Planets align: The celestial show over Australia you can’t miss

What is a planetary parade?

Six planets will be visible in a rare planetary alignment. (Image: Getty Images/buradaki)

A planetary parade occurs when multiple planets in our solar system align closely along the same region of the sky, appearing near each other from our perspective on Earth. While the planets won’t be in a perfectly straight line, they will appear clustered together, creating a visually striking phenomenon for observers on Earth.

This planetary alignment in 2025 will feature four of the brightest planets visible to the naked eye: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Uranus and Neptune will also be visible, just not without a pair of binoculars or telescopes and a keen eye to spot them.

How to see it

The planetary parade will reach its peak visibility on the evening of Tuesday 21 January and the following few nights. Weather permitting, the best time to view the alignment is shortly after sunset, as the planets will appear low on the western horizon.

Astronomers recommend heading out at dusk to catch Venus and Saturn before they dip below the horizon. Mars and Jupiter will remain visible for longer, with Jupiter shining especially bright as the largest planet in the solar system.

To see the planetary parade, face west and look for the brightest objects in the sky. Venus will be the easiest to spot near the horizon, glowing with its characteristic bright white light. Above Venus, you’ll find Saturn, while Jupiter sits in the north and Mars in the north-east. Neptune and Uranus sit between Venus and Jupiter, but they are much dimmer, so again, you will need binoculars or a telescope to see them.

Where to see it

Seen is the Milky Way stitching over the sky in outback Queensland

Outback Queensland is a great spot to watch the planetary alignment. (Image: Getty Images/Ian Hitchcock)

For those in major cities, light pollution may make it harder to see the full display. To get the best view, head to a darker location away from city lights. National parks, beaches or rural areas provide ideal conditions for stargazing.

Warrumbungle National Park in Central West NSW is Australia’s first (and only) Dark Sky Park, so if you’re able to make the trip there, it will be well worth it.

The country also has a number of other dark sky locations such as the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Winton, Queensland, the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges of Outback South Australia and Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia which became Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community in May last year.

Tips for viewing

Timing is key: The planets will appear shortly after sunset, so plan to head outside just as the sky begins to darken.

Bring binoculars: Only four of the six planets are visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view of the other planets too, especially for spotting Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons.

Check the weather: Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing, so check the forecast for your area before heading out.

Events like the planetary parade are a reminder of the beauty and scale of our solar system. These alignments don’t happen often, so they’re worth taking the time to enjoy.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, this celestial event promises to be a breathtaking sight. So grab a blanket, find a dark spot and let the wonders of the night sky unfold before your eyes.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

Planets align: The celestial show over Australia you can’t miss

Six planets will be visible in a rare planetary alignment.