Incredible spots to finish your day in the Margaret River Region.
There’s something simply magical about closing the day watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Looking west over the water, sand between the toes, taking in the pink and orange skyline. It’s a breathtaking experience.
Here are some of our top picks.
Hero Image by Jarrad Seng
The changing colours, the crashing sea, and abundant seabird life make Sugarloaf Rock, a gigantic granite rock that emerges from the Indian Ocean, a sunset hotspot.
As the day turns to night, the rock changes colour every minute with the sky’s gradient that moves from yellow to orange to red and onto a purply mauve. If you stay long enough, you’ll see the beam from the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Situated within a designated nature reserve in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park just off Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough (so leave the dog at home), Sugarloaf Rock is one of the region’s most spectacular coastal landforms. The ocean side is often battered by treacherous seas, separated from the coast by a narrow channel of wide waves.
The best viewing point is from the elevated lookout.
Watch the sunset every night from your very own digs at Redgate Beach Escape where each of the four villas enjoys uninterrupted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Nestled amongst 80 acres of coastal bush atop the Cape Leeuwin Ridge, each two-bedroom villa carries the vibe of a secluded beach shack but comes with all the mod cons for a luxurious stay thanks to its simple but functional design, relaxed Balinese-inspired furnishings and cosy surrounds.
Sit on your front veranda, fire up your own exclusive barbeque and feel like a millionaire who is hundreds of miles from anywhere as the sun lowers to the horizon. You’d never guess that Margaret River town is just a 10-minute drive, and several of the region’s great wineries even closer.
As most locals in the Dunsborough and Yallingup region know, the little town of Yallingup qualifies as one of the best places to watch the sunset.
And what better way than to enjoy it with one of Lagoon Yallingup Lagoon Boxes? Choose between a dozen freshly shucked oysters, 1kg of freshly cooked King Prawns, or a selection of fresh, local seafood.
Available Wednesday to Sunday. Pre-order via their website.
Without a doubt, one of the best vantage points for a South West sunset is at Surfers Point in Prevelly.
The ocean here is vast and wild and the mesmerising waves of Main Break and South Side just add to the spectacle. The view of sandy beaches and green coastal scrub curves all the way down to Gnarabup. There’s tiered grassy areas where you can stretch out, the famous steps down to the beach, each step adorned with the name of the winning surfer of the Margaret River Pro over the past 20-odd years, or you can just park up, stay in the car and take it in all in.
Go further along to the River Mouth and watch the sunset from the sand, barefoot with the ocean at your feet. The incredible view with the headland in the distance makes for excellent photography opportunities.
For 180-degree ocean views and award-winning architecture, rest your head at the The Roost. This quintessential Australian beach house delivers epic sunset views overlooking Bombies, Boaties and South Side.
Local Tip: During the summer months, there’s often food trucks stationed at Surfers Point.
Passel Estate’s dedicated Wine Sunset experience is a fabulous way to witness a spectacular sunset over their dam and vineyard.
When you book this experience, you’ll arrive after hours for an intimate wine tasting before relaxing with a glass of wine paired with an artisanal cheese platter to watch the sunset.
Available for bookings most evenings though spring and summer upon request.
The white sandy beach of Hamelin Bay is a serene sunset spot that also offers fantastic snorkelling.
There are 11 shipwrecks at Hamelin Bay in the Ngari Capes Marine Park, and four in the WA Maritime Museum’s Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail; the Agincourt (1882), Chaudiere (1883), Katinka (1900) and Toba (1930s/1940s). The four wrecks are visible by snorkelling and also visible from the coast at certain times.
Deemed too dangerous to be a port to service the nearby timber mill, the original jetty that was built in 1882 was decommissioned in the early 1900s. Just a few pylons of the original jetty remain, jutting into the sky, they create visual interest and look great in photos any time of day, but particularly during sunset.
Nestled amid picturesque rolling vineyards, Rústico at Hay Shed Hill is a gorgeous winery restaurant to enjoy a beautiful sunset on Saturday evenings, for a limited time throughout January.
Enjoy the panoramic view with golden hues from the deck, whilst experiencing the Mediterranean flavours of Rustico’s award-winning 5-course 10-dish shared tapas degustation menu with paired wines. Dine on the edge of the vines and enjoy Rústico Hay Shed Hill’s rustic charm, premium vintages, relaxed atmosphere and brilliant service.
