Why the outback is so good for stars
With almost no light pollution and dry, clear air, the outback has some of the darkest skies on Earth. In the Southern Hemisphere, the brightest part of the Milky Way is best seen in the evening from about April to September.
Where to go
- Uluru: astronomy experiences at Ayers Rock Resort and dinners under the stars.
- Alice Springs: star tours with telescopes at Earth Sanctuary, just outside town.
- Flinders Ranges: Arkaroola and the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve region of South Australia.
- Anywhere on a camping tour: sleeping in a swag is a stargazing experience in itself.
Tips
- Plan around a new moon for the darkest skies.
- Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust, and use a red light.
- Look out for the Emu in the Sky — a constellation in Aboriginal astronomy formed by dark dust lanes in the Milky Way.
Prices in AUD, checked October 2026. Always confirm current rates and conditions with operators and park authorities before you travel.
