Stargazing in Australia 2024

Australia has more dark spots than any other country in the world. This way, whether you’re a pro or a newbie at stargazing, the country is the ultimate spot. In Australia, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, gorgeous star clusters, and constellations—but only if you know where to go.

The best stargazing spots in Australia

Here are the top sky-watching places in the country. Some of them may seem too challenging to get to or stay at, but they’re definitely worth the effort. So let’s start, shall we?

Warrumbungle National Park

To reach this park, you’ll have to drive a decent six hours from Sydney, but don’t give up on the idea just yet. There’s a reason why Warrumbungle is the number one spot on this list—the park is the country’s only dark sky park. This way, you’ll not only be able to camp there but also embark on your astronomy journey and get starstruck by marvelous constellations.

Mudgee Observatory

Mudgee is a private observatory founded by John Vetter. Only a 15-minute drive from Mudgee city, it creates perfect conditions for watching the stars against the dark-blue skies. People always resort to Vetter’s observatory tours if they look for a personalized and educational experience.

Lake Tyrrell

The name of Lake Tyrrell stems from the indigenous “Tirylle” and means “sky.” Indeed, the reflection of the sky on the lake’s surface does create an illusion of being surrounded solely by water. This way, you’ll get a unique and magical view of the starry skies. Plus, the area has little light pollution, so you will be able to see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross.

When to go

In Australia, stargazing is a good idea any time of year. But some months are better than others—we’re talking about February and October. During this time, the moon won’t obstruct your view, and the weather will be comfortable. So book your accommodation in advance and have fun!