Nearly two-thirds (57%) of Australian travellers are considering visiting dark sky destinations with star bathing experiences (65%), star guides (53%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (49%) top of the stellar adventure list. Australia’s vast skies and minimal light pollution make it a global astro-tourism hotspot.
Why Astro-Tourism is Trending Around 58 per cent want to see the northern lights, 39 per cent want to go to an observatory, and 38 per cent hope to watch a solar or lunar eclipse. There’s something profoundly moving about connecting with the cosmos, especially in our increasingly digital world.
Australia’s Best Dark Sky Destinations
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT: Some of the darkest skies in the world
- Coonabarabran, NSW: Australia’s astronomy capital
- Great Western Tiers, Tasmania: Southern Hemisphere stargazing at its finest
- Warrumbungle National Park, NSW: Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park
- Flinders Ranges, SA: Ancient landscapes under pristine skies
Planning Your Astro-Adventure
- Time It Right: New moon phases offer the darkest skies
- Check Weather: Clear skies are essential for stargazing
- Pack Smart: Red headlamps preserve night vision
- Book Tours: Local guides enhance the experience with expert knowledge
- Be Patient: Allow time for your eyes to adjust to darkness
Beyond Stargazing Astro-tourism destinations often offer incredible daytime activities too:
- Aboriginal cultural experiences and storytelling
- Hiking through unique geological formations
- Photography workshops for landscape and astrophotography
- Wellness retreats combining mindfulness with cosmic connection
The Deeper Connection Protection from UV rays is essential for over half (56%) of Australian travellers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun on holiday, making nighttime activities increasingly appealing.
