The exquisite natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland’s beaches, rainforest vegetation and mountain ranges, not to mention its alluring tropical weather year-round, makes it one of the most magical locations in Australia to watch the sun go down in paradise. In this article, we take a look at four of the best locations in and surrounding Cairns for witnessing a beautiful sunset.
Via a sunset cruise, Cairns
A sunset cruise in Cairns is a unique and unforgettable way to finish an amazing day in the tropics by watching the sun go down from the water. Beginning at 5:30pm, your 90-minute relaxing sunset cruise includes a welcome drink upon boarding (choose from local beer, red wine, white wine, sparking wine or soft drink) as well as savoury nibbles.
Following this, all you need to do is kick back and relax from the deck, while enjoying your drink, and witness the magnificent unfolding of colours in the sky that the region is famous for. You will have the opportunity to also enjoy views of Cairns’ beautiful waterways and mangroves, with the majestic mountains as your backdrop. Sunset cruises depart daily (at 5:30pm, provided the minimum number of four passengers is met). For more information, please click here.
Image Credit: thetourspecialists.com.au
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
Situated just a 45-minute Fast Cat ride away from the Cairns Marina is the exquisite tropical island paradise of Fitzroy Island, located right amongst the magic of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
Comprised of 97% National Park (lush rainforest vegetation) and with the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef straight from the shore of the island, Fitzroy Island is home to Australia’s Number 1 Best Beach in the 101 Best Beaches awards for 2018, Nudey Beach (framed by lush rainforest vegetation and granite boulders, where the white coral sand meets the turquoise-coloured sea).
Fitzroy Island is famous for breathtaking sunsets, which can be enjoyed from a number of locations on the island. Perhaps most famous of all however is Foxy’s Bar, a large Pacific Islands bar with a 70s structural theme, located right on the beachfront at Welcome Bay. Foxy’s Bar is the perfect place to lap up the wonder of a tropical sunset as the sun goes down beyond the Cairns Hinterland, not only thanks to its amazing array of drinks (including cocktails and local beer) on offer, but also indoor and outdoor seating and pool tables, if they take your fancy. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some shots of what no doubt will be one of the most magical sunsets you will ever witness.
With a wide array of accommodation options (from camping through to luxurious ocean view suites), Fitzroy Island Resort has something for all tastes and budgets.
Cairns Esplanade
The recreational area of Cairns Esplanade draws many visitors every day of the year, including not only interstate and international tourists, but locals too. Complete with its very own enormous beachfront swimming lagoon as well as walking tracks, exercise equipment, playgrounds, a skate park, BBQ facilities, picnic tables, grass areas and shady trees, the Cairns Esplanade is a must-see spot when visiting the Cairns region. Also on offer are the many coffee shops, cafes and restaurants that line the area.
Position yourself towards the west of Cairns in the early evening at the Esplanade to enjoy an amazing sunset, beyond the mountain ranges that surround Cairns. Bring your own picnic to feast on as the sun goes down, or enjoy some of area’s incredible local cuisine at one of the neighbouring cafes or restaurants after the sun has set.
Image Credit: pdrengineers.com.au
Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
There is good reason as to why palm tree-lined Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas, a popular seaside town located one hour north of Cairns, is featured regularly on postcards of the area. One of the best locations in the region for watching the sunset, the huge grassy area of Rex Smeal Park including its famous fig trees and framed by palm trees, looks across the waters of the Coral Sea to the mountain ranges beyond. From approximately 4pm, you will also have the opportunity to watch some of the boats return from exploring the Great Barrier Reef, as they head home towards the Port Douglas Marina for the evening.
Rex Smeal Park (located behind Flagstaff Hill) is a stone’s throw from the town centre of Port Douglas (approximately a 5-minute walk), where you can stock up on goodies to enjoy at the park itself, or venture to afterwards for delicious local cuisine at one of the many award-winning restaurants and pubs that call Port Douglas home.
