THE definitive guide to the best locations for watching the Cairns Solar Eclipse. But remember: if you can see the sun at 6:38am from your home it's best to stay there!

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CAIRNS

Viewing will be possible from the northern end of Cairns Esplanade.

The eclipse will only be visible from the Esplanade at approximately 6am -- 15 minutes after first contact.

Best viewing will be on open fields with wide clear outlooks to the east.

Street parking will be available but expect an increase of traffic.

Suburbs which are slightly elevated like Park Ridge will also provide view if not obstructed by properties.

YARRABAH

Not recommended for public viewing.

There will be a five-day indigenous summit at Yarrabah which is closed to the public. Traffic officers will be turning people away from the eastern beaches.

HOLLOWAYS BEACH

Reasonable on-street parking.

Playgrounds and public amenities also available.

YORKEYS KNOB

Reasonable parking along Sims Esplanade and surrounding streets.

Ray and Janett streets will be closed, except to residential traffic.

Good beachfront capacity.

 TRINITY BEACH

Good beachfront capacity.

Limited parking.

The southern end of Vasey Esplanade will be closed, except to residential traffic.

CLIFTON BEACH

Good beachfront capacity.

On-street parking along Arlington Esplanade and surrounding residential streets.

PALM COVE

Good beachfront capacity.

Limited parking.

Considered a prime public viewing location.

Palm Cove Jetty will be open until it reaches capacity.

Palm Cove Boat Ramp will be closed.

ELLIS BEACH

Limited parking.

Expect traffic delays on the Captain Cook Highway to the beach.

Good beachfront capacity.

ATHERTON

Bob's Lookout will be closed.

Parking is not available on the Desailly Range.

Considered a prime public viewing location.

Many locals are most likely to view the eclipse from their homes or a nearby open paddock.

MAREEBA

Considered a prime viewing area.

Hot air balloons will be in the sky over Mareeba Valley.

MOUNT CARBINE

Accommodation in this small town is completely booked out and is not recommended for public

viewing.

OAK BEACH

Car parking limited. Once parking capacity is reached the area will be closed. Tidal conditions on the day will severely impede the viewing capacity.

Not a recommended public viewing location.

PEBBLY BEACH

Limited parking; Limited beach capacity

Current road works could further impact on already increased traffic conditions at the site

Not a recommended public viewing location.

PRETTY BEACH

No vehicle access, no parking available

No public toilet amenities

Commercial booking has the majority of beach used by International Astronomy Group

Unsuitable public viewing location.

COOYA BEACH

Reasonable self-managed parking

will be available

Good beachfront capacity

Recommended as a public viewing location.

FOUR MILE BEACH, PORT DOUGLAS

The Esplanade will be closed to vehicles from 8pm tonight to 8am tomorrow.

Good public parking available at Reynolds Park (Cnr Davidson and Blake streets)

Headland Stairway Closed to general public.

Recommended as a public viewing location.

SOUTH WANGETTI

Limited parking

Line of sight restricted.

A fair/reasonable public viewing location.

WANGETTI

Good parking available

No restrictions to line of sight

Excellent beach front capacity

Djarragen College assisting with food, refreshments and amenities.

A prime public viewing location.

NEWELL BEACH

Reasonable self-managed parking

will be available

Good beachfront capacity

Recommended as a public viewing location.

ROCKY POINT BEACH

Reasonable self-managed parking

will be available

Good beachfront capacity.

Recommended as a public viewing location.

WONGA BEACH

Reasonable self-managed parking

will be available

Good beachfront capacity

Recommended as a public viewing location.

COW BAY, THORNTON BEACH AND MYALL BEACH (DAINTREE)

Parking; good beachfront capacity. Slightly reduced (only by 30 seconds) view time at totality. Recommended as a public viewing location.

CAPE KIMBERLEY

Parking; Good beachfront capacity

No public toilet amenities.

The Daintree Ferry will be operating from 4am on November 14. This will ensure early access to viewing location north of the river including Cape Kimberley and Cape Tribulation.

Information kindly provided by Cairns Regional Council.

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