The Best Place to Watch Sunsets in Darwin, in Pictures

I went to the best place to watch sunsets in Darwin to take these photographs one evening. I took them at the same spot, perched on a cliff in Darwin within 30-40 minutes of each other. I’ve never seen a sunset quite like this.

Whilst touring Australia I was unfortunate when it came to finding beautiful sunsets. At Coober Pedy and Uluru, the sunset was ‘ruined’ by the rain, and the fog refused to lift in the Grampians. I set out to find the best place to watch sunsets in Darwin and finally get my chance to snap some pretty pictures.

The actual idea was to head to Mindil Beach, but I found myself perched higher up with an exceptional view out to sea. I snapped this picture using the default settings on my camera, given the lack of a tripod to take the perfect shot.

One of the things that makes this the best place to watch sunsets in Darwin is the complete lack of any crowds or other people. Mindil Beach’s Sunset Market will always draw a crowd, and a few of the other popular spots will see you sharing a view with other visitors.

The foliage that frames the pictures also adds to the effect. Coupled with the boats on the horizon you can watch the sky illuminate in yellows, oranges, reds, pinks and purples. It’s extraordinary.

It wasn’t until the sun had set beyond the horizon that some of the more spectacular colours started to show. It’s since become one of my favourite tips when it comes to watching the sunset. You should always wait until after the sun has gone completely, and then give it a few minutes as the clouds catch the light that’s out of sight.

If you’re not a fan of being able to frame your view, you might not find this the best place to watch sunsets in Darwin. You might be better off heading to Mindil Beach. I’m aware that there are some good places to watch the sun within Darwin, so you don’t necessarily need to head to the coast.

As the sun set further the darker colours started to show through, giving me one of my favourite all-time sunset pictures. I’d argue that it rivals the blood-red sunset I saw at Anzac Hill in Alice Springs or the bright orange hues I saw at the Devil’s Marbles.

It turns out all my favourite spots are in the Northern Territory. Coincidence? I think not.

The final view of the sunset in Darwin

The message behind this story? Don’t run off as soon as the sun disappears, that’s when the sunset really starts. Oh, and Darwin has some beautiful sunsets if you care to go and watch them, you might as well – it’s one of the best things to do in Darwin, and you can spend an evening down on Mindil Beach.