The 21 Best Places For Stargazing In Australia

Our most stellar natural light shows are utterly enchanting – once you know where to find them.

We’re a sun-loving nation, home to some of the world’s most extraordinary daylight attractions. But our starry nights are seriously underrated. Dotted with state-of-the-art observatories, dark sky parks that limit light pollution and spectacular scenic vantage points, Australia is a stargazer’s wonderland. Allow us to shine a light…

1. Uluṟu, NT

For a deeply spiritual experience, it’s hard to beat peering up above Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park towards an infinite blanket of twinkling lights. Free of artificial luminosity and big-city pollution, the sacred land offers magnificent views of the Milky Way, Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud galaxies and other constellations.

a sky full of stars in Uluru — Book a stargazing trip with Uluru Astro Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Ayers Rock Resort runs Astro Tours that explore the evolution of our universe using telescopes, so it’s a great pick if you’d like some guidance.

Astro Tour Uluru — Join Astro Tours to explore the evolution of our universe using telescopes. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

2. Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Tas

It’s no secret Tassie is the best place to view the southern hemisphere’s fantastical Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, but did you know Hobart’s Mount Wellington is an ideal viewing spot?

Wait for a dark, clear night, and climb hard because the higher you get, the more likely you’ll spot the elusive lightshow. For your best bet, bring a camera – a slow shutter will capture it easier than your peepers.

Aurora Australis, South Coast Track — Witness the spectacular Aurora Australis in Tasmania. (Image: Matty Eaton)

3. Sydney Observatory, NSW

Explore the night sky from the depths of one of Sydney’s most colourful corners at the Sydney Observatory in Millers Point. The heritage-listed building, striking in its old sandstone glory, provides a sweeping vantage point plus plenty of fascinating relics to stickybeak in its museum as your astrological enlightenment lingers into the evening. Nightly tours run from Wednesday to Saturday.

night sky with twinkling stars at the Sydney Observatory in Millers Point — Admire the shimmering night sky. (Image: Courtesy of Powerhouse. Credit: Geoff Wyatt)

4. Mudgee Observatory, NSW

Once you’ve ticked off the very best Mudgee wine tours and experiences, head to the west of the region to experience the Mudgee Observatory . Telescopes and binoculars are on hand to sharpen your vision and there’s also a planetarium and theatre that screens educational films. Tours are also scheduled regularly so check the website for up-to-date session times.

Couple enjoying the firepit while stargazing from the DulliTent at Sierra Escape, Piambong. — Admire the night sky in Mudgee. (Image: Guy Williment)

5. Grampians National Park, Vic

After a day spent wandering through walking trails, waterfalls and sensational bushland, make tracks to Reed Lookout in Victoria’s Grampians National Park for a magical light show. The sky gets extremely dark out there, and there’s nothing but clear yonder to stare into, so the popular lookout spot will throw up sensational stargazing conditions all year round. The Hollow Mountain Lookout provides another amazing vantage point.

the Hollow Mountain Lookout at Grampians National Park, Vic — Hollow Mountain is great for fantastic star views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

6. Leon Mow Dark Sky Site, Vic

If you’re an avid stargazer, you’ll be all over dark sky parks and just how magnificent they are. The wide-open spaces offer killer clear skies due to the limitation of street lights, lights turning off at a certain hour each night and the removal of upward-facing lights.

Leon Mow Dark Sky Site is a great example, located near Heathcote in Victoria. You’ve got to become a member of the Astronomical Society of Victoria to access it but once you do, you’ll be spoilt with telescopes, amenities including a kitchen, showers and toilets, and invitations to members’ parties that celebrate the wonders high above.

7. Springbrook Research Observatory, Qld

Fancy spending your Friday or Saturday night under a blanket of stars? The Springbrook Research Observatory on the Gold Coast opens its doors to the public twice a week and loves turning visitors into avid stargazers. The hinterland hotspot consists of a primary dome with a viewing rooftop, as well as loads of telescopes to help you zoom in on all the magic.

8. Yagurli Tours, Burketown, Qld

Learn more about the night sky and the Indigenous land it looms over with Yagurli Tours in Queensland’s Burketown. Local guides are on hand to share Dreamtime stories and tales from Australia’s largest salt pans, located right on site. Telescopes come with every tour as do light snacks and mozzie spray.

Yagurli Tours in Burketown, Qld — Drive to Queensland’s Burketown for the magical Yagurli Tours. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Arkaroola Dark Sky Sanctuary, SA

One of the country’s most famous dark sky parks, Arkaroola Dark Sky Sanctuary in South Australia is a remote gem providing a choose-your-own-adventure stargazing journey.

a night sky filled with stars at Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory — Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory turns into an otherworldly backdrop at night. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Pick from three Astronomy Experiences spanning telescope use or simply sitting in a camping chair and looking up, as well as the Ridgetop Sleepout, an overnight stay that takes in some of the grounds’ best vantage points.

stargazing at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Flinders Ranges, South Australia — Go stargazing in the remote and rugged Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Wilpena Pound, SA

A spectacular amphitheatre of mountains located 429 kilometres from Adelaide, Wilpena Pound is a natural wonder, and its majesty should be seen to be fully comprehended.

a night sky filled with stars at Wilpena Pound — The Milky Way envelops the rugged landscape of Wilpena Pound. (Image: Mathew Storer)

While you’re at it, just look up for crystal clear stargazing. Mountain ranges and gorges on ground level, a moving light show up above, the scene is staggeringly beautiful and deeply enriching.

a vibrant night sky at Wilpena Pound — Wilpena Pound is blessed with spectacularly clear skies. (Image: Michael Waterhouse Photography)

11. Lake Ballard, WA

Located in Menzies, Lake Ballard and its 51 steel sculptures produce the most surreal stargazing experience in Western Australia.

All speckled and electric up high as a rugged land dotted with otherworldly artwork mystifies down low, Lake Ballard’s sculpture masterpiece is the result of British artist Sir Antony Gormley getting 51 locals to strip naked and pose for digital scans which were cast into moulds. Weird, wonderful stuff.

Antony Gormley Sculptures at Lake Ballard — Stare in awe at Antony Gormley’s sculptures at Lake Ballard. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

12. Lucky Bay, Esperance, WA

Another spot for anybody chasing the Aurora Australis, plus those keen to see kangaroos on a beach, is Lucky Bay in Esperance. The postcard-perfect swimming spot with clear night skies and no light pollution delights star seekers while the Southern Ocean glistens below to create a marvellous medley of pure magic.

Aurora Australis in Lucky Bay, Esperance WA — Chasing the Aurora Australis in Lucky Bay. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

13. Earth Sanctuary, NT

A smorgasbord of astrology tours is on offer from Earth Sanctuary in the Northern Territory, where remote nothingness and little artificial light create stellar conditions for nightly gazing.

Choose to go on a one-and-a-half-hour big group tour or keep things cosy by spending the night with a small group outdoors and keeping watch up from sunset to sunrise.

stargazing at Earth Sanctuary, NT — Get the best view of the Milky Way at Earth Sanctuary, NT. (Image: Tourism NT/Plenty of Dust)

14. Franklin, Tas

If you’ve already ticked off Kunanyi/Mount Wellington in Tassie, try the little town of Franklin next. The Aurora Australis flutters its stuff over this way on occasion and if you don’t catch it, you’re almost guaranteed a glimpse of the Milky Way all year round.

Aurora Australis in The Tyndall Range, commonly called The Tyndalls, is a mountain range that is part of the West Coast Range located in the Western region of Tasmania. — The Aurora Australis flutters its stuff over Franklin on occasion. (Image: allaboutadventure)

15. Warrumbungle National Park, NSW

Another brilliant dark sky park that bans light pollution, Warrumbungle National Park is a two-hour drive from Dubbo. No artificial light means the Milky Way can radiate down uninterrupted, making for sensational scenes if you’re camping in the park’s rich bushland.

the night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky parkin the Warrumbungles — Set up your tent at the dark sky park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Walking tracks will keep your days busy but it’s the spectacular volcanic mountain vistas that decorate all the starry goodness at night that really put this place on the map.

bright stars over the dark sky parkin the Warrumbungles — Admire the exceptionally star-studded skies at Warrumbungle National Park’s dark sky park. (Image: Destination NSW)

16. Broken Hill, NSW

The country’s oldest mining town is isolated from other towns and city lights, helping it produce magnificent conditions for stargazing. Broken Hill is also home to Outback Astronomy , a company that specialises in stargazing and runs its own guided Sky Shows.

a couple stargazing at Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill, NSW — Cuddle up under the starry sky at Broken Hill. (Image: Destination NSW)

Passionate astrology experts walk you through everything that’s going on up above and show you how to look out for the constellations yourself once you’re back home.

17. Perth Observatory, WA

Just 25 kilometres east of Perth lies the Perth Observatory where a team of astronomy buffs will teach you everything you need to know about constellations and the night sky.

Plus, their extensive collection of telescopes offers front-row seats to the likes of dying stars (yep, they’re a thing), nebulas, star clusters, the moon, our surrounding planets and more. If you’re keen to dive deep into the world of astrology, this place is a must.

stargazing at Perth Observatory — Get front-row seats to the best views of the night sky at Perth Observatory.

18. Great Ocean Road, Vic

There’s jaw-dropping beauty to be found right along the snaking coastal stretch, but the vast skies above the Great Ocean Road equally delight. Look up to spy the Milky Way on a clear night and even Saturn and Jupiter sometimes.

While any location along the stretch will do, catching a light show directly above The Twelve Apostles never fails as a memorable road trip activity.

a lightshow at Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps Beach — Catch the light show off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

19. Mangrove Mountain, NSW

Journey inland from the Central Coast to find Mangrove Mountain, right near Peats Ridge, and sensational stargazing conditions. Its elevated ground well and truly eliminates potential light pollution, and you’ll likely spot the Milky Way if it’s clear night.

20. Wave Rock, WA

The remote landmark is better known during the daylight hours for its vividly hued granite cliffs but Wave Rock, in the tiny town of Hyden, is also a spectacular spot at night.

Pollution-free conditions make for an unobstructed sky in which to look for scattered constellations. However, it’s the unique streaks that bounce off the rock itself, created when rainwater hits the surface, that make for incredible photographs.

the Wave Rock in Hyden — The curved granite resembles a wave. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

21. Mount Stromlo Observatory, ACT

Free stargazing nights are regularly staged at Mount Stromlo Observatory , a Canberra hot spot run by the Canberra Astronomical Society. Guests are invited to soak up stargazing tips from its members and marvel at the Observatory’s 188-centimetre dome set amid rich greenery.

the dome at Mount Stromlo Observatory — Marvel under the stars at Mount Stromlo Observatory. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The 21 best places for stargazing in Australia