It happens every day. But there’s no denying the wow factor of kicking back with friends and enjoying an evening sky lit up with vivid hues, contrasting against the growing darkness. In Sydney, we’re especially lucky – rife with spectacular natural settings and glittering cityscapes, our harbourside town can offer some truly magical views come golden hour.

Especially after the past year we’ve had, it’s worth taking a moment to find a spot with friends and raise a glass. So throw your blankets, baskets, torches and water in the car, gather your snacks, Aperol Spritzes and designated driver, and make a break for one of our five favourite sunset-ready lookouts around town.

Observatory Hill
Overlooking Barangaroo, the Harbour Bridge and the Walsh Bay wharves, Observatory Hill is one of Sydney’s most important landmarks. The site is home to Sydney Observatory, Australia’s oldest observatory built in the 1850s that now operates as a museum, a Bureau of Meteorology weather station, and a 110-year-old rotunda that is a popular spot for celebrations. Roll out a picnic rug under one of the park’s many Moreton Bay fig trees – many of which were planted in the 1880s – and take in the sweeping harbour view, including the illuminated grin of Luna Park across the water.

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Bradley’s Head
As far as a viewpoint for spectacular Sydney sunsets goes, it’s hard to go past Bradleys Head. Located in Sydney Harbour National Park, it offers unsurpassed views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks: the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. The tiered Booraghee Amphitheatre is a perfect place to sit and watch life unfold on the busy harbour.

Manly Cove
Manly Cove, or Kai’ymay in the local Cameragal language, is a harbourside stretch of sand that faces the water towards Mosman and Sydney’s eastern suburbs. With amenities on-site and plenty of cafes and takeaway joints nearby, it’s a family-friendly spot to splash in the shallows and watch the ferries track back and forth across the water before enjoying an early dinner, when the sky beyond Dobroyd Head lights up as the sun sinks in the west.

Opera Bar
Where better to farewell the daylight hours and usher in the night than the Opera Bar, a much-loved Sydney establishment known for its cracking views and festive atmosphere. Perched harbourside under the sails of the Opera House, the Opera Bar occupies one of the city’s most desirable addresses. With a drink in hand, soak in the sparkling million-dollar view of the CBD and harbour as twilight settles over the city.

Larkin Street Lookout, Waverton
A 10-minute walk from Waverton station on Sydney’s North Shore is the Larkin Street Lookout, a favourite spot among sunset enthusiasts. Located in the Waverton Peninsula Reserve, the spot offers harbour views showcasing the bridge and CBD’s newest addition, One Barangaroo, surrounded by bush and glittering water. This picturesque vista of the city skyline and surrounds becomes breathtaking at nightfall when the CBD skyscrapers shine pink, yellow and orange, reflecting the setting sun.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Aperol. With 100,000 Aperol Spritzes up for grabs this summer to help celebrate being together again, find out how to claim yours.