Pearls Of The Sky: Western Australia's Top Stargazing

Western Australia is on track to become the world’s top destination for stargazing – from its regional towns, remote islands and even its capital city.

The Milky Way sparkles above Western Australia on a clear and moonless night. Mirroring the pearls found underwater around the state’s isolated islands, millions of stars twinkle across the inky-black sky.

Peering up at this glittery galaxy from aboard a cray-fishing boat, we can see it all. The Southern Cross shines brightest, along with planets that are visible to the naked eye.

Astro Cruise

Donna Vanzetti, director of Star Tracks Astro Tours , has been invited on the inaugural Astro Cruise with Eco Abrolhos to lead stargazing sessions at sea and on land. Using a green laser pointer, she highlights Indigenous constellations formed by the dark spaces between stars, such as the Emu in the Sky and the Hopping Kangaroo.

“Our First Nations people have used the night sky for more than 60,000 years. They used it as a calendar, for navigation, and as a storyboard for Dreamtime," Vanzetti says.

“The constellations that we grew up with [in Australia] were drawn up by people in the northern hemisphere, so everything is upside down for us. But the Aboriginal constellations are up the right way."

stargazing tours with Astrotourism Western Australia — Explore Indigenous constellations in the WA sky. (Image: Louise Goldsbury)Explore Indigenous constellations in the WA sky. (Image: Louise Goldsbury)

Vanzetti has come equipped with a powerful telescope to show us the rings of Saturn, the ‘gas giant’ of Jupiter, and the dark side of tonight’s quarter moon. Moving to the more static vantage point of a deserted beach, we take turns on the eyepiece to admire the view.

The Abrolhos is the best place in the world for stargazing, Vanzetti says, because there is no light or air pollution. “As we are off the mainland, in the ocean, this provides us with pristine, world-class skies. We have some lovely islands to land on with the telescope as well as stargazing on a beach in the middle of nowhere, which is a great adventure."

For many passengers, the region’s main drawcards are its exceptional fishing and snorkelling. But the evenings bring other treasures that outshine expectations.

“Once you have had star patterns pointed out to you, or you see a star that is actually a planet, the night sky comes alive. Just knowing a little more about what is overhead really opens people’s minds to the universe above," says Vanzetti.

The 32-passenger Eco Abrolhos offers its next Astro Cruise on 8-12 February 2024, during a New Moon phase. Guests reach the islands by small plane from Geraldton (included in fares) and sail back over five days. Pricing starts at $3265 per person twin-share or $3685 for a solo cabin including all meals and activities.

the shimmering Milky Way in the Old Shearing Shed Avoca Farm near Narembeen — The Milky Way never gets old. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

WA’s dark skies

In a world that is glowing brighter with artificial light – increasing by two to 10 per cent every year – WA is working to keep its night sky as dark as possible. Viewing the magnificence of the Milky Way is an ongoing preservation project, led by Astrotourism Western Australia founder Carol Redford.

camping under the stars, Astrotourism Western Australia — Camp under the stars in Western Australia. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

The organisation has designated many regional communities as Astrotourism Towns with efforts to change the local street lighting and offer dedicated observation sites and astrophotography hotspots. Sites along the Coral Coast include Lake Thetis in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes; Macpherson Homestead, Carnamah; Three Springs Golf Club; Yandanooka Hall campsite, Mingenew; Little Lagoon, Shark Bay; and the Bibbawarra Bore, Carnarvon.

the Resilience art sculpture under the Milky Way — Western Australia is on track to become the world’s top destination for stargazing. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

Perth is perfectly positioned as the world’s most isolated capital city on a continent. Following the steps in these locations, Redford hopes to darken the sky above Perth by implementing the same steps as used in the regional Astrotourism Towns.

“Back in the 1960s, when American astronaut John Glenn was orbiting Earth for the first time, he asked the people of Perth and Rockingham to turn on their lights so he could see them from space," she recalls.

“We became known as the City of Light. But I have a dream that one day Perth can reinvent itself as the City of Starlight. If we used Dark Sky-friendlier street lights and pointed light downwards, I think we could see the Milky Way above the Swan River in Perth, which would be an amazing achievement."

Astrotourism Western Australia is a stellar resource of stargazing trails and itineraries, tours and attractions in regional towns, and a calendar of events and experiences.

the Quobba Lighthouse under the stars, north of Carnarvon — The Quobba Lighthouse is a majestic sight. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

Other stargazing hotspots around Australia

Queensland: See planets and constellations through powerful telescopes and listen to Indigenous stories around a firepit in outback Charleville.

NT: Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru at Uluṟu, Under a Desert Moon at Kings Canyon, or Earth Sanctuary ’s astronomy tours near Alice Springs.

a sky full of stars in Uluru — Book a stargazing trip with Uluṟu Astro Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

NSW: Coonabarabran is the gateway to Siding Spring , home to Australia’s largest optical telescopes, Milroy Observatory , and Warrumbungle National Park , the southern hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park.

the night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky park in the Warrumbungles — Set up your tent at Warrumbungle National Park under the sky full of stars. (Image: Destination NSW)

SA: River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve hosts a Dark Sky Night Tour . You can also enjoy dinner followed by a telescope viewing at Juggle House .

ACT: Canberra Space Centre is the largest antenna complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tasmania: The best displays of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) take place in winter. Viewpoints include Hobart’s Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, but the further south the better.

Aurora Australis, South Coast Track — Witness the spectacular Aurora Australis in Tasmania. (Image: Matty Eaton)

Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6^th February to 1^st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

1. East Perth Power Station

East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival — See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

2. St Mary’s Cathedral

Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

3. Lotterywest Films

guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival — Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

4. The Embassy

guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival — Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

5. Unusual locations

still from The Trial theatre — Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence . Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

6. A View From A Bridge

A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival — Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

What else to do in Perth

Shadow Wine Bar in perth — Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .

Pearls of the sky: Western Australia’s top stargazing