Timeline
05:06
Drive five kilometres north of Tennant Creek via the Stuart Highway to reach Mary Ann Dam Recreation Lake. Arrive well before the sun comes up to find a quiet spot by the water. The lake is large enough for canoeing and windsurfing, so there is plenty of space to spread out and watch the dawn break.
06:06
Watch the sunrise at 06:06. The sun sets toward the WSW, but the morning light offers a similar clarity. Enjoy the cool oasis atmosphere and the rugged surroundings as the golden light starts around 18:46 (note: this is sunset time in the fact; for sunrise, the golden light phase begins shortly after 06:06). Wait for the light to fully settle and the day to begin.
06:51
By this time, the sun is up and the area is warming. While there are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity to visit, this is a good time to pack up your picnic supplies if you brought them, or head back into town for breakfast once you know where the local cafes open.
Local tip
Mary Ann Dam is a free entry spot, making it an easy and rewarding start to the day. Check the route if you are not familiar with the drive north of Tennant Creek.
Check before you go
- The sunrise time is 06:06 on 15 January. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before to secure a good view.
- There are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate context for Mary Ann Dam. Bring your own water and snacks, or plan to visit a cafe in Tennant Creek after you leave.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tennant Creek (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).