The Best Places To See The Southern Lights In Victoria

You probably have the northern lights on your bucket list, but did you know there are impressive aurora light shows in Victoria?

While tourists flock in the thousands to see the northern lights, the southern lights are a little more elusive – possibly because of their remote locations, and hence difficulty for travellers to access. The good news is that solar activity is expected to peak in 2024/2025, and seeing the aurora australis in Victoria is even more likely.

Here’s everything you need to know for your best chance at spotting the southern lights (aurora australis) in Victoria.

What are the southern lights?

Auroras occur when fully charged particles burst from the sun, creating a solar wind that slams into the Earth’s magnetic field and rushes towards the North and South Poles. As the solar particles collide with atoms of nitrogen and oxygen in our atmosphere, their electrons charge, leaving ions that radiate energy in wavelengths and producing a spectacular natural dancing rainbow.

Where to see the southern lights in Victoria

There’s an element of magic to any aurora – no matter how perfectly you plan, a viewing is never guaranteed. Adding to the mystery, there’s no peak time or season to see an aurora, and no one really knows until right before it happens. They could glow for minutes or hours at any time of the night.

But for your best shot at catching the magic in Victoria, you’ll want to head far south. Point Lonsdale, the south side of Phillip Island, Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Cape Liptrap Coastal Park are all good options. But Wilsons Promontory National Park is a standout for its pitch-black skies and southerly location.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

A three-hour drive from Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory National Park offers verdant views and nature adventures by day, a serene starscape by night and, if you’re really lucky, an aurora light show. You can camp beneath the stars at Tidal River Campground or check into one of the local cabins or wilderness retreats.

Point Lonsdale

Ninety minutes south-west of Melbourne on the Bellarine Peninsula, Point Lonsdale is known for its scenic lookouts and iconic lighthouse. Head to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse for spectacular photos of the lights and tower. Staying the night? Opt for one of the seven luxury suites at Lon Retreat & Spa which are perched on a hill – perfect for stargazing.

Phillip Island

90 minutes south-east of Melbourne, Phillip Island stretches out into the Bass Strait and is brimming with wildlife, hiking trails, and idyllic beaches. There are a plethora of camping and glamping spots on the island that will provide darkness and uninterrupted southern lights viewing opportunities. Alternatively, treat yourself to a night in one of the luxury bed and breakfast “pods" at The Nest.

Aireys Inlet

Located between Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet is home to another iconic lighthouse which was featured in the popular TV show Round The Twist. Split Point Lighthouse provides a great vantage point for capturing the lights and rugged coastline.

Anglesea

Another Great Ocean Road hotspot is Anglesea. This coastal town is renowned for its patrolled surf and swimming beaches and nature conservation areas, the latter of which makes it perfect for aurora watching.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

It’s not as far south as other spots, but Cape Schanck Lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula is a favourite location for southern lights photographers. Base yourself at the freshly finished Cape Schanck Resort before heading out to catch the lights.

When to see the southern lights in Victoria

Auroras can be seen year-round, but no one knows until right before it happens. They could glow for minutes or hours at any time of the night. While the southern lights aren’t as affected by seasonal light change as the northern lights your best bet at witnessing the phenomena is still in the winter months.

To further your chances of successful aurora hunting, look up the space weather forecast on the Australian Bureau of Meteorology which will show you when solar activity is predicted. You can also follow the Aurora Hunter Victoria page on Facebook where members chat about active aurora nights.

Southern lights in Victoria, Australia — High ISO was used to capture the colour and night sky in this dazzling photo. (Image: Getty Images/dannogan)

Find tips for photographing the aurora australis in our southern lights guide.

This article was originally written by Jessica Humphries.

Kick off the festive season early with a deliciously free bite.

The only thing sweeter than dessert is when it’s on the house, and Melbourne’s beloved cinnamon scroll bakery, Simply Mike’s (formerly Cinnabuns), has teamed up with Baileys to create the perfect free treat to kick off the festive season and celebrate their relaunch.

From 12-19 November, Simply Mike’s is offering locals the chance to get their hands on a new limited-edition flavour that encapsulates the taste of Christmas – a decadent Baileys Cinnamon Scroll – for free. Combining two much-loved flavours, the scroll is a deliciously buttery treat that blends the velvety classic Bailey’s Irish Cream with cinnamon spice.

Cinnamon scrolls and Baileys — Grab a free scroll from the Albion-based bakery.

Simply Mike’s has become a favourite for Melbourne dessert lovers . Originally named Cinnabuns, owner Mike Ying’s micro-bakery had to change his bakery’s name after a legal battle with USA bakery giant Cinnabon. “We received hundreds of name suggestions from our community, and Simply Mike’s felt right,” shared Ying. “It’s personal, it’s proud, and it reflects the craft behind every scroll. This new chapter is about celebrating creativity, flavour, and the scrolls that started it all.”

Ying completed his pastry apprenticeship at the École de boulangerie de Paris in France, earning a BEP Pâtisserie (Brevet d’Études Professionnelles), and his Albion-based bakery blends French techniques with Asian influences.

Mike Ying from Simply Mike’s cinnamon scroll bakery — Owner Mike Ying’s micro-bakery had to change his bakery’s name after a legal battle with USA bakery giant, Cinnabon.

Simply Mike’s was the perfect partner for Baileys’ festive collaboration. “We were looking for someone who could capture the essence of Baileys in a way that felt local, playful, and full of character,” says Nishant Samuel, Head of Whisky and Liqueurs at Diageo Australia.

Not a cinnamon bun lover? The bakery also has an ever-changing menu of bites such as Biscoff‑flavoured scrolls, coffee scrolls, apple crumble danishes, pandan custard croissants and caramelised onion, honey and feta quiches.

With only one week to snag a free baked good – available from 7 am weekdays and 8 am weekends, until stock lasts – it’s worth planning your visit now!

Baileys Cinnamon Scroll Liqueur is now available nationally, for a limited time.

Address: 29b Perth Ave, Albion VIC 3020

The best places to see the southern lights in Victoria