Reaching for the sky has never been easier in Australia’s South West, with unique experiences to indulge in astrotourism from the hills of Collie in Bunbury Geographe through to the wild coastline of Denmark in the Great Southern. Here are six areas that astrophotographers and those keen to glimpse an untouched sky will find the best starlit views.
Astrotourism From Glamorous Accommodation
There’s nothing quite like relaxing under a canvas of constellations, the calm sounds of nature softly calling around you, a tantalising wine in hand. So, why not try one of the many luxurious glamping options that have popped up across the region? Willow Wood Glamping Retreat on a 100-acre farm, is central to many Margaret River attractions and boasts serene tranquillity, perfect for couples to stargaze from the comfort of their own luxurious retreat.
While Tree Chalets in Busselton is an adult-only eco-friendly option, where you can snuggle up under the rosegums as shooting stars pass by. Walk Talk Taste Margaret River also offer bush luxe at its finest, with decadently furnished bell tents and the added bonus of gourmet options on stand by!
Cape Howe Cottages between Albany and Denmark is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with the seclusion and privacy making your trip one with the bush! Why not bring your pooch along for some scenic stargazing, with pet-friendly cottages available. If unique, off-grid tiny cabins are your thing, then look no further than Heyscape – a cosy place to unplug and relax. With cabins from Busselton all the way to Esperance, these quaint escapes are ideal for viewing the clearest of night skies. Watch the kangaroos graze and the black cockatoos soar by in the evening before the milky way adorns the night sky above.
Astrotourism With Help From The Best Tech
Perfect for all ages, the Astronomical Society of the Southwest Inc (ASSW) runs one of the only space observatories in Western Australia and often host public open nights. Their Bunbury observatory is a shining opportunity to investigate some of the clearest views our night sky has to hold, including close-ups of planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars.
Astrotourism WA is leading the way in helping country towns protect the dark night sky for stargazing. They offer celestial maps, information on the best astrotourism towns, the ability to strategically plan out your astro-trip, and host a range of events in region. Check out their monthly calendar to know what tapestry of twinkling lights are on display.
The region also boasts a number of night sky cameras, including at Busselton Jetty and Kojonup, capturing the data of meteors and other celestial events in the spectacular south-western skies!
Astrotourism Above Some Of The Biggest Art In The World
Watch a canvas of a different kind be painted, as the night sky’s unique brushstroke appear above the world’s biggest dam mural, just west of Collie. Wellington Dam‘s enthralling view offers a stunning combination of the starry night sky above the beautiful giant mural, ‘Reflections’, painted by the Australian artist Guido Van Helten. View it from the lookout above, or camp nearby at Potters Gorge, to enjoy the views all night long.
Not too far from the mural you will find the astrophotographer’s paradise of Darkan, an area with many historic buildings to inspire your nightscapes. The railway siding at Bowelling is perfectly positioned to take images of the historic building, framed by a backdrop of trees and looking south to the Milky Way, or try Six Mile Cottage and Arthur River Historical Precinct.
Astrotourism With The Waves Lapping At Your Feet
Just over 9kms from Eagle Bay, the stunning Sugarloaf Rock is the perfect place to match the sea with the starry night. Look back towards the coastline from the lookout and you will even glimpse the beams of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, guiding ships past the rocky shores. Further south, other great coastal vantage points include Elephant Rocks in Denmark, or Point Ann in Bremer Bay on a clear night.
Astrotourism From A Magnificent Height
For a truly unique experience, chase down the aurora australis– more commonly known as the ‘Southern Lights’ along Augusta’s beaches, atop Albany’s Mount Clarence or across the Eagle Bay coastline. This natural light display showcases stunning, vibrant colours, with neon pinks and green dancing across the sky.
Although these events are not always visible to the naked eye, if you have an iPhone or DSLR camera, you can capture these lights by setting a long shutter speed, high ISO, and as wide aperture as your device allows.
Astrotourism Out In The Country
Tambellup, located within the Great Southern Treasures showcases one of the widest night-sky views and is located less than an hour away from the Stirling Range National Park. Watch the sun sink low over the Great Southern landscape with a twilight stroll, or stay at a country homestead like Frankland River Retreat to absorb the endless views from a comfy seat.
Further north, stop to spend a night under the brilliant stars of Lake Ewlyamartup, 17kms east of Katanning. Dark skies abound over the impressive salt lake, with a couple of quirky sculptures to add to the scenery for keen astrophotographers.
