An impending total solar eclipse is passing directly over Sydney. It’ll be the last one for 800 years.
There’s something in the cosmos. Australia is in the midst of a rare streak of solar eclipse activity, with five total eclipses sweeping the country between 2023 and 2038.
For context, only 15 total solar eclipses have touched Australia in the past 200 years, making this a truly extraordinary flurry of activity. And the next one? It’s shaping up to be spectacular, cutting across the belly of the continent and ending with a dramatic finale right over Sydney.
So, Sydneysiders especially, mark your calendars: this will be the last total solar eclipse over the city for another 800 years. No pressure.
When is the solar eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse to pass Sydney is slated for 22 July 2028…the last one for 800 years. (Image: Getty/Joshua Kazemi)
The next total solar eclipse visible from Australia is slated for 22 July 2028. The path of totality will begin in the Kimberley region of WA, sweep across the Northern Territory, outback Queensland, and regional NSW, before passing above Sydney and Wollongong. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible above Sydney? It was 1857 and Australia was in the midst of the Gold Rush. The next time after the upcoming total eclipse? Not until June 3, 2858, more than 800 years!
Where can you see it?
Past eclipses in Australia sometimes barely touch the country. But this upcoming eclipse will dramatically cut across the diagonal of the mainland, offering views of this celestial event to millions.
The path of the total eclipse will start its journey near Kununurra in WA, continue past Tennant Creek and Birdsville, and then pass over Dubbo and Orange before its grand finale above Sydney. Here are the cities where it will be visible:
West Island, Cocos Islands
Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island
Wyndham, WA
Kununurra, WA
Tennant Creek, NT
Bedourie, Qld
Bourke, NSW
Nyngan, NSW
Dubbo, NSW
Orange, NSW
Wollongong, NSW
Sydney, NSW
Central Coast, NSW
What about Uluṟu?
With little to no light pollution, Uluṟu is an incredible place to see the stars in full force. (Image: ourism NT/New Asia Pacific Travel)
If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Australia’s spiritual heart, this could be one of the most magical times to make it happen. While Uluṟu isn’t directly under the path of totality, it will still see an estimated 88 per cent totality. And the spectacle against the backdrop of the Red Centre will be unforgettable.
Even outside of eclipse season, Uluṟu is one of the country’s best stargazing destinations. You can learn about Indigenous astronomy during star talks, tours, and even dune-top dinners under the Milky Way.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
