9 best places to see the Milky Way around Australia

Few things in this universe are more breathtaking than the Milky Way, and there are few better countries to gaze at it from than Australia.

There is nothing quite like leaving the city lights behind and swapping them for the twinkling lights of the Milky Way. The most wonderous expression I’ve ever seen on a face was on that of my boyfriend – a born and bred Rio local – who had never seen the stars outside of human light pollution before our road trip to Mungo National Park. I had warned him he would be blown away by the night sky, and he simply didn’t believe me. Until I made him get out of the tent at 1 am and take a look up.

The Milky Way in particular forms a fascinating and beautiful blanket splashed across the dark sky around Australia. For Astronomers, this spiral galaxy has provided a gives us a closer view of galaxy structure and content than any others, simply because we’re a part of it. For many Indigenous people, the Milky Way is associated with a river in the sky where the ancestor spirits live.

Spend a night soaking in its wonder at these places around Australia.

1. East MacDonnell Ranges, NT

The best views of the night sky come when you leave all man-made lights behind. That’s why heading into Central Australia is always a good idea for gazing at the Milky Way. Get a close-up look by heading to Earth Sanctuary , just outside Alice Springs. This award-winning, carbon-neutral outback venue overlooks the dramatic landscape of the East MacDonnell Ranges and offers Astro tours. With an experienced guide, look through telescopes to spot planets, constellations and unearthly phenomena like dark nebulae.

Earth Sanctuary, East MacDonnell Ranges, Northern territory — See the sky close-up at Earth Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury)

2. Lincoln National Park, SA

Who says you have to be in the outback to see a clear night sky? Although remote and free of light pollution, Lincoln National Park is a place of stunning beaches and bays on the south-eastern tip of the Eyre Peninsula. Plenty of secluded campsites allow you to spend a night (or more) immersed in nature. Spend your days swimming and surfing, then lay out under the Milky Way, star clusters and nebula. All clear and crisp once the sun drops.

milky way above the Eyre Peninsula south australia — See the clearest of night skies around the Eyre Peninsula. (Tour South)

3. Warrumbungle National Park, NSW

Warrumbungle National Park owns the title of Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, thanks to its remote location and perfect climate of high altitude and low humidity. It’s impossible to miss the Milky Way even with bare eyes, but get a really good look by booking a ticket with Coonabarabran Star Gazing to see Siding Spring Observatory at the edge of the park. It’s here you’ll find the largest optical telescopes in Australia. Make the most of it by booking a camping spot, most of which include picnic tables, barbecue facilities, showers and toilets.

camping under the milky way in Warrumbungle National Park, NSW — Sleep in Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Charleville, Qld

Head into Queensland’s outback to leave the big city lights behind, but also to gain a different insight into the Milky Way and surrounding stars. Charleville’s Cosmos Centre has a range of star-gazing tours, with the Universal Dreaming tour providing a particularly standout experience. Discover some of the ways many different ancient cultures connected with the night sky as you sit around a fire pit (you’ll even get to toast marshmallows while you listen). You’ll need to book ahead for this as it’s only upon request.

Charleville's Cosmos Centre — Book a star-gazing tour at Charleville’s Cosmos Centre. (Image: TEQ)

5. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, SA

Typically, you might expect to head up as high as possible to catch a clear glimpse of the night sky. But, in fact, being Australia’s lowest point – up to 15 metres below sea level – makes Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park one of the darkest areas in Australia. This means that star-gazing is at an optimum, but also that the Milky Way can be found reflecting on the water’s surface whenever the elusive lake is full. Stay the night in one of several classic outback hotels, or bring the tent and set up in Halligan Bay Point Campground for bush camping, or Muloorina Station to enjoy toilets and some facilities.

Aerial view over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park — The only thing better than gazing down at Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, is looking up from it at night. (Image: Greg Snell)

6. The Dish, NSW

If you somehow missed the classic Aussie movie The Dish back in 2000, I strongly recommend you watch it before you arrive. It’s a fun way to learn the true story of how this CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope played an important part in communicating with the Apollo 11 mission. Located in Goobang National Park, part of its charm is due to seemingly being in the middle of nowhere – a great sign for stargazing and spotting the Milky Way. You’ll find free campgrounds here, and it’s recommended to visit in autumn when the night sky is typically clearest.

CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope at dusk — See the famous Dish up close, then stay for the stars. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, NT

Few things could be more iconically Australian than seeing Uluru at night, framed by the Milky Way. In fact, settling into one of several vantage points along walking trails in the park from sunset means you’ll watch the rock and sky transform their colours through purple and orange hues as the sun drops to reveal all the starry twinkles of the universe. With little to no light pollution, the stars come out in full force. Every night is different – you may even see the rings of Saturn or a shooting star. There are a few tour options to help you see even better, including Uluru Astro Tour .

uluru under the milky way — See the stars in full force. (Image: Tourism NT/New Asia Pacific Travel)

8. Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory, WA

It’s pretty safe to say that all observatories in Australia are good places to start if you want to catch the Milky Way up close. Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory in Gingin allows members of the public to use its state-of-the-art technology every Friday and Saturday night. There are a few guided tour options, including lecture-style tours about fascinating parts of the universe and Aboriginal Astronomy. The latter partners with Indigenous Tours to showcase the connection between cultural storytelling and Astronomy.

9. Karlu Karlu Reserve, NT

One of the outback’s more unique sights is the stacked, round boulders known as Karlu Karlu / The Devil’s Marbles. They cut a pretty impressive figure at any time of day, but silhouetted against a blazing Milky Way is particularly spectacular. This remote red desert has plenty of campsites so you can spend all night staring skywards. If you haven’t quite had your fill of the universe, you can also drive an extra hour to Wycliffe, known as the UFO capital of Australia. Cue X-Files music.

Devils Marbles / karlu karlu at night — See Karlu Karlu against the stars. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

Can’t get enough of the night skies? Discover the best spots around Australia for stargazing.

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room — Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background — Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney — Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney — The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.