Best places to watch a beautiful sunset in Melbourne

A Melburnian favourite, St Kilda Pier is among the best sunset spots in the city and has been for well over a century. Not only is it great for a range of activities like cycling, rollerblading, and even fishing, but it’s also a top location for watching the sunset over Port Phillip Bay and a parade of the famous little penguins – the isolation of the breakwater is the ideal place for them to live. St Kilda Pier dates back to the mid-19th century. Since then, it’s been a pedestrian pier due to its excellent promenade and stunning waterfront and city views. The pier’s crown jewel is its historic pavilion, which was first built in the early 20th century but got destroyed in 2003. It took only three years to rebuild the pavilion due to popular demand for its restoration, and to this day, it provides a gorgeous backdrop for romantic sunset photos – a sight much like from the movies! Once here, make sure to watch the little penguin parade at twilight, when the penguin colony can be seen waddling home.

Located on Melbourne’s South Wharf, The Boatbuilders Yard is a revamped trendy boatshed bar and cafe with an outdoor wooden deck – the ideal spot for a meal and some drinks with luscious sunset views. This heritage cargo shed was once the bustling hub of ship repair activity and much like the rest of the South Wharf, now enjoys a new breath of air. The central riverside location is busy with a lively and welcoming atmosphere, where you’re guaranteed to feel right at home. Sip on a bevvy on the deck and watch the sky turn various shades of pink and orange before the dazzling lights of the South Wharf promenade turn on for the night. Before or after catching the last rays of the sun at The Boatbuilders Yard, why not explore some of the foodie trails on the South Wharf, visit the Polly Woodside three-masted cargo ship or the various nearby shopping options?

In Melbourne, you don’t have to go far to surround yourself with nature. The city’s largest inner-city park lies within close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD or central business district and gives you the opportunity to relax and unwind by enjoying one of the many walking or cycling paths on the parkland – a peaceful oasis within the city. Grab a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy the vast sunset-filled landscape with the towering blocks of the Melbourne CBD in the background. In fact, there are picnic and barbecue facilities for enjoying an outdoor meal. The best spots for watching the sun go down are on the grassy hill that gives you the best view of the cityscape. This is also a wonderful place to watch the doggos as the park has an off-leash area for the four-legged friends to run and play on. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life – the 170-hectare park is big enough to get away from noise and traffic.

By this point, it’s already clear that Melbourne doesn’t lack places where you can watch the setting sun on ground level, but the experience of taking in sunset views with the city by your feet is on another level. Eureka Skydeck 88 is by far one of the dreamiest locations for watching the sun set and seeing how the golden colours of the horizon start to blend with the streetlights below. The highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere offers a unique vantage point for visitors to explore the city from a dizzying height. You’ll get a 360-degree view of Melbourne skyline to fully soak in every corner of the city. The best part? Eureka Skydeck 88 offers various experiences. For example, The Edge invites you to test your own adventure-seeking boundaries as you step into a transparent glass cube extending from the building with the city below your feet. Or head to Voyager™ Theatre, the first of its kind on the continent and the largest in the world, to experience the city in an immersive 360-degree cinematic and sensory voyage. You’ll learn more about Melbourne’s festivals, laneways, the Yarra River, and Victoria’s stunning scenery in Super 8K high definition with 6D sensations. After all this, head to Bar 88 for an elevated drinks experience and toast the epic day!

Ready for something off the beaten track? It takes a little over two hours to reach one of Melbourne’s hidden gems, the Big Drift at Wilsons Promontory National Park, which is a series of ever-changing massive inland sand dunes best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset when the landscape turns rose gold. Come here to escape crowds and enjoy a peaceful sunset reflection in the presence of the vast golden sand expanse. Prepare yourself to walk a few kilometres in total – upon arrival, follow the path as it winds through bushland before reaching an open field. You’ll be met by a vast and spectacular landscape that culminates with Bass Strait views – truly an amazing experience if you time it right and arrive before the sunset.

For those seeking opulent comfort in Melbourne, the city offers a diverse range of luxurious hotels, each with its unique charm and connection to local culture. Whether you’re looking for contemporary elegance or a more intimate boutique experience, these accommodations offer the perfect base for exploring Melbourne’s vibrant gay nightlife in South Yarra, Windsor, St Kilda, and Fitzroy.

United Places Hotel Botanic Gardens
Nestled opposite the lush Royal Botanic Gardens in the prestigious suburb of South Yarra, United Places is an ultra-luxe, all-suite hotel that blends modern sophistication with an intimate, homely feel. Each suite boasts minimalist yet striking interiors, designed with natural materials and calming tones. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the gardens or the urban skyline from their private balconies, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Just a short drive to the vibrant nightlife of South Yarra and Windsor, United Places provides the perfect balance of serene elegance and access to lively, LGBTQ-friendly bars and venues. For those who enjoy bespoke experiences, the hotel offers a butler service and exclusive dining options curated by renowned Melbourne chefs. It’s the ideal choice for the discerning luxury gay traveller who values privacy, refined design, and proximity to nature.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Located in the heart of the city’s central business district, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is the epitome of urban luxury. Towering above the skyline, this five-star property offers unparalleled views of the city and Port Phillip Bay from its sophisticated rooms and suites. The interior design, characterised by rich textures and elegant finishes, pays homage to Melbourne’s cultural heritage while exuding a contemporary flair. Perfect for those looking to explore Melbourne’s nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene, The Ritz-Carlton is only a short tram or taxi ride from the vibrant precincts of Fitzroy and St Kilda. After a night out, unwind in the hotel’s sumptuous spa or rooftop infinity pool, which offers sweeping views of the cityscape. The property’s rooftop bar is a standout, perfect for sunset cocktails in style before a night on the town. The Ritz-Carlton promises a cosmopolitan experience for luxury travellers seeking both indulgence and convenience.

Park Hyatt Melbourne
For those who prefer classic elegance, the Park Hyatt Melbourne offers a sophisticated stay amidst the heritage architecture of the prestigious East Melbourne area. The hotel’s spacious, marble-clad rooms and suites exude timeless luxury, with modern touches that cater to the contemporary traveller. Its central location offers easy access to Melbourne’s CBD and nearby gay-friendly suburbs like Fitzroy and Collingwood, where eclectic bars, boutique shops, and creative eateries thrive. Set against the backdrop of Fitzroy Gardens, Park Hyatt is ideal for luxury travellers seeking a blend of city excitement and peaceful retreat. The hotel’s expansive spa and wellness facilities, including a Roman-style indoor pool, provide the perfect escape after exploring Melbourne’s diverse offerings. Its refined atmosphere and attentive service make it a favourite among those seeking a tranquil, yet indulgent, urban sanctuary.

Each of these hotels brings its own distinct flair to Melbourne’s luxury accommodation scene, offering the perfect mix of style, comfort, and proximity to the city’s dynamic LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer the sleek, modern lines of United Places, the grand opulence of The Ritz-Carlton, or the refined elegance of the Park Hyatt, you’ll find an ideal base to experience the best that Melbourne has to offer.