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.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
