5 of the best places in Australia to join in the star bathing trend

Your future may not be written in the stars, but a growing body of research suggests that your future health could be.

Humans have looked to the cosmos for guidance for centuries, from the Songlines of Indigenous Australians to the navigation of many ancient and more modern civilisations, including Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Vikings. Now, the modern iteration is less about astronomy and more about taking time out to let something larger than yourself fill you with awe.

The result? More than one study has found that experiencing awe lowers heart rate, increases the presence of oxytocin and reduces inflammation. The list of physical and mental health changes goes on, so it’s no wonder star bathing is becoming particularly popular with those experiencing burnout.

Star bathing is about disconnecting from the online world and getting out under the stars. You could just sit still and let the universe wash over you, or you could pair it with other activities, like wild swimming, nighttime hikes and forest meditation. Whatever you choose, the key is escaping light pollution and heading into the remote and wild areas.

Here are some of Australia’s best star bathing destinations to get you started.

1. Winton, Qld

Winton is an incredible place for many reasons: dinosaur discoveries, boulder opals, aviation history, bush poets. But thanks to its small size, lack of lights and empty surrounding countryside, it’s pretty incredible for star bathing. Head to the Australian Age Of Dinosaurs Museum not only for the first dinosaur discoveries in Australia, but to bathe in its dark sky status. In fact, it was the first in Australia. The free Star Gallery area is perfect to set up a telescope and let the universe awe you.

the milky way pictured above winton queensland — BYO telescope and gaze upwards in Winton. (Image: TEQ)

2. Goat Bluff Lookout, Tas

You could be anywhere in Tasmania for a chance to catch the magical, natural light show of the Aurora Australis (or Southern Lights), but a local favourite continues to be Goat Bluff Lookout on South Arm Peninsula, about 35 kilometres south-east of Hobart. Or in driving terms, an easy 35 minutes.

star bathing under the aurora australis and stars in tasmania — Catch twinkling stars and dancing lights. (Image: Getty/ Zoie)

3. Snake Valley, Vic

Nestled between Ballarat and Beaufort in western Victoria, Snake Valley has made the most of its very dark country sky with an observatory. While mostly used for research, it holds four public Astronomy Nights every year. At different times of the year, spot the planets, star clusters, nebulae and more. Be sure to check the website for upcoming dates and book ahead. Sometimes, star bathing requires planning.

4. Nambung National Park, WA

The Pinnacles are striking at any time of day. But add shooting stars and the Milky Way as a backdrop, and they become breathtaking. Join a star gazing tour and you’ll also get dinner and use of the latest astronomy equipment to help you get the most out of your stargazing experience – you might even glimpse the Rings of Saturn.

The pinnacles at night in Nambung National Park, WA — Tour to The Pinnacles at night to inspire awe. (Image: Getty/ chameleonseye)

5. River Murray, SA

The River Murray is not only perfect for floating along in a houseboat, but along the northern border of the river, Lakes and Coorong Region, it’s also an International Dark Sky Reserve with unpolluted night skies. Only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Adelaide, you don’t even need to stay the whole night, but it’s the perfect place to sleep in a river shack or go camping on the riverbank to extend your star bathing pleasure.

the river murray internation dark sky reserve as the sun sets in south australia — Arrive for sunset, stay for the stars. (Image: Getty/ Ben Goode)

Can’t get enough of Australia’s starry skies? Check out the best places for stargazing here, and everything we know about Australia’s only DarkSky-approved stay here.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.