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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.