But first, what is stargazing?
Our night sky is full of beautiful stars, planets, and more. You can see many of these with the naked eye or a simple telescope. Just as the name suggests, the act of looking up at the universe is called stargazing. We’ve been looking up to the night sky in wonder since the beginning of time. Some cultures use the night sky for directions, for guidance on planting crops, and even to predict the future. Stargazing is a fun activity that attracts many different people across the world.
What you need for stargazing
The great thing about campervan stargazing is that you really don’t need any special equipment. Just park up your campervan away from the city lights on a nice clear night sky… and that’s about it!
To make the most of the experience, you may like to bring along a few extras for extra comfort. Warm clothing, a blanket and cushion, a torch, and some snacks are all good options. You might also want to try using a handheld telescope and a stargazing app that can help you navigate the night sky. Good apps include Stellarium (android and iOS) or StarMap 3D+ (iOS only).
When to go stargazing
You can stargaze any time of year when the sky is clear. In saying that, some nights can be better than others. Here are a few general guidelines to consider:
The winter months (June – August) often provide better conditions for stargazing. The nights are longer, meaning more darkness to appreciate the stars. The skies also tend to be clearer with less humidity and fewer clouds in many parts of the country.
The moon's brightness can interfere with stargazing, making it harder to see fainter objects in the sky. Plan your stargazing around the new moon – (when the moon is not visible) for the best views. You can find the moon phases on a lunar calendar.
Keep an eye on astronomical events like meteor showers, eclipses, and planetary alignments. These events offer unique opportunities to witness extraordinary celestial displays.
What to look for in the night sky
Australia offers stargazers a unique opportunity to witness an array of galactic and intergalactic objects that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere. Take in the grandeur of the Milky Way, the iconic Southern Cross, and the stellar nursery of the Eta Carinae region. Marvel at the Tarantula Nebula's cosmic web and the brilliance of Alpha Centauri. Discover the enchanting Seven Sisters, also known as the Pleiades, and the indigenous Emu in the Sky constellation.
Best places to stargaze in Western Australia
Western Australia is known for its vast open spaces and coastal-desert landscapes. Here are some of our top picks for stargazing sites in WA.
Karijini National Park
With its incredible dark skies and minimal low pollution, Karijini National Park makes for a popular stargazing destination. Rugged red gorges and ancient rock formations provide a breathtaking backdrop for witnessing the brilliance of the night sky.
Roebuck Bay
A prime spot for stargazing, Roebuck Bay is also known for a mesmerising natural phenomenon, the ‘Staircase to the Moon’. This occurs when the moonlight reflects off the exposed sand flats creating a fascinating visual effect.
Wave Rock
Situated three hours east of Perth, Wave Rock stands tall at 15 metres, resembling a colossal wave frozen in time. It makes for a magnificent backdrop for astrophotographers wanting to capture its imposing presence against the starry night sky.
Image: Tourism Australia
Lake Clifton
A fascinating destination to stargaze, Lake Clifton combines natural wonders both above and below. The lake is renowned for its thrombolites – some of the rarest living fossils on Earth. As you gaze at the night sky, the thrombolites create a striking foreground to brush up on your astrophotography skills. If you're lucky, you may even be treated to a mesmerising display of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), adding a touch of magic to an already breathtaking spectacle.
The Pinnacles
Just 30 minutes’ drive from Cervantes, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is an excellent spot for stargazing. Its remote location means minimal light pollution for optimal viewing of the night sky. The stunning limestone pillars create a unique and otherworldly backdrop, adding an extra touch of magic to your experience.
Where to stay in Western Australia
Western Australia is dotted with great campgrounds and freedom camping locations. Here are a few of our favourites:
Best places to stargaze in South Australia
With an incredible selection of national parks and an impressive Dark Sky Reserve, South Australia offers exceptional conditions to observe the wonders of the night sky. Here are a few top spots worth adding to your road trip itinerary planner.
Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park
Located five hours north of Adelaide, and with some of the darkest skies in the state, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is a standout choice for SA stargazing enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre that provides an ideal vantage point for stargazing, particularly during meteor showers.
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve
Spanning more than 3200 square kilometres, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is the first of its kind in Australia and one of only 15 dark sky reserves in the world. Just 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, the reserve is known for its dry climate and cloudless skies – perfect for spotting Australia’s cosmic wonders.
Lincoln National Park
Located on the Eyre Peninsula, about three hours west of Adelaide, Lincoln National Park overlooks Australia’s largest natural harbour, Boston Bay. With its granite headlands, sheltered bays, and scenic offshore islands, the park provides a breathtaking setting. On the park's southern side, huge wind-sculpted sand dunes meet the powerful waves of the Southern Ocean. This makes for a unique and rugged coastline stargazing destination.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
With its expansive coastal vistas and pristine natural surroundings, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park offers a captivating backdrop for a spot of stargazing. When the skies are clear, the Milky Way appears as a bright belt of stars – an impressive sight to see.
Where to stay in South Australia
Park up your campervan in one of these great South Australia campgrounds:
Best places to stargaze in Northern Territory
Because there is very little light pollution right across the Northern Territory, much of the state offers great stargazing opportunities. Here are a few worth checking out.
Uluru
As one of the world's most iconic landmarks, Uluru holds a special allure for stargazers. This special spot offers a remarkable combination of ancient Aboriginal culture and breathtaking celestial displays. With its remote location, away from the city lights, the sacred rock formation provides a captivating setting to witness southern hemisphere constellations.
Image: Tourism Nothern Territory
East Point
Just 10 minutes from Darwin’s CBD, East Point Reserve offers stunning night skies. With its panoramic views, walking trails, and low light pollution, the reserve is a popular spot and ideal for stargazing. Note, the northernmost end of the reserve closes at 11 pm. The gates will be locked so make sure you’re packed and ready to go long before then. Camping isn’t allowed in the park.
The Red Centre
With some of the clearest skies in the world, the Northern Territory’s Red Centre of the NT is a haven for stargazing. Popular spots like Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and Devils Marbles offer stunning panoramic views of the night sky. Plus, with a variety of freedom camping sites and remote campgrounds throughout this region, there are plenty of places to park up and enjoy the night sky.
Kakadu National Park
With its diverse ecosystems, including, ancient rock art sites, and vast open skies, Kakadu National Park provides a captivating setting to explore the wonders of the night sky.
Where to stay in the Northern Territory
Take your pick of fantastic freedom camping spots and campgrounds in the NT. Here are a few worth considering:
Best places to stargaze in Queensland
Queensland's diverse landscapes provide a fantastic stargazing experience. Here are some of the top spots.
Kingaroy Observatory
With its captivating stargazing sessions and educational programs, Kingaroy Observatory provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe. Check out their online calendar for the best stargazing dates.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Brisbane on a clear night for panoramic views of the city skyline and the sparkling Brisbane River. Its elevated position provides a serene setting to enjoy stargazing in the heart of the city.
Somerset Dam
About an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Somerset Dam is a popular recreation destination and a prime spot for stargazing. Its peaceful surroundings and expansive skies create an optimal setting to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
Where to stay in Queensland
Take some time out in Queensland at one of these great campgrounds.
Best places to stargaze in New South Wales
From the outback to the city outskirts, NSW is jam-packed with prime stargazing spots. Here are our top picks.
The Blue Mountains
With some of the brightest skies in the state, the Blue Mountains offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. A great option for making the most of the celestial wonders on offer is to book into a stargazing tour.
Image: Destination NSW
Terrey Hills
Thanks to its proximity to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Terrey Hills is an excellent spot for stargazing. Located between Sydney's Upper North Shore and Northern Beaches, the tranquil surroundings and limited light pollution create an optimal environment for watching the night sky.
Mudgee Observatory
Located just outside of Mudgee, the Mudgee Observatory is a stellar destination for stargazing. The observatory is home to state-of-the-art telescopes and expert-led stargazing sessions. It offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the cosmos and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Outback Astronomy
Located in Broken Hill, award-winning Outback Astronomy provides an unforgettable stargazing experience. With guided tours and access to powerful telescopes, visitors can witness the splendour of the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders. You’ll also learn more about the rich cultural significance of the night sky.
Where to stay in NSW
Park up your campervan in one of these great South Australia campgrounds.
Best places to stargaze in Victoria
Get ready to explore the night skies of Victoria as we unveil the best places to stargaze in this Australian state.
Melbourne Observatory
Built in 1860, the Melbourne Observatory still houses much of the original equipment which continues to be used today to look to the southern skies. Regular observatory night tours are conducted by members of the Astronomical Society of Victoria. Added to the National Heritage list in 2018, the observatory is a national treasure and well worth a visit.
The Grampians
Located three hours north of the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians mountain ranges offer some of the best views in Victoria. Choose from an array of awesome sites including Reed Lookout, One Tree Hill, or Mount Arapiles.
Image: Visit Victoria
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Perched on the rugged Mornington Peninsula coastline, Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve provides an extraordinary stargazing vantage point. If you’re here during the winter months, you might even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights.
Winton Wetlands
Combining wetlands and dark skies for a unique experience, Winton Wetlands is perfect for stargazing. The reserve’s expansive area and minimal light pollution create an ideal setting to witness the wonders of the night sky. Make a night of it and park your campervan up at one of the unpowered campsites within the reserve.
Where to stay in Victoria
Take your pick of great campgrounds to park up in Victoria. Here are a few of our favourites:
Best places to stargaze in Tasmania
With much of Tasmania covered in forested national parks and reserves, it has very little artificial light. That makes for some great stargazing!
kunanyi / Mt Wellington
Take in the views of endless twinkling stars under the Tasmania skies in Hobart’s kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Its elevated position and pristine environment provide an incredible opportunity to observe the night sky. Take a rug though, it can get chilly.
Cradle Mountain
With their flat, mirrored surfaces that make for incredible photos, Cradle Lake and Dove Lake are favourites for astrophotographers. In addition, the flat and treeless landscape of Cradle Mountain creates an ideal vantage point to view the Southern Lights.
Seven Mile Beach
With its low light pollution, Seven Mile Beach is a popular location for spotting the aurora. The beach is about 15km west of Hobart. Enjoy a few nights’ stay at the Seven Mile Beach Cabin and Caravan Park.
Where to stay in Tasmania
Make the most of your stargazing adventures in Tasmania with a stay at these great campgrounds.
Think stargazing in Australia sounds like fun?
From marvelling at the magical Milky Way to wishing on a shooting star, there are endless ways to enjoy stargazing in Australia. And there’s no better way to make the most of it than with an Australian road trip in a maui campervan. Discover the freedom and flexibility of planning your own journey. Stop whenever and wherever you like. There’s simply no better way to explore Australia, and it’s big, beautiful skies.
Get ready for the celestial adventure of a lifetime and book your maui campervan online today. Pick up your prebooked camper from any one of our 10 branches across the country.