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Let's make 2025 your biggest travel year yet with one simple goal: tick more places off your travel bucket list than ever before...
We take your city lights and raise you the shimmering aurora borealis dancing across the night sky.
Searching for a memorable getaway that’s simply out of this world? Astro-enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Discover the best destinations to appreciate the magical beauty of the night sky in Australia and abroad.
Whether you’re chasing eclipses, the northern lights or the elusive dark sky sites, we’ve gathered ten of the best for the ultimate stargazing guide.
1. Tromso, Norway
For a starry winter wonderland, Tromso is the perfect base for your astral odyssey. Leave your telescope at home and pack your beanie and gloves to behold the aurora borealis (northern lights) aboard an Arctic fjord cruise.
Wanting the natural light show to continue to your accommodation? Stay in a secluded glass igloo and enjoy the glittering sky from the comfort of your cosy bed.
GETTING THERE
2. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
The Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah tops every astro-enthusiasts must-do list as the world’s very first International Dark Sky Park.
By day, marvel at the stunning natural bridge-shaped rock formation, and by night, the bridge becomes a window to a sky so star-filled it casts shadows.
Camp on the Natural Bridges’ doorstep at the Natural Bridges Campground for a nature stay lit by the sky.
GETTING THERE
3. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the southern hemisphere at a whopping 4,367km2 (to put it in perspective, that’s the size of Kangaroo Island primed for pure stargazing).
Experience the best view of it all with the Stargazing at the Summit Experience to be captivated by the cosmos from Mount John’s peak at the very heart of the reserve.
Searching for a romantic rendezvous? Secure a room with Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat located within the Dark Sky Reserve where you can book a private stargazing tour with your better half for an indulgent interstellar experience.
GETTING THERE
4. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan
Enter the International Dark Sky Park of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park to find coral reefs, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and of course, mesmerising night skies.
During the day, snorkel in Japan’s largest coral reef, view the cascading Mariyudu Falls on boat tours, and hike through lush forests. By night, park a picnic rug, and sip sake under the stars without a high-rise in sight.
GETTING THERE
5. Valencia, Spain
Mark your calendars for August 2026, and book your flights for Valencia for an unforgettable solar eclipse experience.
In 2026, the only locations viewing the total eclipse will be Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain. We say why not save those extra flight hours and spend the time exploring the streets of the closest eclipse location to home (17,231.25km away)?
Enjoy the natural phenomenon expected on 12 August 2026, and once the sun and moon have done their dance, head to Alto Turia and Tierra Bobal for the best stargazing less than an hour from the city.
GETTING THERE
6. Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Find yourself in a haven untouched by light pollution in the Blue Mountains.
Tour with Blue Mountains Stargazing to learn about Mother Nature’s lights before sitting down for a delicious meal and drink with their astronomy gastronomy, dining under the dome, and wine-tasting experiences.
Capture the perfect mementos of your starry night expedition with an Astronomy Photography Workshop, or delve deeper into the galaxy with a Planetarium Astronomy Tour with a professional astronomer as your guide.
Take the constellation curiosity home with you to the White Cottage for a nearby stay where you can remain starstruck from your own spacious deck.
GETTING THERE
7. Cosmos Centre, Charleville, Queensland
Star spotting under the outback’s unpolluted skies is undoubtedly a must on every visitor’s must-do Outback Queensland list.
Make your way to Queensland’s largest planetarium, Charleville Cosmos Centre, during the day to experience the sun’s surface up close through one of the world’s largest hydrogen-alpha telescopes.
In the evening, get swept away in a planetarium show for the chance to touch a real meteorite fused together from a giant star before continuing onto the Big Sky Observatory Tour.
Catch some Zzz’s in the nearby Charleville Waltzing Matilda Inn complete with its own restaurant, pool, and BBQ area.
GETTING THERE
8. Dark Sky Sanctuary, Winton, Queensland
Head to one of Australia’s two International Dark Sky Sanctuaries, Winton, where the sky is so clear that it has been recognised as one of the 20 premier stargazing locations worldwide.
Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaur’s Jump-Up to view the Milky Way from your cosy picnic rug and stare endlessly at the night sky without mountains or city buildings towering above.
Kick off your shoes at Boulder Opal Motor Inn for convenient comfort only 20 minutes from the Dark Sky Sanctuary.
GETTING THERE
9. Hobart, Tasmania
Brace yourself for a double dose of nature’s wonders as you witness the sky ablaze with stars alongside the aurora australis in Hobart.
Begin your evening with Premier Travel Tasmania atop Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) before watching the horizon fade into a twinkling canopy. Use the telescopes to explore galaxies or go au naturale without lenses and lay back to wish upon the shooting stars.
GETTING THERE
10. Sydney Observatory, Sydney, New South Wales
Blast off on a celestial adventure in walking distance from the Sydney Opera House. Dive into the history of the heritage listed Sydney Observatory and gaze at the stars over the harbour on the Observatory Tour.
Book into Sydney Harbour Hotel or Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour to stay nearby the observatory, popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping strips along the harbour.
GETTING THERE
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