There’s no better way to finish a hike than watching the sun go down on another epic day. So we’ve rounded up seven awesome Victorian locations where you can get your fix of fresh air and inspirational sunsets.


We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

1. Great Ocean Walk – Shipwreck Coast

Sunset location: 12 Apostles Lookout
Starting point: Princetown
Hike Distance: 8km
Hike Duration: 2-3 days

Head to the coast and walk the final 8km of the Great Ocean Walk. From Princetown you cross the river and follow the trail along the clifftops, with glimpses of the ocean opening up to full-blown panoramic vistas of the coast. Finish up at the 12 Apostles lookout for an epic sunset over the famous limestone stacks. 

Return: The Great Ocean Walk is a one way trail, so before you go, organise a local taxi or transfer service to take you back to your starting point. Or pre-plan a car shuffle!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

7 Awesome Sunset Hikes Around Victoria, Leah Furey, Great Ocean Walk, 12 Apostles, ocean, beach

2. Razorback Trail – High Country

Sunset location: Mt Feathertop
Starting point: Diamantina Hut, Mt Hotham
Hike Distance: 10km (one-way)
Hike Duration: 3-4 hours (one-way)

Pack your tent and overnight gear and walk the Razorback Trail in Victoria’s High Country. Starting at Diamantina Hut, it’s 10km along the mountain ridges to set up your camp at Federation Hut. At dusk, head up Mt Feathertop to watch the sun dip below the mountains.

Return: Stay overnight at Federation Hut and hike out the next day.

Hint! It’s not just the Razorback Trail in Hotham that brings the goods. There are heaps of great spots to watch the sun dip low all over the mountain. Head to the Mt Hotham summit or spend a night on the Hotham Huts Walk.

Read more: Best Overnight Hikes Near Melbourne

3. Bayside Trail – Melbourne

Sunset location: Brighton Beach
Starting point: St Kilda Beach
Hike Distance: 5km
Hike Duration: 1-2 hours

For something a little easier and closer to home, walk the 5km section of the Bayside Trail from St Kilda to Brighton Beach. There’s plenty of people-watching opportunities along the way, as locals walk, ride, skate, and rollerblade past you. Finish up at the iconic bathing boxes at Brighton Beach as the sun sets over the bay.

Return: The Bayside Trail is well-lit at night if you want to walk back to your starting point, or jump in a taxi or Uber to return.

Read more: Best Walks in Melbourne

 

4. Two Bays Trail – Mornington Peninsula

Sunset location: Bay Lookout, Seawinds Gardens
Starting point: McCrae Lighthouse
Hike Distance: 4km
Hike Duration: 1 hour

 

For a short and sweet hike, walk this 4km section of the Mornington Peninsula from McCrae Lighthouse up to the top of Arthur’s Seat. A steady incline and plenty of steps in this section of the Two Bays Trail will have you ready to sit, relax, and watch the sun go down once you reach the top. For the best view, head to the Bay Lookout to check out the peninsula and Melbourne’s city skyline in the distance. 

Return: Follow the trail back down to the Lighthouse, or organise a local taxi. 

Read more: The 10 Best Day Hikes in Victoria

Nearby Accommodation

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5. Boroka Lookout – Grampians National Park

Sunset location: Boroka Lookout
Starting point: Halls Gap
Hike Distance: 6km
Hike Duration: 2-3 hours (one-way)

To really get the heart pumping and quads burning, take the trail from Halls Gap to Boroka Lookout; an epic sunset location in the Grampians. The 6km walk is a steady uphill track, with a steep incline right at the end, before you reach the lookout. It will have you working up a sweat and getting admiring views from people who took the easy option and drove there.

Return: Hike out or hitch-hike out with other sunset viewers – taxi/transfer services are limited here.

Psst! Boroka isn’t the only lookout worth seeing while you’re checking out the Grampians. Make sure you visit The Pinnacle Lookout, or take on the Grampians Peaks Trail to enjoy more than a week of sunsets in a row!

6. Mt Bishop Trail – Wilsons Promontory National Park

Sunset location: Mt Bishop Summit
Starting point: Lilly Pilly Gully car park
Hike Distance: 3.5km
Hike Duration: 1.5km (one-way)

 

Wilsons Promontory has some of the best sunset hikes Victoria can claim, but to try a less popular option, head to the Mt Bishop Trail. Starting in the Lilly Pilly Gully car park, the 3.5km trail winds its way up the summit, with panoramic views of the Prom’s western coastline waiting for you when you get there. 

If you’re staying at Tidal River Campground you can also walk to the top of Mt Bishop from there. It’s 8km (one-way) and takes three to four hours (one-way).

Return: Hike out only.

 

7. Cape Woolamai Circuit – Phillip Island

Sunset location: Woolamai Beach
Starting point: Woolamai Beach car park
Hike Distance: 6km or 9km
Hike Duration: 1.5-2 hours or 2.5-3 hours

Trek Phillip Island’s coastal trail around Cape Woolamai for spectacular views over the island and surrounding coastline. Look out for the local wildlife as you go, including penguins and the migrating shearwaters. There’s a 6km or 9km option to complete the circuit, and when you’re done sit back on the sand at Woolamai Beach and relax as you watch the sun go down.

Return: Complete the circuit and you’ll be back where you started for sunset!

 

Before You Go:

Plan your return journey

Some of these sunset hikes require you to complete a return walk. If so, make sure you have a head torch and emergency supplies.  

If you think you’ll need a lift back, book ahead, as some places have limited taxi and transfer services. 

Check the weather

Check the weather so you can pack accordingly – but also so you can score an epic sunset. Clear, or partly clear, evenings will provide the goods! We all know the weather can be tumultuous in Melbourne and it’s no different for the sunset hikes Victoria offers. Prepare for everything!

Read more: How To Read The Weather Like a Pro

Sunset Hikes Victoria FAQs

What’s the best one out of all the sunset hikes Victoria has?

The best place to see the sunset in Victoria is the Boroka Lookout in Grampians National Park, with 180-degree views to the west.

Where can I see the sunset in Melbourne?

You can see a great sunset from St Kilda Pier.

Where is the best place to see the sunset on Phillip Island?

The best place to see the sunset on Phillip Island is the Pinnacles and Castle Rock. Be mindful that you’ll be walking back to the beach in the dark so you’ll need to take a good torch to light your way.

Is sunrise better than sunset?

The jury is out on that one. Go watch a few of each and let us know what you think!

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.