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Sunny side down

Alexandra CaseyThe West Australian
Wharton Beach in last light.
Camera IconWharton Beach in last light. Credit: Supplied/Alexandra Casey

Sunsets are an opportunity to take a breath, reflect upon the day and appreciate your blessings. Over the past year, I’ve travelled far and wide within Western Australia, exploring some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Here, I turn south to my favourite places to watch the sun melt into the horizon.

Wharton Beach

Wharton Beach takes the cake as my favourite beach because it is so beautiful whatever the weather, and has something for everyone — it’s also another stunning sunset spot.

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Located within the Cape Le Grand National Park, on the western side of Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park, the continuous rolling waves make Wharton the perfect spot for a swim, surf or boogie board.

If you are staying in Esperance, it is definitely worth the 93km drive for the crystal-clear turquoise water, squeaky white sand and stunning rock formations.

The beach has 4WD access but also on-road parking for those of you who don’t feel the urge to be quite so adventurous.

It is a great idea to climb to the top of The Duke (the big rock) to experience the 360-degree views of the ocean and mainland, while watching the sun as it sinks into the ocean.

Greens Pool

On February 14, the first day of “freedom” after our five-day Covid-19 lockdown, I took to the road with some friends to explore the beautiful town of Denmark.

The costal country-side settlement is a modest 414km drive south east of Perth, located in the Great Southern Region along the Rainbow Coast of Western Australia.

On our first afternoon, we found ourselves exploring the iconic Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks which is a must-do for any sunset lover.

The bright turquoise water glistened in the sunlight, as we lay on the rocks warming up before diving into the slightly nippy but very refreshing water — the perfect treat after a few hours in the car.

We watched the sun dip towards the horizon and disappear into the ocean, as the pastels of dusk danced through sky, soon to be replaced with darkness and diamonds.

Greens Pool at sunset.
Camera IconGreens Pool at sunset. Credit: Supplied/Alexandra Casey

Injidup Natural Spa and Sand Dunes

After a short drive south of Yallingup along the breathtaking Caves Road, you will find yourself at Injidup Beach.

You have a couple of options here — all of which I have indulged in — you can watch the sunset from the sand, climb the sand dunes or go for a sunset dip in the Natural Spa.

To get to the beautiful white sand dunes, you walk south of the beach staircase. Watching the sunset from the top is a bit of a leg workout but when you get to the peak it will be well worth the pain, with almost 360-degree views of the ocean and mainland.

Located at the end of Wyadup Road, off Caves Road, the Injidup Natural Spa has become quite the Instagram trend and can often be a little crowded, especially over vacation periods.

Although, if you find yourself exploring the South West outside of the school holidays, you may be lucky enough to snag the place to yourself.

Find a flat rock and perch yourself with a book or journal, or simply watch the water pour in to the natural rock pools as the sun makes its decline. You could even go for a sunset dip.

Isolators, South Cottesloe

Isolators Reef, Cove or Isos as the surf break is referred to by the masses, is a great Perth location to park up your car, sit in the back with a lap full of perfectly battered — or grilled, if you are that way inclined — fish and chips to watch the sunset.

If it’s a good surf day, you might be lucky enough to catch some of the devoted locals dancing across the glittering waves as the sun strikes down on the water.

You could also have a picnic on the grass with your lover, mother or your lovers’ mother, or go for a beach walk.

NEXT WEEK Top sunset spots up north.

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