The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

The southern lights may put on a rare show across Australia tonight, with the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) and international agencies warning of conditions strong enough to spark a vivid aurora australis.

A fast-moving burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth on 9 December. The ASWFC at the Bureau of Meteorology has issued an Aurora Watch, noting that the incoming disturbance is expected to trigger G3 level geomagnetic storming. This strength of activity has the potential to push auroral visibility well beyond Tasmania.

What is the aurora australis?

A man with a head torch looking at the Aurora Australis — Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see the spectacle. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

The aurora australis – also known as the southern lights – is one of the most dazzling natural displays visible to the human eye. Put simply, the phenomenon occurs when the sun releases a massive burst of charged particles and magnetic fields into space. These particles are captured and funnelled toward the southern poles by Earth’s magnetic field, colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collisions result in light being emitted and a spectacular natural dancing rainbow ensuing.

The past two years have been particularly good years for viewing the phenomenon.

What the latest forecast says

An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline — A southern lights display can last minutes to hours. (Image: Unsplash/Graham Holtshausen)

According to the ASWFC, the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is forecast to arrive early on 9 December, with a timing window of plus or minus 12 hours. If the storm develops as expected, visible aurora may be seen from Tasmania along with southern parts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia during local night hours.

NOAA is reporting similar conditions , with its own modelling showing a strong CME headed towards Earth. Together, both forecasts point to one of the most promising aurora opportunities of the season.

Where you might see the aurora australis tonight

Aurora Australis in Victoria — The aurora australis might be visible in southern pockets of Victoria.

Tasmania is the most likely place to catch a strong display, particularly for those with a south-facing outlook and minimal light pollution. Southern pockets of Victoria, South Australia and WA could also see a glow if the storm intensifies.

To boost your chances, head somewhere with clear skies, low light pollution and a strong view to the south. Beaches, lookouts and dark sky reserves are ideal. And remember, the storm may peak quickly, so being ready early is essential.

When to look up

For the best chance of seeing colour in the sky, step out once darkness has settled. A useful guide is roughly 75 to 95 minutes after sunset on 9 December, when the sky is dark enough and the storm is likely to be active. The timing could shift depending on when the CME makes contact with Earth’s magnetic field, so stay flexible.

Keep an eye on real-time space weather indicators such as the KP index and Bz values . A negative Bz often signals that the magnetic field is opening up in a way that favours aurora activity.

What is causing tonight’s aurora potential

Aurora Australis, Cape Bruny Lighthouse — Tonight’s G3 forecast is known to produce visible aurora in Australia under the right conditions. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

This event stems from a fast-moving CME from an M8.1 solar flare, launched from the active region currently rotating across the sun. Full-halo CMEs are the ones to watch because they expand outward in all directions and are more likely to be directed towards Earth. If tonight’s arrival window holds, we could see the magnetic field energise quickly after impact.

Geomagnetic storms are ranked from G1 to G5. Tonight’s forecast of G3 is considered strong and is known to produce visible aurora in Australia under the right conditions.

A quick reminder

Solar activity is famously unpredictable. Arrival times and intensity levels can shift as the CME moves through space, which means tonight could deliver anything from a subtle green smudge to a full sweep of colour across the sky.

Regardless of how the storm unfolds, tonight’s setup is shaping as a genuine opportunity for Australians to witness the aurora australis without travelling far from home. If the stars align, you might witness the southern lights dancing overhead without needing to board a flight.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.