The Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria’s best places to watch the sunset. As daylight softens, the sky glows in shades of orange, pink, and violet, reflecting beautifully over the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged ocean cliffs.
Locals and visitors gather along the beaches and lookouts each evening to take in the view – a quiet reminder of how stunning this coastline truly is.
Best Time to Watch Sunset in Mornington Peninsula
The best time to see sunsets in the Mornington Peninsula is autumn, between March and May. During this period, the lower sun angle and cooler air make the colours appear sharper and last longer. Skies are generally clearer, giving locals and travellers uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay and the southern coastline. For photographers and visitors, early evening around 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm is the most rewarding time to catch the view.
Best Sunset Beaches in Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula coastline changes character with every beach – some are calm and reflective, others wild and open to the sea. Here are three beaches where the colours seem to linger just a little longer and the atmosphere captures what coastal life here truly feels like.
Capel Sound Beach
Location: 1705 Point Nepean Rd, Capel Sound VIC 3940
Capel Sound Beach is one of the best sunset spots on the Mornington Peninsula for travellers who prefer a peaceful shoreline. The shallow bay water reflects the sky’s warm tones, creating mirror-like views ideal for photography.
What to expect:
- Calm beach with wide sand stretches
- Easy access from the main road
- Ample parking and nearby cafes
- Clear view across Port Phillip Bay as the sun sets over the horizon
The light changes quickly here – a great tip is to arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset to watch the colours shift from soft yellow to deep coral.
Sorrento Ocean Beach
Location: Sorrento, VIC, Australia
Sorrento Ocean Beach combines coastal energy with panoramic sunset views. Known for its natural rock pools and clear water, it’s also a favourite for swimmers and snorkellers. As the tide drops, the reflections over the pools create dramatic photo opportunities.
Why visit:
- Natural rock pools exposed at low tide
- Ideal for photography and short walks along the cliffs
- Popular with both swimmers and nature enthusiasts
- Easy to reach via the main beach car park
Stay for the late light – the western sky here often glows in soft pink and amber, framing the rugged coastline beautifully.
Bridgewater Bay
Location: Stairs, Blairgowrie VIC 3942
Bridgewater Bay offers one of the most dramatic sunset views on the Mornington Peninsula. Its natural amphitheatre-like shape and sandstone cliffs create depth and contrast as the light fades.
Key details:
- Best visited during low tide when rock pools are visible
- Large bay surrounded by cliffs and reef platforms
- Uneven surfaces — wear stable shoes
- Great for photographers capturing rock formations and reflective pools
Arrive early to explore, but always check the tide schedule before visiting. The view at dusk here is unmatched for its raw, coastal character.
Best Lookouts in Mornington Peninsula for Sunsets
If you want to see the Mornington Peninsula from above, the lookouts across the hinterland and coastline deliver unforgettable sunset views. These vantage points show how light moves across the bay, the hills, and the far-off city skyline – each with its own character and story that locals know well.
Arthurs Seat Lookout
Location: 791 Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
Arthurs Seat is the Peninsula’s classic sunset viewpoint – the kind of place where locals still stop even after years of living here. From the lookout, you can see the entire sweep of Port Phillip Bay, the curve of the coastline, and the distant lights of Melbourne as the sky fades to gold.
Local insight:
- The best sunset isn’t at the very top – it’s halfway up, at one of the roadside lookouts.
- On clear days, you’ll spot the Bellarine Peninsula and even faint outlines of the city towers.
- Facilities nearby include picnic areas, barbecues, and short walking trails.
The view from here captures both the energy of the coast and the calm of the hinterland – a true Peninsula contrast. This is the true gem for Mornington Peninsula must-see views.
The Dragon’s Head (Number Sixteen Beach)
Location: Number Sixteen Access Rd, Rye VIC 3941
This rock formation, shaped like a dragon’s head, feels almost mythical at sunset. When the tide drops, the “dragon” emerges above the waterline, and the waves crash around it in shades of deep orange and blue. It’s one of the most photographed natural landmarks on the Mornington Peninsula.
What to know before you go:
- Visit at medium or low tide for the best visibility.
- The rock sits just off Number Sixteen Beach in Rye.
- Expect glowing skies of red and violet reflecting against the Bass Strait.
The mix of wild surf and glowing evening light gives this spot a raw, cinematic quality that photographers love.
Anthony’s Nose, Dromana
Location: Point Nepean Rd, McCrae VIC 3938
Anthony’s Nose marks the point where Arthurs Seat drops steeply into the sea – a distinctive curve in the coastline with one of the best sunset angles over Port Phillip Bay. It’s a quiet stop along the Esplanade, often overlooked by visitors but well known among locals who enjoy calm water views.
Highlights:
- Easy roadside parking with direct bay access.
- Excellent for evening walks along the shore.
- The sunset light here often hits the water at just the right angle for reflections.
Named for its resemblance to a New York landmark, Anthony’s Nose perfectly captures the Peninsula’s charm: coastal, casual, and full of quiet beauty.
Restaurants with Sunset Views in Mornington Peninsula
Few things match the experience of watching the sunset on the Mornington Peninsula with a drink or meal overlooking the water. The region’s coastal restaurants blend fresh, local produce with unbeatable bay views. Here are two top spots where good food meets golden-hour light.
Waves on the Beach Restaurant
- Address: 2/1N Long Island Dr, Frankston VIC 3199
- Opening hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
- Price per dish: AU$10–AU$40
- Signature dishes: Chicken parmigiana, Calamari.
- Vibe check: Romantic and beachy
Sitting almost directly on the sand, Waves on the Beach is a local favourite for sunset dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows give every table a front-row seat to the fading light over Port Phillip Bay. The menu is simple and coastal – generous servings, fresh seafood, and consistent value for money. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic date with your spouse or weekend catch-up with friends.
Walters Restaurant at The Royal Hotel Mornington
- Address: 770 Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931.
- Opening hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
- Price range: AU$10–AU$40
- Signature dishes: Beer-battered fish and chips; Garlic prawn linguine
- Vibe check: Classic, coastal, and cosy
Perched along the Esplanade, The Royal Hotel Mornington offers panoramic views across the bay – perfect for catching the last light of the day. The space combines old-world charm with a refreshed, modern feel. Guests can enjoy a drink on the terrace as the sun sinks behind the water, then move indoors for dinner in Walter’s Dining Hall, which focuses on seasonal produce and friendly, attentive service.
Where to Stay When You Visit Mornington Peninsula
Watching the sunset on the Mornington Peninsula is even better when you can stay nearby. The region has plenty of holiday homes and beach houses, suited to couples, families, and small groups. Many are just a short walk from the coast, with outdoor decks and ocean views that make the evenings feel extra special.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and stress-free stay, Go Coastal Holidays offers locally managed accommodation across the Peninsula – in Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento, and Dromana. Each home is well cared for, eco-conscious, and fully equipped for a relaxing getaway. You’ll also have support from a local team who knows the area and can share insider tips for dining, beaches, and activities.
Plan your coastal escape today with the team that knows the Peninsula best.
