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Rise and shine… Moreton Bay sure knows how to put on a show.
From golden mornings over the water to fiery sunsets that light up the sky, there’s no bad time to stop and take it all in.
Whether you’re an early riser, a sunset chaser or simply looking for an Instagrammable golden hour, Moreton Bay serves up plenty of reasons to look up.
Scroll on for the best spots to bookend your day and watch the sky change colours.
For sunrise
For sunset
For sunset photography
For a sunset picnic
For stargazing after sunset
Ready to chase the sun? Scroll on to find your perfect spot.
Dahmongah Lookout Park, Mount Mee
Escape to the hills at Dahmongah Lookout Park in Mount Mee, where the elevated hinterland setting feels a world away from the city and its bright lights.
As the sun goes down, settle in and watch the landscape transform as the sky shifts through shades of pink, orange and gold. Stick around after dark and, on a clear night, you may even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way lighting up the sky.
Make a full day of it with a leisurely long lunch or wine tasting at Ocean View Estates before enjoying the twilight show.
Insider tip: Pack a blanket - evenings on the mountain can be cool. Better yet why not stay a while and enjoy a fire pit night at Myola Estate Farmhouse. Beyond the embers of the fire, you’ll spot the sparkling lights of Brisbane City.
Jolly’s Lookout, Mount Nebo
Spread out a picnic rug and settle in for golden hour at Jolly’s Lookout, where the afternoon light transforms the landscape into a striking backdrop.
A popular Brisbane picnic spot, the lookout, located in D’Aguilar National Park delivers panoramic views across Enoggera Forest Reserve and towards the city, Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to slow down, soak up the views and stick around until the sun dips lower.
Insider tip: Make the drive part of the adventure. Stop at JM Jones Tearooms in Mount Nebo for a coffee before winding your way up to the lookout.
Scarborough Harbour
Settle in for a waterfront sunset at Scarborough Harbour, where the sky puts on a show over the water and the Glass House Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop in the distance.
Watch the boats drift in and out of the marina and let the ocean breeze instantly relax you.
As the colours start to change, make your way to Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co and the Upper Deck to enjoy a crisp locally brewed beer and classic fish and chips, burger or woodfired pizza with views over the bobbing boats.
Insider tip: Stick around after sunset – the changing colours over the Glass House Mountains are worth lingering for.
Woody Point Jetty
At Woody Point Jetty, colourful reflections at sunset make this a favourite spot for photographers, walkers and keen anglers.
Take a stroll along the 138-year-old jetty as the sun starts to set, then make the most of the waterfront location with locally caught seafood and fish and chips from Seafood Town, or settle in at The Belvedere for fresh local seafood, a cold beer or a cocktail as the evening rolls in.
Insider tip: Bring your camera or fishing gear. The reflections across the water make for a magical sunset snap, and lighting runs along the length of the jetty so anglers can fish at any hour, even at night.
Redcliffe Jetty
Set the alarm early and watch the first light appear over Moreton Bay from one of the peninsula’s most recognisable landmarks, the Redcliffe Jetty.
Once you’ve watched the sky brighten, stroll along Redcliffe Parade and settle in for breakfast at Café Diversity. With all-day breakfast and lunch, plus views across Moreton Bay, it’s an easy spot to linger over your morning coffee and soak up the waterfront views.
Insider tip: Arrive a little early and take a walk along the waterfront before breakfast - the peaceful atmosphere is all part of the experience.
Bongaree Jetty
Follow the Bongaree waterfront to Bongaree Jetty as the afternoon light settles over the Pumicestone Passage, with the water glowing as the sun starts to dip.
Book end the day with a visit to Lo-Kee Burger, a local haunt that serves up loaded brisket, mouthwatering burgers and the crispiest fries on Bribie Island. Of course, there are water views to go with your meal too.
Insider tip: Time your visit for golden hour so you can enjoy the views before settling in for dinner.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park lives up to its name. Lay out a blanket on the manicured lawns and watch the golden rays sink behind the Glass House Mountains and the still waters of Pumicestone Passage.
Continue the evening at The Oyster Shed Beach Club at Sandstone Point Hotel. Cocktails, seafood, fire pits and frozen margaritas make this the ultimate spot to kick on.
Insider tip: The Oyster Shed Beach Club often has live music in the afternoon and evenings, so check out their website in advance to plan your visit.
Woorim Beach
Wake early and head to Woorim Beach to watch the first golden light sweep across Bribie Island’s ocean side. With the waves rolling in and the beach stretching into the distance, it’s a peaceful way to start the day.
Little Mike’s café is a cornerstone of the community, and their menu of specialty brewed coffee and breakfast bites will help kickstart your day the right way.
If you’re happy to skip breakfast and wait for lunch, then the Bribie Island Surf Club is the perfect place for ocean views and a long lunch. Dine outdoors or take the lift to the upper level, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks and salads with a beer or glass of wine.
Insider tip: Enjoy a takeaway coffee and take a stroll along the sand before breakfast – you might even have the beach to yourself.
Redcliffe Jetty and Woorim Beach are two of the best places to watch the sunrise in Moreton Bay. Redcliffe Jetty offers views across Moreton Bay from the waterfront, while Woorim Beach faces the ocean on the eastern side of Bribie Island, making it a great spot for an early morning beach walk.
For hinterland sunsets, head to Dahmongah Lookout Park at Mount Mee or Jolly’s Lookout at Mount Nebo. Along the coast, Scarborough Harbour and Woody Point Jetty are great options, while Bongaree Jetty and Sunset Park offer sunset views around Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage.
Woody Point Jetty, Scarborough Harbour, Dahmongah Lookout Park and Sunset Park are worth adding to your photography list. Depending on the location, you can capture reflections across the water, boats in the marina, hinterland landscapes or the Glass House Mountains against the changing sky.
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset. You’ll have time to find a good vantage point and enjoy golden hour as the colours begin to change. Check the local sunrise or sunset time before setting off, as times change throughout the year.
Discover the hidden gems and sun-soaked adventures waiting for you in Moreton Bay. Just up the road from Brisbane, our region is where the coast meets hinterland adventure, and the laid-back Queensland lifestyle takes centre stage.
