Magical places to watch the sunset in Melbourne

Welcome back daylight savings by basking in the golden hour rays at these sunset hot spots.

When does daylight savings start in Melbourne in 2024?

Daylight saving time starts on Sunday 6 October at 2am.

Ponyfish Island

Where better to raise a glass to the setting sun than right on the Yarra River, at Ponyfish Island. The floating bar is anchored under the Southbank pedestrian bridge. Head down the stairs to find fresh Asian-inspired cuisine, crafty cocktails and local wine and beer. Get your mates together and bags the comfy lounges while the sun goes down. No bookings required.

Golden hour walks

Take a stroll with a colleague or friend after work, and make the most of the late afternoon light. Catch the sunset from Princes Bridge, or ramble around Queen Victoria Gardens and check the time on the floral clock. Enjoy a good view to the west on the Flagstaff Gardens hill, or from Docklands’ bridges, park and waterfront promenades. Get more ideas on top after-work walks in Melbourne.

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica is a floating bar taking over the river year-round. Poised with a perfect view of four iconic Melbourne bridges, this luxe greenhouse spot boasts a native herb garden, epic gin list and fresh seafood menu. Climb aboard and head straight for the top level to catch a perfect peachy sunset from 11 October.

Afloat Capri

Moored on the river alongside Arbory from early spring, you'll find Afloat. This year the floating bar is inspired by an Italian beach club. Grab a limoncello spritz and tuck into a pizza. Or go-all-out and share a seafood platter. Then pull up a sun lounge and order like you’re on holiday while watching the sun go down.

Melbourne Skydeck

The observation deck of Melbourne’s tallest building is a no-brainer for sunset watching. There are no other structures blocking the 360-degree views at Melbourne Skydeck, 300 metres above sea level. As the name suggests, it’s on the 88th floor, but you can go one better upstairs at Eureka 89. Here the sunset comes with a cocktail or whisky flight, or degustation dinner.

GoBoat

Heading west on the Yarra River into the sunset is a beautiful thing. Climb onto your own GoBoat (no experience or license required) and set sail on a special Melbourne experience. These picnic boats are built for groups of up to eight. Throw in some vino and a cheese platter and don your captain's hat. Then cruise your way down the river as the golden hour sun dances on the glittering water.

Stolen Gem

The views from Stolen Gem's eight-storey high rooftop terrace steal the show. And they only get better as the sun starts to dim and the clouds turn pastel. Look out over Bourke Street and the GPO as you enjoy sushi boxes with all the trimmings, canape-style share plates and creative drops like a pavlova gin spritz. Or bar hop through more of Melbourne's best rooftops, sipping cocktails and searching for the perfect spot to watch the show.

Waterfront wining and dining

There are lots more restaurants and bars along the Yarra River with epic sunset vistas. Perch on the riverside balcony and enjoy antipasti and amaretto sours at Southgate's La Camera, or toast daylight savings right by the water at The Boatbuilders Yard in South Wharf. With expansive views to the west, making it a top spot for sunset dinners.