Sunset and sunrise chasers, take note: a new heart-warming study has revealed Australia’s most beloved and sought-after skyline views, ranked not just for their visual impact but by how viral they are on Instagram and searched for by adventurers, sunset seekers and wanderlusters online.
Whether it’s a fiery skyline over tropical beaches or a golden glow against rugged peaks, the study by Frameshop balances Instagram post volume with average monthly Google search volumes to create an index of the most sought-after sunset locations both nationally and in each major city for some local insights closer to home.
Australia’s Most Loved Skylines Nationwide Revealed
The results show Queensland takes the trophy as the Australian state with the most sought-after sweeping skylines, with the state acquiring seven out of the top 10 positions in the leaderboard.
Port Douglas in Far North Queensland takes the top spot, with a staggering 577,000 Instagram posts and 480 Google searches per month, solidifying its status as Australia’s most sought-after sunset viewing destination. Trek to Rex Smeal Park for sweeping views over Four Mile Beach, or take on the FlagHill Trail at sunrise for the first look at the day.
Kangaroo Point in Brisbane ranks second overall, praised for its panoramic city views and riverside charm. With 105,000 tagged Instagram posts and the highest monthly search volume on the list - sitting at 760 monthly searches - it proves as a running contender to the top spot, only beaten by Port Douglas due to less appearances on Instagram.
Snap your trip either from Kangaroo Point Cafe, or down by the river - either way, there’s plenty of scenic views to choose from.
In third place is another Queensland destination: The Glass House Mountains, with dramatic silhouettes and a high Instagram-to-search ratio, making it a hotspot for photographers and adventurers alike. The area rakes in a buzz of 164,000 Instagram posts and 120 monthly searches.
Outside of Queensland, Cottesloe Beach in Perth sits in 6th position with 116,000 Instagram shares and 260 monthly searches from local adventures. Warners Bay in Newcastle takes seventh place with 80,500 Instagram shares, and finally, Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, takes eighth position with 84,300.
The Most Loved Local Skyline View in Your City
While Queensland dominates the nationwide list, the city-level data reveals which local skyline spots Australians are sharing and searching for the most in their own backyards for an impressive sunset sunrise.
Port Douglas in Cairns tops the list nationally, so it’s no surprise that it also claims the title of the region’s most iconic skyline. With sky-high Instagram activity and strong search interest, it stands out as one of Australia’s ultimate sunset destinations.
Several other locations made both the national and local favourites lists, including Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, Cottesloe Beach in Perth and Warners Bay in Newcastle. These skyline spots offer breathtaking views that resonate both locally and nationally, thanks to their blend of visual beauty and consistent online popularity.
Some locations didn’t make the national leaderboard but still shine as local icons. Kangaroo Island, just outside Adelaide, ranks as South Australia’s standout, with hundreds of thousands of Instagram posts capturing its rugged coastal sunsets.
In Sydney, Milsons Point remains a favourite for its sweeping harbour views, while in Melbourne, St Kilda Pier earns top billing for its blend of skyline reflections and penguin sightings, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Cradle Mountain near Launceston is a nature-lover’s dream, boasting a strong social presence despite lower search volume. Lake Wendouree in Ballarat is a hidden Victorian gem, loved for its calm, reflective waters, while Kingston Beach in Hobart rounds out the list with its picturesque shoreline and status as the locals’ top sunset spot.
Mohamad Hannaway, photo printing and framing expert at Frameshop, says:
"Sunsets are one of the most shared travel moments online and our research shows just how many Australians and visitors, are chasing the perfect golden hour. From coastlines to cityscapes, these locations offer not only natural beauty to share online to your followers, but offer the perfect backdrop for a family picture moment you’ll hang in your home forever.”
