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)

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The 21 best places for stargazing in Australia