An impending total solar eclipse is passing directly over Sydney. It’ll be the last one for 800 years.
There’s something in the cosmos. Australia is in the midst of a rare streak of solar eclipse activity, with five total eclipses sweeping the country between 2023 and 2038.
For context, only 15 total solar eclipses have touched Australia in the past 200 years, making this a truly extraordinary flurry of activity. And the next one? It’s shaping up to be spectacular, cutting across the belly of the continent and ending with a dramatic finale right over Sydney.
So, Sydneysiders especially, mark your calendars: this will be the last total solar eclipse over the city for another 800 years. No pressure.
When is the solar eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse to pass Sydney is slated for 22 July 2028…the last one for 800 years. (Image: Getty/Joshua Kazemi)
The next total solar eclipse visible from Australia is slated for 22 July 2028. The path of totality will begin in the Kimberley region of WA, sweep across the Northern Territory, outback Queensland, and regional NSW, before passing above Sydney and Wollongong. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible above Sydney? It was 1857 and Australia was in the midst of the Gold Rush. The next time after the upcoming total eclipse? Not until June 3, 2858, more than 800 years!
Where can you see it?
Past eclipses in Australia sometimes barely touch the country. But this upcoming eclipse will dramatically cut across the diagonal of the mainland, offering views of this celestial event to millions.
The path of the total eclipse will start its journey near Kununurra in WA, continue past Tennant Creek and Birdsville, and then pass over Dubbo and Orange before its grand finale above Sydney. Here are the cities where it will be visible:
West Island, Cocos Islands
Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island
Wyndham, WA
Kununurra, WA
Tennant Creek, NT
Bedourie, Qld
Bourke, NSW
Nyngan, NSW
Dubbo, NSW
Orange, NSW
Wollongong, NSW
Sydney, NSW
Central Coast, NSW
What about Uluṟu?
With little to no light pollution, Uluṟu is an incredible place to see the stars in full force. (Image: ourism NT/New Asia Pacific Travel)
If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Australia’s spiritual heart, this could be one of the most magical times to make it happen. While Uluṟu isn’t directly under the path of totality, it will still see an estimated 88 per cent totality. And the spectacle against the backdrop of the Red Centre will be unforgettable.
Even outside of eclipse season, Uluṟu is one of the country’s best stargazing destinations. You can learn about Indigenous astronomy during star talks, tours, and even dune-top dinners under the Milky Way.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
