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 2025?

Daylight saving time starts on Sunday 5 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 loaded pizzas, crafty cocktails and local wine and beer. Get your mates together and bags the comfy lounges while the sun goes down. No bookings required.

Skyline Melbourne

Jump on board Melbourne's waterfront Ferris wheel and take in the most beautiful views. Located right next to the river, Skyline Melbourne soars 35-metres into the sky. Catch golden hour from every angle as you cruise over the city.

Afloat Melbourne

Melbourne's iconic floating bar is back, with a taste of Rio this time. Get in early to stake out a prime position under the umbrellas at Afloat. Sip caipirinhas while feasting on fresh seafood, loaded snack plates and pizzas. Don't miss the pool deck and the original 1970s photo booth up on the rooftop.

Commune Wine

A glass of wine with a pretty view? Chef's kiss! Located on the banks of the Yarra river, Commune Wine is the best place to kick back, unwind and watch the world go by. Sunset spotters should nab a table on the balcony. Study the extensive wine list then order burrata with roasted peach, oysters, fancy French fries and more.

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.

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.

Melbourne Skydeck

The observation deck of one of Melbourne’s tallest buildings is a no-brainer for sunset watching. Take in panoramic 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 cocktails or a degustation dinner.

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 tasty 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. The expansive views to the west make it a top spot for sunset dinners.