Cool, crisp nights, clear skies and no light pollution in sight. Winter is hands-down the best time of year for stargazing in Australia. Unlike summer, winter skies have far less atmospheric moisture and haze, giving stars extra clarity and making constellations pop. The longer nights mean you’ve got more time to enjoy the show, and the dry air keeps cloud cover to a minimum in many parts of the country.
Rural locations add an extra dose of magic. Far from the glow of city lights, these dark-sky zones let the full splendour of the Milky Way shine through. With our parks positioned in remote coastal spots, outback townships, and elevated hinterland hideaways, you’ve got front-row access to some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies in the country. Whether you’re camping in the bush, road-tripping inland, or relaxing by the coast, winter is your window for a truly cosmic escape.
Best Stargazing Spots Near Our Holiday Parks
Wallaga Lake, NSW
Tucked away from city lights, this coastal gem offers stunning Milky Way views over the water.
Best Stargazing Time: May to August
Look Out For: Southern Cross, Milky Way core, satellites tracking across the sky.
Top Tip: Head down to the lakefront on a clear night for magical reflections.
Stay: BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park
Lightning Ridge, NSW
Outback stargazing at its finest. Minimal light pollution + wide-open skies = wow.
Best Stargazing Time: April to September
Look Out For: Meteor showers like the Delta Aquariids in late July 2025.
Top Tip: Campfire, deck chair, thermos of tea = perfect setup.
Stay: BIG4 Opal Holiday Park
Tamworth, NSW
Surrounded by rural countryside, Tamworth offers excellent stargazing just minutes from the CBD.
Best Stargazing Time: April to September
Look Out For: Star clusters like the Pleiades and dramatic star trails
Top Tip: Head to Dungowan Dam or Oxley Scenic Lookout for darker skies
Stay: City Lights Holiday Park
North Haven NSW
Close to Valla Beach and Camden Haven River, with darker skies just a short drive inland.
Best Stargazing Time: June to August
Look Out For: Jupiter and Saturn at their brightest; Scorpius and Sagittarius overhead
Top Tip: Head to Kerewong State Forest or a quiet riverbank away from lights
Stay: Jacaranda Holiday Park
Lucinda, QLD
Looking out to Hinchinbrook Island, Lucinda’s low-key coastal setting is perfect for northern star-spotting.
Best Stargazing Time: June to September
Look Out For: Milky Way’s bright core and southern constellations
Top Tip: Try the Lucinda Jetty or beachside picnic spots at night
Stay: BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park
Townsville, QLD
Great access to dark-sky escapes just outside the city limits.
Best Stargazing Time: May to August
Look Out For: Constellations of Centaurus and Crux, plus bright planets
Top Tip: Drive up Castle Hill or toward Hervey Range for clearer viewing
Stay: BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park
Crows Nest & Toowoomba, QLD
Set high on the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by nature reserves, these inland towns are a stargazer’s dream. Crows Nest is also located near one of Queensland’s designated Big Sky Country National Parks — areas known for their spectacular night skies and minimal light pollution.
Best Stargazing Time: May to September
Look Out For: Clear views of the Southern Cross, Scorpio and star clusters
Top Tip: Head to local lookouts like Crows Nest Falls or Ravensbourne National Park for a higher, darker vantage.
Stay: Toowoomba Motor Park & Crows Nest Tourist Park
Howard Springs, NT
Just outside of Darwin, Howard Springs gives you access to some of the Northern Territory’s best sky views.
Best Stargazing Time: June to September
Look Out For: Wide arc of the Milky Way and major southern constellations
Top Tip: Litchfield National Park is just over an hour away and stargazing heaven
Stay: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park
Northam, WA
Part of the Avon Valley, this area offers wide-open skies and minimal light pollution just a short drive from Perth.
Best Stargazing Time: May to August
Look Out For: Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, and the full Milky Way band
Top Tip: Head to nearby Avon Valley National Park for true dark-sky views
Stay: Northam Caravan Park
Victor Harbor, SA
This southern coastal spot offers excellent views of the night sky – and a chance (if you’re lucky) to spot the Aurora Australis.
Best Stargazing Time: May to August
Look Out For: Milky Way above the Bluff, and potential Southern Lights during solar activity spikes
Top Tip: Drive out to Rosetta Head or Newland Head Conservation Park for darker skies. Wirrina Cove is also another popular spot giving amazing vantage points of the stunning night skies in the region.
Stay: Victor Harbor Holiday Park
Stargazing Tips for Beginners
– Use a red-light torch to preserve your night vision.
– Download apps like Sky Guide or Star Walk to identify constellations.
– The best viewing is after moonset and away from artificial lights.
– Bring a blanket, deck chair, and thermos – you’ll want to stay awhile.
Celestial Calendar: What to Look for This Winter
June: Saturn and Mars visible before sunrise
July 28–29: Delta Aquariid meteor shower
August 12–13: Perseid meteor shower (best seen from northern parts of Australia)
Milky Way Core: Best viewed from late May to August between 8–11pm
Ready to swap screen time for sky time? Book your winter stargazing escape today and experience the stars like never before.
