The sunsets in East Arnhem Land are like no where else. With spectacular vibrant colours, white sandy beaches and azure waters as far as the eye can see, the evening shows in East Arnhem Land will have you pinching yourself to make sure they are real.
On the Gove Peninsula alone, there are so many spots to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the sunsets, so we're here to help by counting down our favourite spots to take it all in.
5. Gove Country Golf Club
With its prime location just a stone's throw from Middle Beach and its large wrap around balcony, the Gove Country Golf Club is the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a sundowner. The Club offers views across Middle Beach out to Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island), and boasts a vista that includes the rolling sand dunes, white sands and coloured skies for miles. Enjoy a cold drink from the bar while taking in the view, and be sure to make a booking to join the Club for an exceptional dinner once the sun has gone down.
Gove Country Golf Club
4. Wirrwawuy (Cape Wirrawoi)
Like your sunsets with a side of activities? Wirrwawuy is the perfect spot for you to watch the sun go down! Wirrwawuy features a large sand dune, offering those willing to take a little hike one of the best vantage points in town. From the top, you'll be treated to panoramic views down to Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) on your left, across to Bremer Island in the north, and across Gadalathami (Town Beach) to your right. Down below, Wirrwawuy also offers some great afternoon fishing if you want to try your luck at catching dinner while you enjoy the light show.
Looking at East Woody Island from Wirrwawuy
3. Gove Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club
There is nowhere better than the Surfy to farewell the working week with a breathtaking sunset. The lush green lawns of the Surf club offer views across to Bremer Island and down along Gadalathami (Town Beach). Every Friday night enjoy cold drinks from the bar and a delicious BBQ dinner while you take in the scenery. The kids will be well entertained with a great playground meaning you can enjoy the sunset without distraction!
Patrons enjoying the sunset at the Gove Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club
2. Gove Boat Club
Ask a local where the best place in town to catch a sunset meal is and they will without a doubt send you down the road to the Gove Boat Club. Featuring an undercover veranda and manicured lawns stretching down to the shores of Melville Bay, you won't be disappointed with your experience. The Gove Boat Club features a well-stocked bar, and is home to the Waterfront Kitchen, which serves up consistently great meals from a variety of cuisines. Pull up a seat and watch the sunset over the palm tree lined bay. The bauxite refinery provides a beautiful juxtaposition of man versus nature across the skyline as well.
Gove Boat Club
1. Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island)
Coming in as our favourite spot to catch a famous East Arnhem Land sunset is Dhamitjinya (East Woody Island) and Galuru (East Woody Beach), which is like nothing else. Wander down to the Island, and after a short rock scramble you will find yourself on the edge of Australia. As one of the most northerly points in Australia, East Woody boasts uninterrupted views of both sunrise and sunset. Dolphins have been known to swim past as the sun sets across the vast expanse of ocean. Just before the dark sets in, wander back to the beach, set up a bonfire and enjoy the last of the sunset. Soon enough, you'll be in a prime position to experience a night sky like no other, with abundant stars and constellations making for an unparalleled star gazing experience.
East Woody Island | Image source: Tourism NT and Hayley Anderson
A few tips for maximising your sunset experience:
- Often the best part of the sunset is after the sun has dipped behind the horizon. Don't leave too early, and make sure you have a torch to help you find your way back to the car if you're enjoying sunset at one of our glorious beaches.
- Don't be put off by the clouds! Some of the best East Arnhem sunsets happen when it is cloudy.
- Mosquitoes and other bugs are most prevalent at dawn and dusk. Make sure you cover up and pack bug spray to avoid having unwanted guests interrupt your sunset experience.