 – 19°C. There are occasional downpours and thunderstorms during this season. And in wintertime, sunsets start to fall at 5:20 pm in a northwesterly direction.
Sunsets in Spring
Months: September – November
Perth spring days are warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 23 °C. There is very little rainfall during this time of the year. During springtime, sunsets start to fall later, at around 6 pm in the evening, in a southwesterly direction.
Best Sunset Sports Perth Style
Perth boasts incredible places to watch the sunset as the day-star spoils us with incredible skyworks of yellows, oranges, reds, pinks and purples. But where to watch these beautiful displays? Let’s take a look at some of the top places to watch the sunsets in Perth.
1. Zig Zag Scenic Drive
Located on Gooseberry Hill, Zig Zag Scenic Drive has arguably one of the best sunset spots Perth has on offer with its panoramic views overlooking the Swan Coastal Plain and Perth’s city below. As you drive down the one-way street, you’ll have the option to stop at the car park at the very top.
However, if you’re looking for a little more privacy, there are plenty of places to stop on the way down the scenic route.
2. Lions Lookout
Another contender for the best sunset Perth locations is Lions Lookout in Lesmurdie. It’s a 4 km walking trail, and along the way, there are BBQ facilities if you’re wanting to stop over and enjoy a picnic and some beverages.
The lookout point offers sweeping views of the city below and is the perfect place to watch both sunrise and sunset.
3. Colonial Gardens
Perth may be the largest city on the west coast of Australia, but it boasts plenty of outdoor parks, and Colonial Gardens is one of the best places to watch the Perth sunset.
These beautiful gardens surround you in utter bliss, and its sunsets are unique. Here you’re surrounded by trees, mansions, and grasslands. As the sunsets, the rays begin to peek through the silhouettes of your natural surroundings and make for a truly picturesque setting.
4. Kings Park
One of the most well-known spots, Kings Park, boasts dazzling views over the city centre, Swan River, and the Elizabeth Quay. It’s one of the largest city parks in the world and offers plenty of walking trails, hidden lookouts, and seating areas.
A great place to catch the sunset here is Fraser Avenue. Surrounded by beautiful Western Australian Botanic Gardens and expansive views of the city, the Kings Park sunset is one of the best in town.
Psst…If you’re looking for a little more adventure, head for a twilight cruise on the Swan River and take in Perth’s iconic sights at dusk.
5. Lesmurdie Falls
One of Perth’s top panoramic views overlooking the city and beyond is at Lesmurdie Falls. Perched up in the hills, you can watch the sunset from your car seat. However, it’s certainly worth the little 5-minute walk up to the platform next to the falls to watch the golden light.
It’s the perfect place to relax amidst nature, with the cascades beside you, city views in front of you, and rolling hills around you.
Note: While you’re in the area, check out some of the amazing hiking trails available here too.
6. Scarborough Sunset Hill
If you’re keen on some sundowners at sunset, the best place to go is Scarborough Beach. The new $100 million dollar revitalisation of the beachfront here boasts plenty of things to do and see.
Planning a trip to Queensland? Check out my posts on the top 15 Brisbane Boutique Hotels and my Gold Coast Itinerary.
Located near the centre, Sunset Hill is a grassy area overlooking the beach and ocean. Grab some snacks and a drink – at one of the many new restaurants – and find an opening to revel in a breathtaking Perth sunset.
7. Bold Park to Reabold Hill Summit
Bold Park boasts beautiful Australian bushland with diverse fauna and flora. The unique setting offers a 360-degree view of the city and some fantastic places to watch the sunset.
The park also has plenty of walking trails and walking tours around the park. Take a Bold Park sunset walk through the Ecology Centre at the top of Reabold Hill (the highest point in the park).
Sitting at 85 meters above sea level, you’ll get sweeping views overlooking the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island, Perth city, Kings Park, and a glimpse of the Swan River.
Psst…If you’re keen on chasing sunsets and exploring a little further, take a day trip to Rottnest Island for an incredible time.
8. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is considered one of the top beaches in Perth and offers breathtaking sunset views. These shores offer some incredible activities on soft powdery sands and beautiful waters. It’s a popular beach for swimming, kitesurfing, and snorkelling. Many also visit the beach for some leisure time.
There are several phenomenal viewpoints to catch the sunset along this beach, apart from the beach itself. Many pack a picnic or enjoy the outdoor music concerts that often play through the evening. There are also plenty of eateries along the beachfront area, providing amazing balconies to sit out on and watch the sunset.
Take a tour of Cottesloe Beach and other attractions on your journey to discover the best sunsets Perth has to offer.
⇒ 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.
9. Point Resolution Reserve
The most magical place to watch the sunset in the Point Resolution Reserve is over Swan Lake. It’s a great family destination and a worthy place for travellers looking to spend some R&R time with their loved one(s). There’s a dedicated kids play area and plenty of walking trails amidst nature.
⇒ 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.
You’ll find the lake on the one side and bushland on the other side, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
How to get to Perth and get around
Perth is located on the southwest coast of Western Australia on the Swan River. Do remember that Australia is big and a flight from Sydney to Perth takes five hours (although it is usually much faster on the way back due to winds).
Perth is an international airport and most major airlines fly to Perth after a stopover in Asia.
There was considerable publicity of late when Qantas announced a direct flight from London to Perth taking 16 1/2 hours. I personally have not taken this flight yet but Australian friends have and all have been very positive about the flight and particularly that they felt their jet lag was much better than normal.
Perth has free CAT buses within the city centre. There is a train line that runs through Perth and the suburbs including popular Fremantle. And there is Uber.
But if you are staying in Perth for longer than a couple of days then I would highly recommend hiring a car. Perth is a very easy city to drive around and there is generally loads of parking.
If you are from a big city you may find the frequency of Perth public transport a little frustrating. Also, this is a sprawling city so the locals will be driving most places!
Boutique Hotels in Perth
Perth has some fantastic boutique hotels! Indeed, it is hard to choose amongst all of the great options – and they also tend to be very good value for accommodation of this standard.
1. Como The Treasury CBD
My favourite is Como the Treasury. The Victorian era building and former barracks were restored to reveal high ceilings, cornices, and balconies that were then styled with a modern touch.
This is a very special hotel with a unique feel. It has 48 guest rooms, one of the hottest restaurants in Perth (Wildflower, a glassed-in building on the rooftop featuring a traditional Aboriginal style seasonal menu), a Como Shambhala spa and connected bars which allow you to take your glass of wine all through the hotel! And it is located literally in the heart of the city.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability for Como The Treasury
2. QT Hotel Perth CBD
I love the QT hotels which are across Australia and New Zealand! Yes, they are a chain but they are a small chain. QT Hotels tend to have great inner-city locations, eclectic and stylish designs and great bars and restaurants.
Perth’s QT hotel is more of the same with a fab rooftop bar and a great Italian restaurant, Santini Grill.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability for the QT Hotel Perth
3. The Alex Hotel Northbridge
The Alex Hotel is located in quirky Northbridge, one of Perth’s inner-city suburbs and home to some of its most interesting and edgy restaurants and bars. Check out The Shadow Wine Bar and use one of their bikes to head down to Cottesloe Beach.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability for The Alex Hotel
4. The Hougoumont Fremantle
The Hougoumont is in lovely little Fremantle, one of Perth’s most happening areas and the kick off point for several Rottnest Island ferries. This hotel was actually built using shipping container construction methods!
This stylish and quirky hotel offers wine and cheese tastings every evening as well as tea and toast in the morning – from the fantastic Bread in Common bakery in Fremantle. #
Check Prices and Availability for The Hougoumont Fremantle
A Footnote: Perth’s Sunsets
It may be fleeting, but one of the most relaxing and breathtaking ways to end off a day is to watch the sunset. And, luckily in Perth, when it comes to a glorious sunset, you’ll be in no short supply – year-round.
So what is the best sunset in Perth? You’ll only know by trying them all out. Now that you’ve taken a peek through these incredible sites to watch the sunset in Perth, it’s time for you to grab your sunset watching buddy (or buddies), a blanket, some vino, and get to your perfect spot.
Who Paid for What in this Post
I covered all of the costs associated with writing this post. However, this Perth sunset 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.