The Mornington Peninsula is a photographer’s playground. Between the rugged cliffs, turquoise rock pools, calm beaches, and wild Southern Ocean views, there’s no shortage of spots to set up your tripod and catch a jaw dropping sunset in Victoria.
After plenty of evenings chasing golden hour (and collecting a decent amount of sand and salt in my gear), these are my top five best sunset photography locations on the Mornington Peninsula.
Best places for sunset photography Mornington Peninsula • Peninsula landscape photography • Victoria sunset spots
1. Cape Schanck & Pulpit Rock
Cape Schanck sunset photos • Pulpit Rock photography
If you’re into dramatic seascape photography, Cape Schanck is unbeatable. The basalt cliffs, powerful swell, and the iconic Pulpit Rock all come alive when the sun drops behind the horizon. On low tide, the rock platform gives you foregrounds that look straight out of a fantasy film.
Tips for photographers:
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Get there early to scout your shot. One of the best spots to shoot flow foregrounds.
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It gets windy, bring a solid tripod.
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Stay away from the waters edge down on Pulpit Rock. Rogue waves come from no where, even on a calm day!
2. Rye Back Beach
Rye back beach sunset • Mornington Peninsula coastal photography
Rye Back Beach is one of the most photogenic stretches of coastline on the Mornington Peninsula. Limestone cliffs, textured rock formations, and pastel skies make it a brilliant location for both classic postcard shots and more creative compositions.
Tips for photographers:
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Rock pools make great reflective foregrounds.
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Try the cliff-top tracks for wide coastal panoramas.
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Check the tides, shooting on low tide is my favorite time to visit. Exposing rock pools and plenty of reefs with endless foregrounds.
3. Sierra Nevada Rocks, Portsea
Sierra Nevada Rocks sunset • Portsea photography locations
Sierra Nevada Rocks is an absolute classic and easily one of the best sunset spots in Portsea. The natural arch, layered cliffs, and sweeping beach give you heaps of angles to play with. In summer, the sun often sets right behind the arch perfect for silhouettes.
Tips for photographers:
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Get up close, wide angle lenses work brilliantly.
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Long exposures will give you silky, dreamy water.
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Stick around after sunset, the stars usually pop down here once its dark enough.
4. Mount Martha Beach Boxes
Mount Martha beach boxes photos • Peninsula pastel sunsets
If you’re after colour, you can’t beat the Mount Martha beach boxes. They’re iconic, bright, and instantly recognizable, making them a great foreground for soft, glowing Mornington Peninsula sunsets. Plus, the curve of the shoreline leads beautifully into the horizon.
Tips for photographers:
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High tide usually works well, with the water rushing to the bottom of the beach boxes.
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A telephoto lens compresses the boxes nicely against the sky.
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Don't be afraid to get wet.
5. Bushrangers Bay
Bushrangers Bay photography • Hiking photography Victoria
Bushrangers Bay is a favorite for those who love solitude and a bit of adventure. The short hike in is totally worth it for the rugged sea stacks, a good sea arch and moody, atmospheric coastline. It’s an epic location for long exposures, dramatic skies, and textured rock platform shots.
Tips for photographers:
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Allow daylight for the walk in and bring a light for the return.
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Pay close attention to the waves and swell. One of the more angrier oceans I've shot.
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Ideal for punchy, contrast heavy edits.
Wrap-Up
Whether you're chasing long exposures, big sunset burners, or just a peaceful arvo by the beach, these spots represent the best sunset photography locations on the Mornington Peninsula. Pack your camera, grab a few snacks, and let the Peninsula do all the heavy lifting.
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