Margaret River Sunset: Local's Guide To Spectacular Sunset Spots

In Australia’s South West, Margaret River is a place of unparalleled natural beauty. From its rugged coastline to abundant vineyards, this region has long been celebrated for its stunning landscapes and captivating experiences.

But if one thing takes the crown when capturing the hearts of locals and visitors, it’s the spectacular Margaret River sunsets.

As residents, we’ve witnessed countless sunsets, each one as captivating as the last. We’ve explored the nooks and crannies and found those special spots to enjoy the beauty of a Margaret River sunset.

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Top 10 Margaret River Sunset: Coastal Bliss

sunset over the ocean in yallingup — Sunset from house in Yallingup

1. Yallingup

Head to Yallingup Beach for beautiful sunsets over the ocean. This is a great spot for families, with a playground by the beach and a wide expanse of sand. It’s incredibly beautiful as surfers ride the waves bathed in orange light around this time of day.

If you stay at the Yallingup Caravan Park, you can see the sunset from there. The cabins overlook the ocean and are a wonderful place to sit and take in the view.

Locals Tip: Book one of the holiday homes on Yallingup hill for a truly stunning view. Most of these have incredible views of the ocean and surrounding area.

busselton jetty interpretive centre at sunset — Busselton Jetty Sunset

2. Busselton Jetty

Busselton Jetty is one of my favourite spots to be at sunset. As the sun descends over the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, its golden rays glow upon the weathered wooden planks of the jetty and the blue visitor centre. This makes it popular with photographers.

Look back towards the coastline to see the beach and foreshore lights start to twinkle.

Locals Tip: Book dinner for after sunset at Shelter Brewing Co.

sea garden cafe view of the sunset over the ocean at prevelly — Sea Gardens Cafe around sunset

3. Prevelly

Prevelly Beach is where the tranquil waters of the Margaret River Mouth meet the Indian Ocean, creating a picturesque setting. The mouth of the river is framed by sand dunes and vegetation, adding to the area’s natural beauty.

Perfect for beachcombing and exploring the rock pools during low tide. Surfers Point is a popular place for a picnic.

Locals Tip: Have dinner or drinks at the Sea Gardens Cafe next to the Prevelly Caravan Park or Surfers Point, which usually has food trucks in summer.

surfers in the ocewan at sunset at gracetown margaret river — North Point, Gracetown by Tourism Western Australia

4. Gracetown

Nestled along the stunning Margaret River coastline, Gracetown provides a serene and unspoiled setting to witness the sun dip below the Indian Ocean. As the day draws to a close, the changing hues of the sky over the ocean create a mesmerising display of colours.

Locals Tip: Watch the sunset from the pristine sandy beach or opt for an elevated viewpoint from Gracetown Lookout off Bayview Drive.

5. Meelup Beach

Meelup Beach, near Dunsborough, is beautiful any time of the day. The beach is framed by lush greenery and fringed by crystal-clear waters, providing an idyllic backdrop for the evening’s nature show.

Locals Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass bank overlooking the beach.

surfer enterting the water at Smiths Beach at sunset margaret river — Smiths Beach at sunset by Tourism Western Australia

6. Smiths Beach

The wide expanse of Smiths Beach is a lovely place to be at sunset. The sun doesn’t set directly over the water, but it’s a beautiful spot for a sunset picnic.

Locals Tip: The car park at the end of Smiths Beach Road has gorgeous views.

castle rock glowing at sunset — Castle Rock

7. Castle Rock

This imposing granite headland, adorned with windswept trees and rugged beauty, sets the stage for one of nature’s grandest finales.

As the sun descends over Geographe Bay, Castle Rock becomes a front-row seat to a spectacular show of colours and contrasts.

The weathered granite formations, twisted coastal vegetation, and the unrelenting crash of waves against the shoreline all contribute to the dramatic ambience.

Locals Tip: The viewing platform is the best place for photos, or you can scramble over some rocks for a different perspective.

sunset over canal rocks margaret river region — Canal Rocks, near Yallingup by Tourism Western Australia

8. Canal Rocks

This unique geological formation is composed of ancient granite boulders and rocky channels carved by the relentless forces of the Indian Ocean.

As the sun begins its descent over the horizon, the sky over Canal Rocks changes hues, ranging from soft pinks and oranges to fiery reds and purples.

What sets the sunset at Canal Rocks apart is the rugged beauty of the surroundings with its jagged coastline, the interplay of light and shadow on the weathered rocks, and the crashing waves.

It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world.

Locals Tip: Another beautiful view near here is along the Cape to Cape track towards Smiths Beach.

9. Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is well known for its friendly stingrays that come into the shallows each day. However, it’s also lovely at sunset, with the sun casting a golden glow on the beach and rocks.

Locals Tip: Stay in Hamelin Bay Caravan Park to view the stingrays in the early morning.

sunset over sugar loaf rock off the coastline — Sugarloaf Rock at Sunset

10. Sugarloaf Rock

Sugarloaf Rock, a majestic granite outcrop in the Indian Ocean, is a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts. Located in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this natural wonder is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets.

The Indian Ocean, cradling Sugarloaf Rock, plays a pivotal role in this sunset spectacle. The ocean-facing side of the rock often faces the relentless assault of treacherous waves, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel.

For an unparalleled view, make your way to the elevated lookout. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to an unobstructed view of Sugarloaf Rock, the ever-changing colours of the sky, and the tumultuous ocean below.

Local Tip: It can be windy up on the lookout, and there is nowhere for a picnic.

Margaret River Sunset Tips

Check the weather and sunset time before you leave.
Take a warm jacket as it can be cold when the sun disappears.
Pack a blanket, snacks, and drinks if you plan on a picnic.
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the sunset. A tripod can be invaluable for stable, high-quality shots, especially in low light.
Mosquitoes and other insects can be pesky in some locations, especially near rivers and forests. Bug repellent can save you from uncomfortable bites.
After sunset, it can get quite dark quickly. A flashlight or headlamp will help you navigate your way back to your vehicle safely.
When exploring nature, it’s crucial to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Take everything you bring, including rubbish, to keep the environment pristine.
Stick to established paths and trails to avoid disturbing delicate ecosystems. Respect any posted signs or guidelines in protected areas.
Be cautious around cliff edges, slippery rocks, and rough surf. Always prioritise your safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks for the sake of a photo or view.
Drive carefully around dusk when wildlife, like kangaroos, are more active.

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