Timeline
17:29
Grab a coffee and settle in at Merlo Coffee. It is a quick five-minute walk from the UQ campus entrance and perfect for people-watching before the main event. The café is open until 15:00 on Saturdays and 18:00 on weekdays, so this timing works perfectly for a late afternoon start.
17:59
Walk across the UQ campus grounds. The sandstone buildings and ornamental lakes are bathed in the soft, golden glow as the sun begins its descent toward the WSW. Take a moment to admire the architecture and the jacaranda-lined boulevards while the light is still bright enough to see details clearly.
18:14
Stand by the Eleanor Schonell Bridge or near the UQ lakes. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, turning the river and the building facades into shades of amber and deep orange. This is the peak of the golden hour, offering a serene view of the university’s historic landscape.
18:44
End the evening with dinner at Saint Lucy Caffé e Cucina. Located just a five-minute walk from the campus, this Italian restaurant is open until 21:00 every day. It offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after the walk and enjoy a meal as the city lights begin to twinkle across the river.
Local tip
The golden light fades quickly after sunset. If you want to stay longer at the university, bring a jacket as it cools down near the river in the evening.
Check before you go
- Merlo Coffee closes at 18:00 on weekdays and 15:00 on Saturdays. If you are visiting on a weekend, consider switching to Saint Lucy Caffé e Cucina for your pre-sunset drink, as it is open until 21:00 daily.
- The University of Queensland campus is large. Allow time to walk from the main entrance to the lakes or the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.
Worth knowing
- Merlo Coffee is open at 17:29 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Brisbane (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).