Watching the sunrise over our vast ancient landscape is a magical experience. Each sunrise is a new beginning, offering hope of an inspiring day, and a peaceful world.
With winter here, frosty mornings promise clear days. The early morning sun warms the sky and colour spreads throughout the bushlands, the rugged ranges and ancient landscapes.
Discover a new perspective with a Grampians sunrise from one of these epic locations. We recommend coming prepared with a head torch to start your journey in the dark.
The climb to Chatauqua Peak is a popular hike in the Grampians offering panoramic views over Halls Gap. At sunrise see the golden rays of the sun paint bright colour onto the clouds, mountains and bushlands below.
Conveniently located near the heart of Halls Gap, the hike to the peak is moderately difficult and involves a bit of rock scramble towards the end. The entire loop takes about 2.5 hours, so your arrival at the peak for a Grampians sunrise will require an early start in the dark so don’t forget to rug up! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as it awakens. Kangaroos are often spotted at dawn.
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If you’re keen to experience a Grampians sunrise but don’t want to hike, or prefer a sleep in, then Boroka Lookout is for you. Located in the heart of the Grampians, Boroka Lookout is easily the most accessible spot in the region (only a short stroll from the Boroka Lookout Carpark). With 360-degree views towards Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield and with the Wonderland and Mt William (Duwil) mountain ranges in sight, a sunrise from Boroka Lookout will not disappoint.
Note – This is a popular sunrise viewing spot so we recommend getting there early to secure a good vantage point.
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Dunkeld Arboretum offers an inspiring Grampians sunrise experience, different from those up in the clouds. Instead, see the sun rise from a quaint, tranquil lakeside setting amongst a showcase of trees hailing from around the globe. Listen to the abundant bird life chirp their morning song whilst the exploding colours of the sunrise sky reflect off the water and cast a glow over nearby Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri).
Dunkeld Arboretum is only a 15-minute walk from Dunkeld township. Another great option for those seeking a more leisurely sunrise experience to start their day.
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Feel free to feel free with an unforgettable Grampians sunrise from Pinnacle Lookout. With expansive views over the Western Plains embark on one of two hiking routes, each differing in difficulty and duration. Starting at Sundial Car Park is the easiest option and friendliest for those with children. This route will take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The longer and more challenging option is to start at Wonderland Car Park, from which you’ll embark on a rockier track classed as medium to hard in difficulty. It shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours to complete this walk.
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Picture it now… you’re sitting atop a mountain peak, high above the clouds, listening to the sounds of nature waking to a new day. A golden disc rises and rises to slowly paint the ancient landscape in pink, red and orange. Here you take a moment; discover perspective and remind yourself to appreciate just how epic our world is. There’s nothing quite like a witnessing a sunrise from Boronia Peak. It’s a true hidden gem in the region so don’t be surprised if you have the mountain peak all to yourself!
This hike is not for the faint hearted. The medium to difficult journey will involve some rock scrambling on route to the peak and should take between two to three hours to complete. Once again, we recommend you come prepared to start your voyage in the dark.
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