How to have an ‘out of this world’ stargazing experience

A starlit adventure awaits in the sub-alpine, walk-in campsite at Wombat Creek in Barrington Tops National Park. Only accessed by walking track, you can choose to enter via the challenging Corker trail, or the more leisurely path via Careys Peak lookout. Either way, this rustic camping spot makes a great base to explore the constellations. With 19 walks through World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and seven waterfalls to choose from, there’s plenty to explore during the day too. 

If 4×4 is more your thing, head for Gummi Falls, high in the remote wilderness of the Barrington Tops State Conservation area. The 4WD access trails are only open from October to May, and for the rest of the year this campground is only accessible by walking or cycling (3km one-way).

Just over an hours’ drive out of Sydney, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. There is plenty on offer here in the way of celestial delights – you can even book your own stargazing tour at Wentworth Falls. With a professional computerised telescope, astronomy binoculars and laser-guided constellation storytelling, this 90-minute tour is sure to leave you in awe. And did we mention there’s complimentary hot chocolate? 

Stay at the Kedumba River Crossing campground in the Katoomba area, Dunphys campground in the Southern Blue Mountains, or the remote Galong cabins. Better yet, make a weekend of it and experience all the highlights of the Blue Mountains at once by hiking the 19km Grand Cliff Top Walk.

One of the flattest places on Earth, home to the vast open landscape of the Hay Plains, Kalyarr National Park is one of the best places to catch the Milky Way galaxy in all its glory. The park is located west of the Riverina town of Hay, and it’s definitely worth the drive.

Pitch your tent or swag at the Lachlan River campground, a small, secluded spot amongst the red gums. After a colourful Hay Plains sunset, kick back, turn off your head torch and send your view skyward. When the sun returns, the wildlife spotting begins – take a walk around Lake Ita and look out for kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles and shingleback lizards.

Higher altitude can make for a clearer stargazing experience, which might be why the night sky in Kosciuszko National Park is so vivid. Camp under the stars at the Island Bend campground, a 25 minute drive from Jindabyne, or stargaze from the comfort of the deck of Numbananga Lodge at Smiggin Holes, knowing a hot shower and cosy beds are just a few metres away. This exclusive self-contained lodge is also the perfect place to retreat to after a day exploring Australia’s high country and offers easy access to both snow sports in winter and alpine adventures in summer. 

If you’re really up for a challenge, hike Mount Kosciuszko, mainland Australia’s tallest mountain, from Thredbo (4 to 5 hours return) or Charlotte Pass (6 to 8 hours return).

Have time to expand your itinerary? Combine your stargazing exploits with an outback adventure on a five day outback tour with Desert Sky Tours. Starting in Adelaide, these 4WD tours take travellers on the open road to the remote World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park. They also include an overnight stay, so you can watch the first stars flicker into view as the sun sets and the desert descends into darkness.

This remote national park is just under two hours from Mildura. If you make your own way there, take a tour with an NPWS Aboriginal guide to learn about the area’s rich cultural history before settling in for a night under the desert night sky at the park’s unique heritage accommodation, Mungo Shearers’ Quarters.

Just over 1.5 hours north-east of Broken Hill, Mutawintji National Park has all you need for a true outback adventure; a land of red dirt and clear skies, rich in Aboriginal history. Homestead Creek campground, the only one in the park, will be your base. Set up your tent, swag, caravan or motorhome among the towering river red gums, take in the fresh outback air and get ready for a spectacular celestial showing come nightfall. 

Don’t miss out on a visit to Mutawintji Historical Site, which features traditional rock engravings and ochre stencils depicting the stories of Aboriginal history in this region. Listen to Aboriginal guides as they share these stories and their connection to Country on a Mutawintji cultural tour. Tours run daily, and bookings are required. 

We’ve saved the best for (second) last. Home to Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park, the Warrumbungles has zero light pollution, officially making this the perfect spot for the amateur astronomer or star lover to explore the cosmos. The vibrant twinkling sky also provides a beautiful backdrop to the silhouettes of the park’s dramatic volcanic mountain landscapes. Understandably, stargazing is one of the most popular things to do here on a clear night. 

You can stay at 11 different campgrounds in the park, but our top pick is Camp Blackman. With plenty of room to move, hot showers and designated fire pits, you can set your camp up and be ready for hours of epic stargazing in no time. Make sure you turn off your own camp’s lights before you do!

Camping under the starriest of skies, and dozing off to the sound of waves crashing on the beach nearby – how good does that sound? Pack up your hiking bag and make a beeline for the Shelley Head campground. The only catch is you have to be prepared for a hike in! Located 1.5 hours north of Coffs Harbour in Yuraygir National Park, this walk-in site is small (there are only ten unmarked sites) but well worth the hike – especially after the sun sets. You can walk into Shelley Head from either Mara Creek (4.8km walk one-way) or Lake Arragan (7km one-way).