A solar eclipse will be visible above Uluṟu – how to time your trip

It’s a total eclipse of Australia’s heart (well, almost).

There’s something in the air (or rather, the cosmos). Australia is in the midst of a rare flurry of solar eclipse activity, with five total eclipses sweeping across the country between 2023 and 2038.

For context, only 15 total solar eclipses have touched Australia in the last 200 years, making this an extraordinary streak. And the next one? It cuts right across the belly of the country and will be visible above Uluṟu.

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.

When is the solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse visible from Australia is slated for 22 July 2028. The path of totality begins from the Kimberley region of WA, sweeps across the Northern Territory, outback Queensland and NSW.

A partial eclipse will be visible from pretty much anywhere in the country. Uluṟu is a definite standout. Uluṟu is not directly under the eclipse’s path of totality, but it’s pretty darn close. It’s estimated to be at around 88 per cent in totality, meaning that this is still a rare sight. And it’s hard to imagine a more iconic landscape to witness it in than Australia’s red heart.

The path of the total eclipse will travel very close to Uluṟu in 2028. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you can’t manage to get to Uluṟu for the eclipse, it’s still an amazing destination for astronomy enthusiasts, with some of the most stunning starscapes in the country. You can learn lots about Indigenous astronomy at star talks, tours and even dune-top dinners under the stars.

As for the lucky places in Australia that will experience the 100 per cent total eclipse? Read on.

Where else can you see the total eclipse?

Aussies are in for a celestial treat in 2028. This total solar eclipse won’t just skim the edge of the country, it’ll sweep dramatically across the entire diagonal of the mainland, offering rare views to millions.

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The path of totality begins in the stunning Kimberley region of WA, crossing near the town of Kununurra, then it will continue past remote stretches of the Northern Territory before hitting outback Queensland towns like Tennant Creek and Birdsville. From there, it moves into regional NSW, passing over Dubbo and Orange, before finally heading for the big cities of Sydney and Wollongong and then out across the Pacific.

And Sydneysiders, mark your calendars. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from Sydney for another 800 years. No pressure.