Looking for a place to watch the sunset over Brisbane? You can do this from the foreshore promenade at the end of Main Road, Wellington Point, or from the beach of the sand spit link to tiny King Island at low tide.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers at sunset
A great location for an outdoor, beachside visit, the area is popular for fishing, picnics, water sports, walking and impromptu ball games. Marvel at the multicoloured sails of kite boarders as they weave with the wind and perform aerobatic manoeuvres.
The
Wellington Point Reserve extends around the promontory; it has a well equipped children's playground on the western side shaded by stunning, much climbed, mature fig trees. The shallow waters in front of the playground are ideal for paddling, splashing and swimming.
On the eastern side are a jetty, boat ramp and a soon-to-be-completed boat launching beach. The jetty is enjoyed by fishermen and sea gazers alike, with views to Moreton Bay and the islands. Leading off the parking area, the concrete pathway winds along the esplanade through mangroves which line the perimeter of the reserve.
Embedded in the pavement and in the playground areas are sea-life themed, public artworks by Brisbane contemporary artist
Carol Roche. Look for a host of blue-bodied, red-legged ceramic crabs, on the march towards the rocks on the pathway. In the playground are circular, pebble-studded creations with colourful ceramic depictions of rays, jellyfish, crabs, seahorses, turtles and more. Fittingly, the artist is based in the area.
Equipped with electric barbecues and ample shelters, it is a popular site for a weekend breakfast or braai. Alternatively, there is the
Point of View Restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, good hot chocolate or coffee and cake. Sited alongside is a take-out cafe serving fish and chips and those must-have summer ice-creams. Huge Moreton Bay Figs provide generous shade.
Low tide is a good time to follow the steps down from the promenade, cross the shallow channel and walk the ± one km sand bar to King Island. Beds of exposed sea grass on which dugongs feed come alive with the bustling activities of crabs. Shells and coral fragments, remnants of the coral cay, lie sea-washed on the sand. Salt-tolerant Mangroves anchor the sands of King Island; to the north, spot the silhouetted cranes of the Port of Brisbane at sunset.
Wellington Point and King Island provide a great venue to watch the lights over Brisbane come alive as daylight fades.
