Regional Western Australia boasts a vast, almost unblemished canvas for stargazing enthusiasts.
With minimal light pollution and boundless horizons, it’s no surprise our state is perhaps the premier astrotourism destination. But with so many regional gems, where do you begin? Come with us now on a journey through time and space as we select our top stargazing spots in Western Australia:
Get Under the Stars in Gascoyne Junction!
Imagine witnessing the Milky Way spread out across the sky, its dusty lanes of light whispering of countless other solar systems.
Gascoyne Junction is an award winning community on Yinggarda Country and in the midst of the incredible Burringurrah (Mount Augustus National Park) and Mundatharrda (Kennedy Range National Park).
The Milky Way season runs from April to October, but the constellations and planets are dazzling year-round.
Find your new outback star adventure here…
Narembeen Nights
Close to home, WA’s agricultural heartland offers some top stargazing spots.
Less densely populated and further from major light sources, Wheatbelt towns present a mesmerising vista of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies.
An official Astrotourism Town, Narembeen is the perfect place to spend a week exploring the stunning eastern Wheatbelt. While you’re in town, admire the Narembeen Hawk — a magnificent metal sculpture by local artist Jordan Sprigg. The hawk has a 2.5m wingspan and includes 1,000 individually cut feathers.
But we know you want the stars: so head to Narembeen’s Apex Park. The park’s observing site is truly a top stargazing spot, including a dedicated pad for telescopes, a Giant Planisphere, a grassed area, shelters, barbeques and toilets.
2km west of Narembeen on the Bruce Rock-Narembeen Road is Avoca Farm. A great place for astrophotography, you’re in for a treat with some truly dark skies. Witness the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbour, with the naked eye on a clear night.
Uncover Narembeen’s secrets with our info guide here.
Coral Coast Carnamah
Far away from city lights, the Coral Coast’s skies practically explode with a million stars. Three hours north of Perth, the town of Carnamah is an iconic and historic stargazing spot. Within the town, the historic Macpherson Homestead provides a charming escape from light pollution.
The homestead’s building and surrounding trees act as a natural barrier, creating an ideal environment for stargazing. This dedication to astronomical observation is solidified by its status as an official Astrotourism Observing Site, welcoming visitors to explore the night sky with their own telescopes or binoculars.
Nestled just west of Carnamah, this chain of salt lakes steals the show at various times of day. Watch the sun dip behind the waters at sunrise and sunset, and witness the landscape transform into a celestial canvas under the starry blanket of night. When the lake has water, it’s possible to photograph reflections of brighter astronomical objects such as Venus.
For the best views, head to Lakes Lookout, which is easily reached from the Carnamah-Eneabba Road. The lakes’ remarkable darkness has earned them recognition as an official Astrophotography Hot Spot, attracting enthusiasts seeking this unique, ethereal beauty. Learn more about stargazing in Carnamah here.
Sharing Shark Bay's Stars
The 26th parallel begins at Shark Bay, marking the northern border of South Australia and the southern border of the Northern Territory.
Shark Bay is the traditional country of three Aboriginal language groups: Malgana, Nhanda and Yingkarta. Join a tour from Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures and appreciate the starry night sky with a fresh perspective.v
For some of the best stargazing in Shark Bay, the Little Lagoon is just 5km from Denham. Because there aren’t any lights, you can set up a telescope in a sheltered spot and enjoy unspoilt views. Or, if you want to venture further afield, Eagle Bluff is without compare.
23km from Denham, Eagle Bluff’s spectacular cliff is an astrophotography hotspot, with the stars and the Moon reflecting beautifully in the turquoise water below. Check out our guide to Shark Bay here.
Finding a Paradise for Astrophotography
Whether it’s the beautifully preserved historic buildings of Darkan, stunning Lake Towerrinning or simply the near-pristine dark skies of the southern Wheatbelt, you’ll find the perfect frame for your camera!
There’s something for everyone in every season. Check out the special Astrophotographer’s Paradise Itinerary and the stars will be yours for the making.
That wraps up our top stargazing spots in Western Australia, taking you from a short drive out of Perth all the way to the Gascoyne! Visit our friends over at Astrotourism WA for more info on our great state’s dedicated stargazing spots, and let us know if you’ve any top stargazing spots of your own you think we should check out in the future.
FIND YOUR IDEAL STARGAZING DESTINATION
Find your next stargazing destination with help from Astrotourism WA’s list of top towns.
Jay Chesters
Author
