Best Places in Australia for Stargazing and Celestial Events

With its vast, varied landscapes and minimal light pollution, Australia is an astronomical adventure like no other. Whether it’s the Milky Way, a meteor shower or solar eclipse, there are celestial sights in every direction, for everybody. And, in the comfort and convenience of your Hertz rental car, these remote locations can be tracked down with ease.

Stargazing at Siding Spring Observatory, NSW

Located in Warrumbungle National Park, Siding Spring Observatory is Australia’s premier optical astronomy research facility. This area has been officially designated as the country’s first official Dark Sky Park, meaning that it has special restrictions on light pollution to maintain and protect the visibility of the sky. During the day, take a drive up the observatory to learn about space exploration. When night falls, park at a nearby lookout to experience the cosmos in all its uninterrupted glory.

Wilky Way over Warrumbungle National Park

Cosmic Wonders at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, NT

The Red Centre is famous for its own natural wonders Uluru and Kata Tjuta, but some may not know that this area also has some of the darkest skies in the world. Here, you can marvel at clear views of the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds and the Southern Cross, with Australia’s most sacred site as your backdrop. If you want to know more about the stars than what meets the eye, go on a guided astronomy tour and let the experts share Indigenous star stories that have been passed down for thousands of years.

Observing the Universe at Perth Observatory, WA

For an up-close look at the world above, take a 35km drive east of Perth to the Perth Observatory. This observatory hosts stargazing nights, where visitors can look through powerful telescopes and observe planets, nebulae and galaxies.

Crystal-Clear Views at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, SA

For a stargazing experience and an off-the-beaten-track adventure rolled into one, visit Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges and catch some of the clearest skies in Australia. Home to the Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory, this location offers breathtaking views of Saturn’s rings, distant galaxies and deep-sky objects through its high-powered telescopes.

Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary

Celestial Spectacles at Cradle Mountain, TAS

Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain is already known for its staggering beauty, and to astronomy enthusiasts, for its stargazing. Visit in winter and you’ll be rewarded with the tremendous Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), where the sky comes alive in a natural light display of green, pink, and violet. 

Celestial Spectacles at Earth Sanctuary, NT

For a stargazing experience in the desert, put Earth Sanctuary on your list. In their Astro Tour, you’ll learn how to navigate the night sky, identify constellations and observe celestial objects through deep-sky telescopes. To take the experience further, try their Dinner & Star package, where you can treat yourselves to starlight-lit dinner, or their Sunset 2 Sunrise experience, which allows you to camp overnight.

Swimming with Stars at Cape Range National Park, WA

Western Australia’s Cape Range National Park is beautiful both day and night. Arrive early for a dip at Turquoise Bay with your snorkeling gear in-hand, and when night falls, take an easy 15-minute drive to Cape Range National Park and catch and watch in awe as the Milky Way comes out to play.

The Stars Come Out With Hertz

When it comes to seeing stars, Australia is a great place to be. Between its remote landscapes and dark-sky reserves, the wonders of the world above are waiting around every corner. And, when you’re in the company of a Hertz rental car, these otherworldly sites can be seen and savoured with ease and convenience. Book yours today, pack your telescope, get ready and experience Australia from a different perspective.