Sunrise & Sunset Over Epic Landscapes

The landscapes of Luxury Lodges of Australia collectively showcase the country’s extraordinary diversity, offering a unique opportunity to see how light transforms each setting into something truly special. Here are some enticing examples ~

Outback Sunsets at El Questro Homestead
The allure of a sunset is a universal experience, an ethereal moment when the world seems to pause as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sky. At El Questro Homestead, in the remote and heart of the Kimberley in Western Australia, sunsets take on an even more magical quality. As the setting sun paints the sky with breathtaking ochre and purple hues, guests are drawn into forming to form a new appreciation of this vast and rugged region. El Questro Homestead provides a variety of experiences designed to connect guests with the breathtaking last light of the day and the night sky including ~

• Branko’s Lookout: A Panoramic Sunset
One of the most captivating ways to witness the sunset at El Questro is from Branko’s Lookout. Embark on an adventurous 4WD journey in an open-air safari vehicle, taking in the sights and sounds of the outback wilderness in their sensory fullness. On arrival at the top of the steep climb, you are treated to sweeping views of The Homestead and the Pentecost River stretch out below. As the sun sets over the rugged landscape, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours, offering a truly stunning sight. This elevated vantage point is a perfect spot to watch the last light of the day.

• Buddy’s Point: Chamberlain Gorge’s Hidden Gem
Buddy’s Point lookout is another spectacular location to experience the magical Kimberley sunset. The journey involves a steep 4WD adventure in one of El Questro’s open-air safari vehicles. As you ascend, breathtaking views of Chamberlain Gorge unfold, witnessed from just one intimate private vantage point. At the top, observe grand mahogany and frangipani trees surrounding The Homestead as the sun drops out of sight. 

• Cockburn Sunset Flight: Aerial Views of Beauty
The Cockburn Sunset Flight is a spectacular helicopter journey along the Pentecost River to land on a plateaued peak to take in panoramic views of the awe-inspiring majestic Cockburn Ranges. As the sun begins to set, savour a refreshing sundowner with gourmet cheeses to accompany the stunning colours of the sky and landscape.

As the sun sets over El Questro, the last light of the day reveals the region’s raw, natural beauty. A mesmerising moment that serves as a reminder of the power and magnificence of the Australian outback.

Sal Salis: Days Underwater, Nights Under the Stars
At Sal Salis overlooking Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the adventure begins with the sun and continues long after it sets. Guests spend their days swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, and the colourful array of marine life that inhabits Ningaloo Reef. These soul-filling experiences leave one in awe, but the magic doesn’t end when daylight fades.

As night falls at Sal Salis, a truly unique spectacle unfolds. The eco-luxury safari tents provide an incredibly private and remote stargazing experience. Free from the intrusion of artificial light, the night sky reveals its full splendour. Guests are treated to uninterrupted views of the Milky Way, a sight few people ever see in such clarity.

• Dinner Under The Stars
A highlight of the Sal Salis experience is dining under the stars, under the serene beauty of the Milky Way, showcasing the night skies in high resolution. The gentle glow of solar-lit lanterns guides guests back to camp. This natural illumination creates a sense of wonder, keeping even the weariest eyes wide open and captivated by the night sky.

• Discovering Dark Sky
More and more travellers seek destinations to experience the night sky, free from artificial light pollution. The impact of light pollution has become so profound that UNESCO is considering including the night sky as part of our human heritage.

Sal Salis offers a rare opportunity to appreciate this natural wonder, reminding us of the beauty that exists beyond our everyday environments. A stay at here is more than just an underwater adventure; it’s an immersive experience in the natural world, both above and below the ocean’s surface. From the vibrant marine life of the reef to the awe-inspiring starry nights, every moment at Sal Salis is designed to connect guests with the beauty and tranquillity of nature.

 

Capturing the Magic of Tasmania with On Board Expeditions
Tasmania, particularly in the autumn and winter months, offers some of the most stunning sunsets due to the low angle of the sun in the sky. This time of year, creates an ideal backdrop for photography, which is why On Board Expeditions runs its Photography Expedition yearly in April. The dramatic lighting and vibrant colours make each sunset a breathtaking spectacle, perfect for capturing on camera. Some of the areas visited by On Board during their Photography Expedition include ~

• Southwest National Park
One of the prime locations for these photographic opportunities, this area is renowned for its incredible night skies, free from the interference of light pollution due to its remote location, far from any cities or towns. There is ongoing advocacy to have the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary Zone, which would officially recognise its exceptional quality for stargazing.

• The Breaksea Islands
The natural lighting at dusk and dawn enhances the landscapes in spectacular ways. With their uniquely textured rock formations, the Breaksea Islands offer a captivating subject against the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. From the peaks of Balmoral Hill and Mount Beattie, the panoramic views are nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing the rugged beauty of Tasmania.

On Board Expeditions offers a unique perspective by allowing guests to get up close to the extremes of Tasmania’s natural beauty, then step back to take in the grandeur of the entire scene. Whether it’s the ethereal quality of the sunsets, the pristine night skies, or the dramatic landscapes, Tasmania’s Southwest and surrounding areas offer unparalleled landscape to explore. The combination of spectacular lighting, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife makes every expedition with On Board Expeditions a journey into the heart of nature’s most captivating scenes.

For more information on Dark Sky and Stargazing Experiences at Luxury Lodges of Australia properties, click here.