The Best Places to Go Stargazing in Western Australia
Whether you're planning an Easter road trip and want to embrace our night sky, or are heading out with your telescope for an unforgettable celestial adventure, here are some of the top places to witness the magic of the cosmos.
Astrotourism Towns | Cervantes and Northam
Western Australia has established Astrotourism towns to protect dark sky locations and provide prime stargazing opportunities. Towns like Cervantes and Northam offer stunning celestial displays free from urban light pollution.
Cervantes, located near the coast, provides an extraordinary setting where the Milky Way seems to stretch endlessly over the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Northam, in the heart of the Avon Valley, is perfect for a countryside escape under a glittering night sky.
Fancy a touch of history whilst in Northam? Be sure to check out the Old Northam Railway Station Museum or the incredible Bilya Koort Boodja centre for Nyoongar culture.
Gwoonwardu Mia | Exploring Indigenous Astronomy
Stargazing in Western Australia isn’t just about admiring the stars, it’s also about understanding their significance. At Gwoonwardu Mia in Carnarvon, you can discover Indigenous perspectives on the night sky.
Aboriginal Australians have used the stars for navigation, storytelling, and seasonal tracking for tens of thousands of years. Visiting this cultural centre adds depth and meaning to any astro-adventure.
Jankurna Stargazing nights: 30 April / 28 May / 25 June
Jankurna meaning: Aboriginal word (around here) for emu.
Check out the Gwoonwardu Mia website for more information on their upcoming tours and events.
Did you know…?
The coastal town of Carnarvon played a vital role in the space race? Home to not one but two NASA Earth Stations, Carnarvon was instrumental in the Gemini and Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s.
The Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and space lovers alike, showcasing Western Australia’s unexpected yet significant connection to space exploration.
Ready to discover the ultimate stargazing experiences along the Coral Coast? Check out your guide to the top spots here.
Pinnacles Desert | A Surreal Stargazing Experience
Few places offer a stargazing experience as surreal as the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.
These otherworldly limestone formations create an eerie yet spectacular foreground for the celestial wonders above. On a clear night, you can see constellations, planets, and even the Magellanic Clouds with the naked eye.
For the best experience, consider joining a guided night tour to learn about Indigenous star stories and astronomical phenomena.
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is also a must-see attraction, offering maps, geological insights, and valuable stargazing tips.
Mingenew | Western Australia’s Premier Stargazing Destination
The Shire of Mingenew is widely regarded as one of Western Australia’s top stargazing locations. With clear skies and minimal artificial light, it’s an astrophotographer’s dream.
Mingenew is also close to the WA Space Centre, making it a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts keen to learn more about astronomy and satellite tracking.
Whether you want to take in a meteor shower, gaze at galaxies, photograph a planet, or simply bliss out under the Milky Way, Mingenew is the place to do it.
Full of friendly locals and authentic country hospitality, this small town is a hidden gem for stargazing. Their top recommended spots for Stargazing are:
- Yandanooka Siding
- Coalseam Conservation Park
- Mingenew Hockey Oval
Billion Star Stations | El Questro, Kimberley
For a truly remote stargazing experience, head to the iconic El Questro Station in the Kimberley. With no city lights for hundreds of kilometres, this vast wilderness provides some of the darkest skies in the country.
Set up camp along the Pentecost River or relax at the station’s homestead while witnessing the Southern Cross and planets glowing brilliantly above the rugged landscape.
Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory
Located an hour north of Perth, the Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory offers hands-on astronomy experiences perfect for all ages. This interactive science centre takes visitors on a journey through astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology, and even Indigenous star knowledge.
With powerful telescopes, guided night sky tours, and exhibits on space science and gravitational forces, this is an essential stop for anyone with a curiosity about the universe.
Protecting Western Australia’s Dark Skies | Astrotourism WA
Western Australia’s rural and remote communities are taking a stand against light pollution, working to protect the state’s dark night skies.
Astrotourism WA, founded by ‘Galaxy Girl’ Carol Redford, is leading the charge, ensuring that these pristine night skies remain accessible for generations to come.
Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or a professional astronomer, their website is a fantastic resource for planning your next celestial escape.
Plan Your Western Australia Astro-Adventure
Autumn is the perfect time to embark on a stargazing road trip through Western Australia. Whether you explore the rugged outback, visit dedicated Astrotourism towns, or dive into cultural and scientific discoveries, Western Australia offers some of the most spectacular night skies in the world.
So pack your telescope, grab your camping gear, and hit the open road! Your next cosmic adventure awaits you.
