Western Australia’s incredible astrotourism experiences

Western Australia has some of the best places in the world for stargazing. With clear views of the Milky Way and even opportunities to spot the dancing colours of the Southern Lights, specialist tours and well-placed campsites help visitors make the most of the extraordinary skies. As astrotourism continues to build momentum, here’s how and where to enjoy the magnificent dark in Australia’s largest state.

Shark Bay at night (Shutterstock)

For more than 60,000 years, Aboriginal people have read the night sky with their observations present in all areas of human life, from ceremonies to songlines, art to food gathering. Looking at the stars from an Aboriginal perspective is not only a exciting experience, but also an educational one. From Ngurrangga Tours in Karratha, who offer a two-day camping experience under the stars in the Millstream-Chichester National Park, to Wula Gura Nyinda in Shark Bay offering the Didgeridoo Dreamtime Experience, there are immersive cultural experiences on offer in all corners of the Western Australia. One of the most recent additions is Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys, who have launched a stargazing experience close to Carnarvon featuring Yinggarda Dreaming stories of the night sky. Complete this otherworldly experience with a Kangaroo curry and damper cooked in coals.

The night sky above Gingin is dazzling with just the naked eye (Shutterstock)

At the Gravity Discover Centre, just 1.5 hours drive from Perth and situated in the pristine bushland of Gingin, you can use state-of-the-art telescopes to gaze up through the retractable roof and be in awe of the great detail of the stars above. Public night visits are available on Friday and Saturday in the evening (check website for times). There’s also Aboriginal Astronomy sessions run by Aboriginal Elder Noel Nannup, where guests can learn more about the dreamtime stories of creation. It’s hoped the Gravity Discovery Centre will soon become an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Staircase to the Moon at Roebuck Bay (Tourism Australia)

Head to Broome where you can meet Greg Quicke, also known as ‘Space Gandalf’. Located in the north west of the state in The Kimberley, he runs a series of different Astro Tours. His stargazing tour is 2.5 hours of dark skies entertainment, using giant telescopes and lasers. A Broome local, he’ll share his knowledge and experiences about the stars. Time your visit at the right and between March and October, you can also witness the ‘Staircase to the Moon’ phenomena at Roebuck Bay.

Kalbarri Skywalk is even more magnificent at night (Shutterstock)

For those who have a head for heights, the Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka) is a viewing platform that balances 100m above Murchison River gorge, and offers outstanding views of the surrounding natured landscape traditionally owned by the Aboriginal Nanda people. Whether a serious astronomer or just dipping your toe in the activity for the first time, a new stargazing skywalk tour with D’Guy Charterwill suit guests with any level of experience. Similarly, Best4Travel also offer a Skywalk Dinner event in this exciting new location.

Lucky Bay, Esperance (Sean Scott Photography/Western Australia)

Esperance is one of the lucky spots in Western Australia where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Australis (or the southern lights), and because of its pristine sands and waters, Lucky Bay is an idyllic and unspoiled spot to stargaze. Located to the south of Western Australia, there’s 24 hours of fun here as you can drive along the beach, lounge with the kangaroos during the day and camp under the stars at night. If you’re a budding astro-photographer, using a long exposure on a clear night can treat you to a stunning purple and green display that isn’t visible to the naked eye.

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef (Dan Avila/Western Australia)

A hub for ‘dark sky’ tourism, Sal Salis is an idyllic spot for uninterrupted views of the Milky Way. Nestled in the dunes of Cape Range National Park, the camp’s luxe beach tents employ minimal lighting to ensure the stunning night sky is the star of the show. If you’re planning a stay, head to the Lodge and chat to one of the camp guides, who can point out constellations and planets through the eyepiece. Stargazing in this incredible area is most prominent before a full moon, so it’s a good idea to check the lunar schedule before booking a stay. A solar eclipse will cross over Sal Salis in April 2023, so eager astronomers should plan well in advance to witness this fascinating lunar phenomenon.

The Pinnacles at night (Sean Scott Photography/Western Australia)

The Pinnacles are one of the most iconic sights in Western Australia: a series of unique limestone rock formations sticking up out of a vast, remote desert. Distant Journeys offers a Desert Sunset & Stargazing tour which includes stargazing underneath the clear night skies. Free of light pollution, dazzling stars and constellations can easily be seen from the observation deck, and you’ll also get to experience the peace and tranquillity of the Pinnacles Desert by night. After an awe-inspiring session of gazing up into the endless galaxies above, before being transported back to Perth, arriving back in the city late in the evening.