If you’ve ever found yourself double-tapping a dreamy dusk pic, or, plotting your next getaway based solely on how Instagrammable the views are, you’re not alone. A new study by Frameshop – Australia’s leading photo printing and framing experts – has crunched the numbers to uncover the most photographed, searched-for, and swoon-worthy skyline views across the country. From tropical beaches to glistening cityscapes, these spots deliver the best sunsets in Australia and have everyone reaching for their phones. (And maybe a tripod).
So, where exactly should you be heading if you want to chase the perfect golden hour glow. And, some serious online cred? Here are skylines worth stopping, snapping and uploading onto social media
Queensland: The sunshine state is the queen of sunset snaps
Topping the list is Port Douglas (main feature image), Far North Queensland’s tropical darling. It’s not just a feast for the eyes – it’s an Instagram icon. With a staggering 577,000 posts and 480 monthly searches, it’s clear this coastal charmer has a skyline that’s more than just camera-friendly. For a frame-worthy photo, locals recommend heading to Rex Smeal Park for palm-fringed silhouettes. Or, conquering the Flagstaff Hill trail to catch sunrise peeking over Four Mile Beach.
But, Port Douglas isn’t the only Queenslander shining in the spotlight. Coming in at number two is Kangaroo Point in Brisbane—an urban oasis that pairs twinkling city lights with riverside serenity. While it boasts a more modest 105,000 Instagram tags, it has the highest monthly search volume of the bunch (760), proving it’s the go-to for Brissie locals and visitors looking to soak up skyline vibes with their sunset.
Queensland doesn’t stop there. The Glass House Mountains claim third place, offering jagged volcanic peaks bathed in fiery light. It’s a favourite for both seasoned hikers and photographers on a mission to go viral, earning 164,000 Instagram posts and 120 monthly searches.
Coast to coast cred
Beyond the Sunshine State, other states have their own photogenic front-runners. Cottesloe Beach in Perth made a splash. It ranked sixth nationally thanks to its 116,000 Instagram posts and a healthy 260 monthly searches. Think: pastel skies, crashing waves, and iconic beachside pine trees. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s the perfect spot to sip a sundowner.
Meanwhile, Warners Bay in Newcastle has quietly become a favourite for NSW locals, landing in seventh place with 80,500 tagged photos. It’s the kind of place where still waters reflect sherbet skies, and kayakers glide by as the sun dips low.
City by city snapping hot spots
National rankings aside, the study also zoomed in on each capital and major city to reveal their best skyline views. Unsurprisingly, Port Douglas doubles as the Cairns region’s favourite. But each city has its own local hero:
- Melbourne. St Kilda Pier wins for its blend of skyline reflections, ocean charm, and surprise penguin encounters (yes, really).
- Sydney. Milsons Point takes the cake, offering those unbeatable Harbour Bridge and Opera House views from a lesser-tapped angle.
- Canberra. Lake Burley Griffin impresses with 84,300 Instagram shares—proof that the nation’s capital has a softer, more scenic side.
- Adelaide. Meanwhile, while it didn’t crack the national top 10, Kangaroo Island is the standout for South Australians, with its rugged coastlines, epic light, and nature-drenched vistas.
Even smaller towns had their moment. Cradle Mountain near Launceston wowed with its raw beauty, Lake Wendouree in Ballarat glimmered its way into local hearts, and Kingston Beach in Hobart proved that Tasmania knows how to do sunsets right.
So, what makes a view go viral?
According to Mohamad Hannaway, photo printing and framing expert at Frameshop, it’s a mix of natural beauty, timing and the human desire to bottle up magical moments. “Sunsets are one of the most shared travel moments online,” he says. “Our research shows just how many Australians – and visitors – are chasing the perfect golden hour. These locations offer not only natural beauty for your followers, but also the perfect backdrop for a family picture you’ll want to hang in your home forever.”
Whether you’re planning your next holiday or just want a beautiful new backdrop for your daily walk, these places prove that you don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture something special. Though a killer view and a well-timed frame never hurt!
