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ENJOYING the natural beauty of Western Australia doesn’t have to stop at sunset. In fact, the dark night is the perfect time to look up and see the sparkling clusters of stars that decorate the night sky. For tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel close to nature, stargazing in Western Australia provides an unforgettable experience.
Different locations for stargazing
One of the most iconic stargazing locations in Western Australia is the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, just a 2.5-hour drive from Perth. The towering limestone pillars set against the desert create a lunar-like atmosphere that is even more stunning when lit by the twinkling stars in the night sky.
In addition to the Pinnacles Desert, the Gravity Discovery Center in Gingin, a small town an hour north of Perth, is an ideal location for astronomy enthusiasts. Tourists can visit the Gravity Discovery Center every Friday and Saturday night.
There, tourists can join Aboriginal astronomy sessions led by Aboriginal elder Noel Nannup to learn the fascinating connection between constellations and Aboriginal dreamtime stories.
For travelers with limited time, the Perth Observatory offers exclusive night tours. Tour participants can explore the night sky through a sophisticated telescope and get an explanation of the southern hemisphere sky.
Participants can also view meteorite collections and astrophotography, as well as explore the historic Atlas Coelestis by England’s first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, published in 1729.
Get a special experience by exploring further
An amazing stargazing experience awaits tourists willing to explore further with a guided tour operator. Travelers who prefer comfort can opt for glamping in the national park and enjoy the beautiful starry skies from the comfort of a tent.
Meanwhile, adventurous travelers can join nature hikes under the stars. Each operator also offers an alfresco dining experience to make stargazing even more special and enjoyable for everyone.
Glamping under the stars
Get close to nature and the wonders of the universe with a glamping experience at Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp and Karijini Eco Retreat. Both are located in national parks and offer comfortable, eco-friendly tents with minimal impact on the environment. This activity is the perfect and comfortable way to stargaze and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Foodies will not want to miss the amazing experience of an exclusive starlit dinner with the Gourmet Camp Oven Experience. Participants are invited to dine in a private location in the small Kimberley town of Kununurra, under the shade of the iconic boab tree.
Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk after sunset
Explore nature from the Kalbarri Skywalk overlooking the Murchison River Gorge on D’Guy Charters Stargazing Tour. This tour is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and adventure seekers who want to enjoy the beauty of the night sky in a more relaxed way. Tour operator Best4Travel also offers a dinner event at the Kalbarri Skywalk to make stargazing a memorable experience.
Stargazing in the Pinnacles Desert
Travelers interested in stargazing in the Pinnacles Desert can join Lumineer Adventure Tours. Participants can enjoy an Australian barbecue dinner before the night sky is lit up with thousands of twinkling stars. During the tour, participants also learn about astronomy and hear Aboriginal dreamtime stories about the night sky.
Experience stargazing from an Aboriginal perspective
Aboriginal people have been “reading” and studying the night sky for more than 60,000 years; the results are expressed in ceremonies, calendars, navigation, art and food gathering methods. The rich history and knowledge of Aboriginal practices make stargazing from an Aboriginal perspective an interesting and enlightening experience for tourists.
Travelers can join Ngurrangga Tours in Karratha, which offers a two-day camping experience in Millstream-Chichester National Park, or Wula Gura Nyinda in Shark Bay, which offers a Didgeridoo Dreamtime Experience for an immersive Aboriginal cultural experience. Joining a guided tour operator or staying at one of the Retreat properties in Western Australia makes stargazing even more exciting and enjoyable. [sources/photo special]
