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Where to go stargazing in Australia: best camping destinations

A night under the Central Australian skies | #cathyfinchphotography
A night under the Central Australian skies | #cathyfinchphotography

Look to the heavens at these top stargazing spots across Australia. These wilderness camping destinations, located in Australia's spectacular and iconic National Parks, offer the best chances to see the Milky Way galaxy in all its starry glory on a clear, dark night.

Here are our top stargazing spots to see Australia's night sky at its best.

Australia's best stargazing spots
 

1. Warrumbungles National Park, NSW

The night sky filled with bright stars over Australia's only Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles. |  <i>Destination NSW</i>

Nowhere else in Australia is there a place where the stars easily reveal themselves with the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds at the centre of the light show – and all visible with the naked eye on a clear night. As Australia's only Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park is the best place in Australia for stargazing as light pollution is not an issue, meaning that you can encounter the starriest of skies, which makes an incredible backdrop when camping in the Warrumbungles. 

• CAMP HERE: Warrumbungle Summits >

2. West MacDonnell National Park (Tyurretye), NT

The stars of the desert sky are a stunning backdrop to our unique Semi-Permanent Campsites |  <i>Graham Michael Freeman</i>


Get familiar with the constellations along the Larapinta Trail deep in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges. After a day's trek through ancient landscapes, relax at exclusive eco-campsites awarded for its sustainability and outback comfort and gather by the campfire as the sky dresses up in cosmic illuminations. You can even take your swag outside your tent and sleep under the stars if you're after that real outback experience. 

• CAMP HERE: Larapinta walks >

3. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, TAS

A rare light show colours the sky over Cradle Mountain |  <i>Pierre Destribats</i>

Go on an astronomical quest in Tasmania's most iconic national park and World Heritage-listed area. Ending each day at scenic campsites with delicious meals prepared by your guides, the peace and wonder that descends upon the Overland Track at night is truly magical. Surrounded by true alpine wilderness, the starry night sky adds to the enchanting experience.

• CAMP HERE: Overland Track & Cradle Mountain walks >

4. Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), WA

Spend your evenings stargazing at our wilderness campsites |  <i>Tourism Western Australia</i>

Fly to a maze of ancient landforms and experience true outback solitude that will keep you inspired every step of the way. Sleep in swag style with uninterrupted views of the stars whilst surrounded by the red cliffs of the Bungles at Piccaninny Gorge, one of the world's most remote wilderness areas.

• CAMP HERE: Bungle Bungles & Piccaninny Gorge Trek >

Have a spot that deserves to be on the list? Let us know in the comments.
 

Discover the heart and soul of Australia – view our range of outback walks >


Australia, stargazing, camping, wilderness camping

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