There is no better time than Autumn for an elegant soirée with family and friends – whether celebrating at home around a glowing firepit or heading to a spectacular venue to watch the sun turn red with a glass of wine in hand.
From the French word ‘soir’ meaning evening, this is no ordinary party gathering…get your glad rags on, grab your better half and meet friends at one of these five venues for a sunset soirée to remember:
Friday Night Sunset Sessions
An all-encompassing destination for wine tasting, functions, mouth-watering local cuisine and an enviable view, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard on Harris Road in Lenswood has fast warranted itself an enthusiastic loyal following. A rustic, barn-like cellar door has been expanded and refurbished with wide timber decks allowing diners to admire sweeping valley landscapes, as they sip estate wines and feast on delectable dishes.
Elevate your Friday nights with a sunset session at Mt Lofty for an enchanting blend of stunning views, live music and a tantalising menu; join the fun as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over an evening of culinary delights and soulful tones.
Incredible FNQ Sunsets Await
One of the hottest dining venues on the Townsville culinary scene Bridgewater Restaurant + Botaniq Bar on Dibbs Street offers guests a touch of coastal elegance in North Queensland. Positioned on the first floor, the restaurant has been purposely created to offer an unparalleled experience with an open plan design and unsurpassed river and city views, while downstairs chill out after work with drinks as the sun sets.
Head to Botaniq Bar for a relaxed catchup over a cocktail and enjoy the best seat in the city to take in vistas of Ross Creek, the city skyline and incredible Far North Queensland sunsets as you graze on plates of ginger spiced pork wontons, shiitake and chilli sauce, fried garlic and coriander.
Breathtaking Sunset Panoramas
Perched within the Dandenong Ranges, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong offers a dining experience nothing short of breathtaking. Unparalleled views from the Mornington Peninsula across Port Philip Bay to You Yangs National Park, provide an ever-changing backdrop to this stylish venue.
Grab a seat on one of the spectacular outdoor terraces and watch a stunning sunset over Melbourne’s city skyline, while enjoying SkyHigh nachos with corn chips, beans, cheese sauce, sour cream, guacamole and spicy tomato salsa with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Waterfront Sunset Dining in Style
Ettalong locals flock to The Box on the Water restaurant and lounge bar for absolute waterfront dining in contemporary style, found ocean-side of The Esplanade on the redeveloped foreshore. In all weather, soak up panoramic views across soft sand and sheltered bay waters, dining at a leisurely pace, seated underneath lush ferns hanging from the ceiling in black pots, while surrounded by a smart casual environment reflective of nature outside.
Sip a craft beer or cocktail while the sun starts to turn pink and contemplate a sunset bar menu offering choices such as a seafood teaser plate of natural oysters, fresh prawns, anchovies, house-cured salmon, lavash and The Box seafood sauce.
Winter Dinner Sunset Series
For a stunning beachside venue boasting panoramic oceanfront views in Coffs Harbour, head to Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar on Surf Club Road. The view from this restaurant over pristine beaches and parklands will literally take your breath away as you stop in for a meal to remember.
Join Donovan’s Winter dinner series starting June 1 and cosy up in the warm atmosphere with a cocktail in hand to peruse a mouthwatering menu crafted by the Chefs to showcase the best local ingredients as you watch the stunning hues of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.