Tropical Far North Queensland is one of Australia’s finest regions for watching the sun go down, thanks to its gorgeous balmy weather and superb natural beauty. The Cairns region may be famous for its proximity to the outstanding Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, but Cairns itself is also home to a stunning esplanade, beautiful rainforest vegetation and majestic mountain ranges.
If you are staying in the Cairns region or planning a trip to this beautiful part of the world, you may be wondering the best places from which to watch the sunset. In this blog post, we’ve got you covered!
Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns
The exquisite tropical paradise of Fitzroy Island is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent places to watch the sunset near Cairns. Located a mere 45 minutes from the Cairns Marina, right in the heart of the stunning Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is a must-visit location during a trip to the Cairns region.
A visit to Fitzroy Island just isn’t complete without sitting back and enjoying one of its infamous sunsets from beautiful Welcome Bay. Order a refreshing beer or delicious tropical cocktail from Foxy’s Bar, located right on the beach, and unwind as you watch the sun go down. A camera is a must!
Did you know that Fitzroy Island is also home to one of Australia’s most highly awarded beaches? The incredible white coral Nudey Beach, framed by lush green vegetation, giant boulders and the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the most outstanding beaches located anywhere in Queensland. With a large variety of accommodation options available at Fitzroy Island Resort, enjoy relaxing and unwinding on the island for as little or as long as you wish.
Cairns Esplanade
It’s not hard to see why the Cairns Esplanade is bustling with locals, domestic tourists and international visitors, 365 days a year. With its gigantic, stunning beachfront swimming lagoon, walking tracks, playgrounds, skate park, BBQs and numerous spots to sit back and relax with a picnic, not to mention the numerous cafes and restaurants nearby, Cairns Esplanade is one of the best spots in Cairns to relax and watch the sun go down behind the Cairns hinterland.
Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a gorgeous, laidback seaside town situated one hour north of the city of Cairns, and is famous for its spectacular Four Mile Beach, stunning natural beauty, some of the finest cuisine found anywhere in Queensland, local shopping options and relaxed vibe.
Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas is one of the best places near Cairns to watch the sunset after a day in tropical paradise, thanks to its jaw-droppingly beautiful, enormous fig trees, its palm tree-lined perimeter, its cosy, grassy areas and its gorgeous views across the Coral Sea to the mountain ranges in the distance.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, pack yourself an evening picnic or grab a tasty bite of local fish and chips to enjoy as the sun goes down. You will also get to enjoy watching numerous boats return from visits to the outer and nearby reefs, as they make their way back up the inlet and into the Port Douglas marina.
Image Credit: tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
From the Ocean via a Sunset Cruise, Cairns
A sunset cruise just off the coast of Cairns is a magnificent way to watch the sunset beyond the mountains in the west. This experience gives you the opportunity to see Cairns and its surrounds in a whole different way and is a relaxing and memorable way to spend an evening.
Whether you choose a sunset-only cruise or a dinner cruise, you can kick back and enjoy your stunning surroundings and watch as the colours of the sky transform before your eyes. You shall also have the chance to admire Cairns’ lovely waterways and tropical mangroves, as part of your cruise.
