Mornington Peninsula sunrises and sunsets - why they are better in autumn and the best place to see them.
There’s nothing better than witnessing that perfect Mornington Peninsula sunrise or sunset (and capturing a sneaky photo for the socials). And autumn is the ideal time to see them! As the days become shorter, the skies become more vivid than ever, with stunning red and oranges hues. But why does that happen? It all comes down to science.
It's all about the clouds
Meteorologists say that a few factors create the ideal environment for sunrises and sunsets, but the key ingredient is cloud cover. Mid to high-level clouds, not too close to the earth's surface, create the most spectacular results. When the sun starts to set, the angle of the sun hits the base level of the clouds, making the beautiful colours we see as the light comes down to Earth.
Why does this happen more in colder months?
The reason the sunrises and sunsets are that much more striking in autumn is due to the tilt of the earth. During the cooler months, the earth tilts a little further away from the sun. Cold fronts also cause high-level cloud cover, giving us the perfect conditions to get that insta-worthy sunset.
So where is the best place to go?
The Mornington Peninsula is one of the few places where you can witness the sunrise over one bay (Western Port) and sunset over another (Port Phillip). There are so many breath-taking viewpoints along the Mornington Peninsula that we’re spoilt for choice, but we’ve narrowed it down to our 'Top 3.'
1. Arthurs Seat Lookout
Considered to be one of the best vantage points on the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat Lookout offers sweeping panoramic views of Port Phillip. Accessible by both car and on foot, pack a picnic and settle in for the spectacular view at sunset.
Named for the unique rock formation, which, funnily enough, resembles a dragon’s head, this spot is located just off the Number 16 Beach at Rye. On the Bass Strait side of the Mornington Peninsula, this is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise facing out east.
Surrounded by impressive sandstone cliffs, Diamond Bay is one of the more protected areas along the coast. The cliff-top walks to St Pauls Lookout offer amazing views over the Bay of Islands, while walking back towards Jubilee Point, take in the charming seaside village of Sorrento. View the sunset from above on the cliff tops, or head down to the sand and find a spot to admire the sunrise.
And that is only the tip of the iceberg. The Mornington Peninsula is awash with walks, bike tracks, and lookouts for you to view its stunning natural wonders.
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