Timeline
18:46
Grab a drink and settle in at Perrotta's At The Gallery. It is a sophisticated spot just off the Esplanade, perfect for watching the sky change colors while you wait. The French toast with roast pear is a favorite for breakfast, but they serve dinner too, so you can start with a glass of wine or a mocktail.
18:56
Walk two minutes to the Night Markets. This is the right moment to stand among the stalls as the sun dips below the horizon. The light fades quickly, so take in the atmosphere before it gets dark. The markets are open every night till late, so the energy stays high.
19:26
Head to La Pizza Trattoria for dinner. It is only four minutes away. The smell of baking pizza draws people in, and you can watch the chef knead the dough. Order a medium-sized pizza for around $18–21. It is a solid, reliable meal that fits the casual evening vibe.
20:11
End the night at Rattle 'N Hum. This bar and grill is in the midst of one of the busiest parts of The Esplanade. If you go after dark, sit out back once they light torches in the evenings. It is large enough that getting a seat is seldom a problem, and it is a great place to unwind after a busy evening.
Local tip
The sun sets toward the WSW on 15 January. Position yourself with the view to the west for the best sunset colors. Check the route if you need specific directions between the Esplanade spots.
Check before you go
- Perrotta's At The Gallery is open Mo-Su 06:30-22:00.
- La Pizza Trattoria is open Mo-Th 06:00-22:30; Fr-Su 06:00-23:00.
- Rattle 'N Hum is open Mo-Fr 12:00-24:00; Sa,Su 11:30-24:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cairns (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).