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Best National Parks To Catch a Sunset

If the benefits of visiting a national park this summer weren’t already clear enough, here is where we sweeten the deal – the best spots to see a spectacular sunset.

Living in Australia means we have access to more than 500 national parks across the country – many considered national treasures – ranging from rugged mountains to vast deserts and lush rainforests. And the best way to wrap up a day of exploring these unique wonderlands? By witnessing the sun falling behind ancient rock faces, tree-lined gorges or the lapping waters of the horizon. There’s not much that’s better for the soul.

So next time you’re in one of these magical national parks, be sure to visit one of these recommended spots at the end of the day. Remember to pack the mozzie spray, and to take home any rubbish – in fact, pick up any discarded litter that isn’t yours too – we have to look after these national treasures. While you’re there, it’s a great idea to support any local industries too, so see where you can stay nearby or treat yourself to a pre-sunset dinner.

 

Our 7 sunset spot recommendations:

1) Kosciuszko National Park, NSW

Who says sunsets have to be summer evenings? The Snowy Mountains are a picturesque spot to watch the last rays of daylight, complete with a gentle blue hue, bounce off the glassy undulating ranges. The best part? You’ll be so peacefully weary, that the silent surrounds of the quiet mountain which match the serene colours of the sky.

But wait, you can do it in summer too! In fact Thredbo Resort offers a guided 13km hike up Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, during the summer months. 

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2) Boroka Lookout, Grampians (Gariwerd), VIC

The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is literally a haven for sunsets and sunrises.One of the best, and easiest to stroll to for all family members (which is handy for getting back in the dark) is the Boroka Lookout. The cliffside viewing platforms offer 180-degree views of Western Victoria, spanning both mountains and lakes.

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3) Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach, QLD

Already a destination for it’s moonscape appearance, Carlo Sandblow is a part of an impressive area of windblown sand near Rainbow Beach township. Sunset is by far the best time to visit this dynamic landscape as you watch the sun bid its farewell over Tin Can Bay, with 180 degree views of Rainbow Beach.

Hot tip: if you want a shorter walk since the day will be nearly done, start from Carlo Sandblow Carpark.

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4) Deep Creek National Park, SA

This National Park on SA’s Fleurieu Peninsula, on the lands of the Ramindjeri and Kaurna Indigenous people, is home to endless spectacular sunset spots. It’s also home to friendly wildlife and campsites where you can stroll to see the sun setting over the ocean. We’ve been told by our friends at Good Living SA that the best viewing spots are Blowhole Beach, Cobbler Hill Picnic Ground, Tapanappa Ridge and Lookout, and Goondaloo Ridge.

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5) Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), NT

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, The Burawei Lookout is a part of the Nitmiluk National Park and offers a sunset spot like no other. Picture the breathtaking scene unfolding below you – dusk colours on a warm evening cascading over the grand gorge walls – with the flowing waters of the river below. You can also opt for a sunset or sunrise cruise if that’s more your style!

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6) East Mount Barren, Fitzgerald River National Park, WA

East Mount Barren sits on the eastern edge of the national park, near Houpeton and is the ultimate spot for a sundown spectating with views spanning the peaks of the Barrens Range. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a hike to the summit, so best to leave a bit before dark to make the trek back down. If that’s a bit much for your evening, the view from the carpark is also spectacular.

Photo credit: Mark from Perthisok.com 

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7) Freycinet National Park, TAS

The name says it all, a beautiful bay fit for a myriad of romantic sunset colours and serene water in the famous Freycinet National Park. Bring a picnic dinner, or even better enter the ballot to have a camping spot right on the water over the summer – imagine sunsets for a whole week!

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