Australian Stargazing Guide - Where to Go to See the Milky Way

Want to gaze at the beauty of the starry sky in silence? Australia not only has the darkest sky in the world, but also offers astronomical sights that you can’t see anywhere else, including the aurora show!

Australia also has the best geographical location on Earth to appreciate the Milky Way, looking directly at the center of the Milky Way, rather than away from it. Here you can see 100 times more stars than in the Northern Hemisphere, not to mention meteor showers, dust lanes and nebulae.

Dark Sky Place, Australia

Dark Sky Places are internationally certified areas with high sky darkness, allowing for stargazing. In these areas, artificial light pollution is extremely low, allowing for clear observation of the starry sky and celestial phenomena. They provide people with unique opportunities to observe celestial phenomena and the starry sky, while also protecting the natural environment and wildlife habitats.

Australia has three certified dark sky sites - locations that have been designated as such due to the lack of light pollution, allowing stargazers to enjoy the stars, the Milky Way and all the other beauties the night sky has to offer.

Recommended stargazing area in Australia 1: Warrumbungle, NSW

Warrambungle National Park has attracted stargazers and astronomers since the 1950s, and is home to the Siding Spring Observatory and Australia's largest telescope. The area has very clear skies and little light pollution at night, allowing people to enjoy breathtaking views of the stars and the Milky Way.

The darkness here reaches Bortle level 1-2 in the international standard, making it an extremely rare astronomical observation site. Here you can observe spectacular astronomical phenomena such as the Milky Way, nebulae, planets, stars and meteor showers.

Warrumbungle is about 400km away from Sydney. There are camping sites, tents, etc. There are also some homestays and resorts around for tourists to choose from.

Recommended stargazing area in Australia 2: River Murray Dark Sky Reserve, SA

Located only 100 km east of Adelaide, it is considered one of the darkest skies in the world and the fifth largest nature reserve in the world. It has super spectacular natural landscapes, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, hills and forests. You can observe the Milky Way, planets and meteors.

Australia stargazing area recommendation 3: The Jump-Up, QLD

Located on the edge of the Queensland outback, its darkness reaches the international standard Bortle level 1-2. You can observe spectacular astronomical phenomena such as the Milky Way, nebulae, planets, stars and meteor showers.

It is also home to the Dinosaur Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils and offers two nighttime stargazing areas for stargazers.

Other stargazing spots in Australia

Alice Springs

15 minutes drive from the Red Centre. With no light or air pollution, the atmosphere is stable. Enjoy the beautiful sky all year round.

Tasmania

Tasmania is famous for its aurora, which is best viewed in winter (May to August) and during the spring equinox in September. Bruny Island, Satellite Island, Rosny Hill Lookout, and Howrah Beach are all good places to see the aurora.

A word of caution: you will need a camera and tripod to see the Northern Lights most of the time in Tasmania.

Perth Observatory

Western Australia's oldest observatory is located in the Perth Secret Gardens in the suburb of Bickley, 25 kilometers east of Perth. Winter is the best time to observe the southern sky, as the cold weather provides clear conditions for observing the center of the Milky Way passing overhead, revealing many deep space treasures that may not be visible in summer. Climb to the top of the mountain for a unique experience~

Official website reservation>>

Of course, in addition to the observatory, there are many places in Australia suitable for stargazing tourism:

• Anna Bay, NSW
• Bouddi National Park, NSW
• Palm Beach Lighthouse, NSW
• Pinnacles, Perth
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse, VIC

Winter is the best time to view the stars and the aurora. Come and meet up with your friends to check out Australia's beautiful starry sky tour.

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