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.

Makers, bakers, artists, chefs, crafters – Ballarat and its surrounds are overflowing with creative spirits. All dedicated to keeping traditional skills alive for a city that is humming with artful energy.

Modern makers: a new generation of artists and artisans

“Keeping craft alive is a noble cause,” says Jess Cameron-Wootten, a charming and passionate master leathercrafter and cordwainer, who handmakes traditional leather boots and shoes in Ballarat’s old Gun Cotton Goods Store.

Ballarat was recognised in 2019 as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, and today it’s a place where craft traditions converge with contemporary needs. Nothing quite captures this convergence as a visit to Wootten , the workshop and store of Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo.

heritage buildings in Ballarat — Ballarat’s streets are lined with heritage buildings. (Image: Matt Dunne)

Jess’s father was an artisan bootmaker, or cordwainer. Now Jess and Krys and their small team of artisans continue the tradition, but with a modern spin. The company’s boots and shoes, made completely from scratch, are renowned for their quality and longevity. Wootten also craft shoes, bags, belts, leather aprons, wallets and more.

Cosy beanies, gloves, alpaca socks, “unbreakable” shoelaces and various other goods – many from local craftspeople and small-scale makers – fill the shop’s shelves. “We’re always happy to support a mate,” says Jess. “People love to see the workshop and where things are made. Our clients care about quality and sustainability,” Krys comments. The company slogan ‘Made for generations’ says it all.

Ruby Pilven’s ceramics at Ross Creek Gallery. (Image: Tara Moore)

For Ruby Pilven, craft is also in the DNA – both her parents were potters and with her latest porcelain ceramics, Ruby’s young daughter has been helping add colour to the glazes. “I grew up watching my parents in the workshop – I’ve always been doing ceramics,” she says, although her Visual Arts degree was in printmaking. That printmaking training comes through particularly in the rich layering of pattern. Her audacious colour, unexpected shapes and sudden pops of 12-carat gold are contemporary, quirky – and joyful.

You can see Ruby’s handcrafted ceramics, and work by other local and regional artists, at Ross Creek Gallery , a light-filled space surrounded by serene bushland, across from the mudbrick house her parents built in the 1980s. A 10-minute drive from Ballarat, it’s a tangible link to the region’s well-established craft traditions.

How Ballarat is preserving the past

artisans making crafts at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades holds workshops to preserve crafts and skills.

While tradition is ongoing, there’s a danger that many of these specific type of skills and knowledge are fading as an older generation passes on. Step forward the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades .

The seven purpose-built studios occupy a fabulous modern building adjacent to Sovereign Hill, with state-of-the-art facilities, enormous windows and landscape views across to Warrenheip and Wadawurrung Country.

artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Ballarat — Check out artisanal works at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Practising artisans run hands-on workshops. Fancy making your own medieval armour? Or trying your hand at blacksmithing, spinning wool, plaiting leather, weaving cane or craft a knife? Book a class and learn how. “It’s about creating awareness and also sharing knowledge and skills before they are lost,” explains Deborah Klein, the centre manager.

A city steeped in food and flavours

Chef José Fernandez preparing American streetfood at Pancho — Chef José Fernandez creates vibrant South American street food at Pancho. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

One skill that hasn’t been lost is that of cooking. Ballarat’s burgeoning gastronomy scene runs the gamut from an artisan bakery (the atmospheric 1816 Bakehouse) to cool coffee shops, speakeasy cocktail bars and distilleries to fine-dining venues. But I’m still surprised to find Pancho , José Fernandez’s South American street food restaurant, serving fried cheese tequeños, fiery fish tacos, Argentinian grilled chicken.

The room is as lively as the food – a whirl of colour filled with gifted and thrifted paintings, photos, tchotchkes (trinkets), plants. There’s a Mexican abuela aesthetic going on here. Even before the music and mezcal kick in, it’s fun. Heads up on the drinks menu – an authentic selection of mezcal, tequila, South American wines and Mexican cerveza.

a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Enjoy a cocktail at Itinerant Spirits. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

The spirit is willing, so after lunch we head towards the gold rush-era Ballarat train station and across the line to the old 1860s Goods Shed for Itinerant Spirits . At one end, a massive German copper still looms behind a wall of glass. The fit-out embraces deep olive-green tones, original bluestone walls, steamer trunks as coffee tables, heritage timber floors, oversized lamp shades and cognac-hued modernist leather seating.

the Itinerant Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, Ballarat — The distillery operates from an old goods shed. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Wayfarer Whiskey – the key spirits distilled – star at the bar. The spirits are crafted using grains from the Wimmera Mallee region, and native botanicals foraged in the Grampians. Seasonal cocktails are inspired by local people and places (I loved The Headland, inspired by Sovereign Hill and flavoured with old-fashioned raspberry drops). Sample the spirits, and join a cocktail masterclass or a distillery tour. It’s a seductive setting – you’ll likely find yourself ordering a charcuterie platter or pizza as the evening progresses.

The Ballarat stay combining history and luxury

one of the rooms at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — The rooms at Hotel Vera have a contemporary style. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

New lives for old buildings keeps history alive. Vera, Ballarat’s boutique five-star hotel, has taken it to the next level: it’s a palimpsest, a subtle layering of early 1900s and 1930s Art Deco architecture with a sleek new wing. There are seven spacious suites, each a dramatically different colour, with designer chairs, blissful bathrooms. High-end pottery and hand-picked artworks imbue the spaces with personality.

Vera’s intimate, award-winning restaurant, Babae, is subtly theatrical with sheer drapes and gallery lighting, its bespoke timber furniture and brass-edged marble bench setting the stage for food with a sharp regional focus. “We have goat’s cheese from a local supplier, handmade granola from local Vegas & Rose, truffles from nearby Black Cat Truffles, fresh food from our garden, and regional wines,” says joint owner David Cook-Doulton.

Celebrating the local makers, bakers, growers and producers, and the master chefs who work their magic is all part of the rich tapestry that links Ballarat’s history to its vibrant present.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s 90 minutes from Melbourne, either on the Western Freeway, or hop on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station.

Staying there

Hotel Vera is a centrally located Art Deco boutique hotel. Consider Hotel Provincial , which feels like a sleek country house, but with its own restaurant, Lola.

a contemporary room at Hotel Provincial, Ballarat — Hotel Provincial has country house vibes.

Eating there

dining at Mr Jones, Ballarat — The table is set at Mr Jones. (Image: Tony Evans/ Visit Victoria)

Culinary whiz Damien Jones helms Chef’s Hat winner Mr Jones Dining with quiet assurance. His modern Asian food is deceptively simple with deep, intense flavours. Low-key, laid-back ambience, lovely staff, thoughtful wine list.

Cocktails are definitely a thing in Ballarat. Reynard (fox in French) is foxy indeed, a clubby space with top-notch cocktails and small bites. Grainery Lane is extravagantly OTT with its massive 1880s bar, myriad chandeliers, brass gin still, Asian-inspired food and lavish cocktails.

dining at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Dining at Grainery Lane.

Playing there

a laneway filled with artworks in Ballarat — An artful laneway in the city. (Image: Ballarat Tourism)

Check out local design legend Travis Price’s wall murals in Hop Lane with its colourful canopy of brollies, or in Main Street. The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s off-site Backspace Gallery showcases early-career artists in a stylish, contemporary space. First Nations-owned and run Perridak Arts connects people to place, bringing together art and crafts in this gallery/shop.

a woman admiring artworks at Perridak Arts Gallery — Perridak Arts is a First Nations-run gallery. (Image: Tony Evans)

The wineries of the Pyrenees are close at hand with their welcoming cellar doors and robust reds. Join a behind-the-scenes tour at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections .

Don’t forget the giant bluestone Kryal Castle , ‘the land of adventure’, for a little medieval magic, and not just for the kids: get ready for Highland-style feasting, jousting, even overnight stays.