Pearls Of The Sky: Western Australia's Top Stargazing

Western Australia is on track to become the world’s top destination for stargazing – from its regional towns, remote islands and even its capital city.

The Milky Way sparkles above Western Australia on a clear and moonless night. Mirroring the pearls found underwater around the state’s isolated islands, millions of stars twinkle across the inky-black sky.

Peering up at this glittery galaxy from aboard a cray-fishing boat, we can see it all. The Southern Cross shines brightest, along with planets that are visible to the naked eye.

Astro Cruise

Donna Vanzetti, director of Star Tracks Astro Tours , has been invited on the inaugural Astro Cruise with Eco Abrolhos to lead stargazing sessions at sea and on land. Using a green laser pointer, she highlights Indigenous constellations formed by the dark spaces between stars, such as the Emu in the Sky and the Hopping Kangaroo.

“Our First Nations people have used the night sky for more than 60,000 years. They used it as a calendar, for navigation, and as a storyboard for Dreamtime," Vanzetti says.

“The constellations that we grew up with [in Australia] were drawn up by people in the northern hemisphere, so everything is upside down for us. But the Aboriginal constellations are up the right way."

stargazing tours with Astrotourism Western Australia — Explore Indigenous constellations in the WA sky. (Image: Louise Goldsbury)Explore Indigenous constellations in the WA sky. (Image: Louise Goldsbury)

Vanzetti has come equipped with a powerful telescope to show us the rings of Saturn, the ‘gas giant’ of Jupiter, and the dark side of tonight’s quarter moon. Moving to the more static vantage point of a deserted beach, we take turns on the eyepiece to admire the view.

The Abrolhos is the best place in the world for stargazing, Vanzetti says, because there is no light or air pollution. “As we are off the mainland, in the ocean, this provides us with pristine, world-class skies. We have some lovely islands to land on with the telescope as well as stargazing on a beach in the middle of nowhere, which is a great adventure."

For many passengers, the region’s main drawcards are its exceptional fishing and snorkelling. But the evenings bring other treasures that outshine expectations.

“Once you have had star patterns pointed out to you, or you see a star that is actually a planet, the night sky comes alive. Just knowing a little more about what is overhead really opens people’s minds to the universe above," says Vanzetti.

The 32-passenger Eco Abrolhos offers its next Astro Cruise on 8-12 February 2024, during a New Moon phase. Guests reach the islands by small plane from Geraldton (included in fares) and sail back over five days. Pricing starts at $3265 per person twin-share or $3685 for a solo cabin including all meals and activities.

the shimmering Milky Way in the Old Shearing Shed Avoca Farm near Narembeen — The Milky Way never gets old. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

WA’s dark skies

In a world that is glowing brighter with artificial light – increasing by two to 10 per cent every year – WA is working to keep its night sky as dark as possible. Viewing the magnificence of the Milky Way is an ongoing preservation project, led by Astrotourism Western Australia founder Carol Redford.

camping under the stars, Astrotourism Western Australia — Camp under the stars in Western Australia. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

The organisation has designated many regional communities as Astrotourism Towns with efforts to change the local street lighting and offer dedicated observation sites and astrophotography hotspots. Sites along the Coral Coast include Lake Thetis in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes; Macpherson Homestead, Carnamah; Three Springs Golf Club; Yandanooka Hall campsite, Mingenew; Little Lagoon, Shark Bay; and the Bibbawarra Bore, Carnarvon.

the Resilience art sculpture under the Milky Way — Western Australia is on track to become the world’s top destination for stargazing. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

Perth is perfectly positioned as the world’s most isolated capital city on a continent. Following the steps in these locations, Redford hopes to darken the sky above Perth by implementing the same steps as used in the regional Astrotourism Towns.

“Back in the 1960s, when American astronaut John Glenn was orbiting Earth for the first time, he asked the people of Perth and Rockingham to turn on their lights so he could see them from space," she recalls.

“We became known as the City of Light. But I have a dream that one day Perth can reinvent itself as the City of Starlight. If we used Dark Sky-friendlier street lights and pointed light downwards, I think we could see the Milky Way above the Swan River in Perth, which would be an amazing achievement."

Astrotourism Western Australia is a stellar resource of stargazing trails and itineraries, tours and attractions in regional towns, and a calendar of events and experiences.

the Quobba Lighthouse under the stars, north of Carnarvon — The Quobba Lighthouse is a majestic sight. (Image: Astrotourism WA)

Other stargazing hotspots around Australia

Queensland: See planets and constellations through powerful telescopes and listen to Indigenous stories around a firepit in outback Charleville.

NT: Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiru at Uluṟu, Under a Desert Moon at Kings Canyon, or Earth Sanctuary ’s astronomy tours near Alice Springs.

a sky full of stars in Uluru — Book a stargazing trip with Uluṟu Astro Tours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

NSW: Coonabarabran is the gateway to Siding Spring , home to Australia’s largest optical telescopes, Milroy Observatory , and Warrumbungle National Park , the southern hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park.

the night sky filled with bright stars over the dark sky park in the Warrumbungles — Set up your tent at Warrumbungle National Park under the sky full of stars. (Image: Destination NSW)

SA: River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve hosts a Dark Sky Night Tour . You can also enjoy dinner followed by a telescope viewing at Juggle House .

ACT: Canberra Space Centre is the largest antenna complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tasmania: The best displays of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) take place in winter. Viewpoints include Hobart’s Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, but the further south the better.

Aurora Australis, South Coast Track — Witness the spectacular Aurora Australis in Tasmania. (Image: Matty Eaton)

WA might be enormous, but the right insider knowledge brings its mysteries a whole lot closer.

“Western Australia is a land of record-breakers,” says Carolyn Tipper, a Travel Director working on AAT Kings Western Australia tours. “It has the second-longest fault line, the second-largest meteorite crater, the second-fastest flowing river—it just keeps surprising you. And every area has its charm.”

From tropics to deserts, Australia’s largest state is a land of extremes. You can’t see all of Western Australia in a lifetime, but with the right guide, you can discover its hidden pockets of magic.

Carolyn wishes to reach her guests’ hearts. “I want them to enjoy and be in awe,” she says. “I want them to have the holiday of a lifetime.”

1. Mimbi Caves

You wouldn’t expect a Great Barrier Reef in the outback – but that’s what you’ll find at Mimbi Caves. Once part of a 350-million-year-old reef, these caves hold marine fossils, ancient Indigenous rock art, and Dreamtime stories shared by a Gooniyandi guide.

“That’s when the real connection happens,” says Carolyn, who has taken guests through on the AAT Kings Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour . “When guests connect, not just with the land, but with the people who have called it home for tens of thousands of years.”

Eye-level view of traveller exploring Mimbi Caves. — Walk through ancient limestone passages. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Kalbarri National Park

Nothing prepares you for the Kalbarri Skywalk: a 25-metre platform jutting over Murchison Gorge, 100 metres above the red cliffs and river below. From July to October, join the AAT Kings Untamed Pilbara and West Coast tour to see over 1000 wildflower species paint the park, and listen as an Indigenous guide shares their uses, bush foods and medicine plants.

“I want our guests to have an emotional experience,” says Carolyn. “It’s not just about seeing the land, it’s about stepping into the stories.”

An aerial view of the Kalbarri Skywalk, one of the secret places in Western Australia, with visitors on the edge. — Stand on the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hamelin Bay Wines

Margaret River isn’t just a top wine region – it’s a winner in every category. Where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, granite cliffs rise, limestone caves sprawl and Karri forests tower. It almost distracts from the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Almost.

Out of over 100 cellar doors, AAT Kings pick Hamelin Bay Wines as a favourite. Hosted tastings of small-batch wines on the Western Wonderland tour end with a group meal. The menu shifting with the seasons.

“Get off the beaten track to one of WA’s most relaxed venues for some amazing red and white signature wines,” explains Carolyn, “accompanied with upmarket pub food.”

Spectacular views.

A person raising a glass of Chardonnay against a glowing Western Australia sunset. — Sip world-class wines at Hamelin Bay in Western Australia. (Image: Getty)

4. Wildflower Guided Walk, Kings Park

Western Australia is home to 12,000 native plant species – 3000 bloom in Kings Park’s Botanic Garden. Stroll past Kangaroo Paw, Banksia and blooms from the Goldfields, Stirling Ranges and Kimberley. “The diversity of Western Australia is immense,” says Carolyn, who leads guests through on the South Western Escape tour .

Couple enjoying the view from the Lotterywest Federation walkway at Kings Park and Botanical Garden. — Wander among thousands of native plant species. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Hoochery Distillery

Did you know that between Kununurra and Emma Gorge lies the state’s oldest continuously operating distillery? Well, the oldest legal one. Set on a family farm, Hoochery Distillery was hand-built using materials found on the property, conjuring up award-winning rum from local sugarcane, wet season rainwater and yeast.

Today, visitors can sample a hearty nip of rum, along with whiskies and gins – all crafted using traditional, labour-intensive methods. It’s the ideal way to soak up the ‘spirit’ of the Kimberley on the AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour .

People enjoying a rum tasting at one of the secret places in Western Australia. — Sample award-winning rum. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Geraldton

The wildflowers of the Midwest will make your heart blossom. In Geraldton, the Helen Ansell Art Gallery brings the region’s botanicals to life in vivid colour and intricate detail. In nearby Mullewa, wander bushland trails lined with everlastings and native blooms. Further afield, Coalseam Conservation Park bursts into carpets of pink, white, and yellow each spring. Do it all on the Wildflower Wanderer tour with AAT Kings.

woman walking through Wildflowers, Coalseam Conservation Park — Chase vibrant wildflower trails. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. El Questro

Wake up after a night under the stars at Emma Gorge Resort, ready to explore the mighty beauty of the El Questro Wilderness Park. With deep gorges, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls, time slows here.

Join the AAT Kings’ Wonders of the West Coast and Kimberley tour to drift through Chamberlain Gorge, where sheer sandstone walls glow burnt orange in the sun, archer fish flick at the surface, and rock wallabies peer down from ledges above. Then, step into Zebedee Springs, a secret oasis of warm, crystal-clear pools among prehistoric Livistona palms – a moment of pure, wild stillness.

Emma Gorge Resort at El Questro. — Wake to adventure at Emma Gorge Resort. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

8. Lake Argyle

Once vast cattle country, Lake Argyle now sprawls like an inland sea – Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake, created by the damming of the Ord River. Scattered with over 70 islands, its glassy waters teem with life, like freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, bony bream, sleepy cod and over 240 bird species. That’s nearly a third of Australia’s avian population.

Glide across the lake’s surface on a cruise as part of AAT Kings’ Untamed Kimberley tour , where the silence is only broken by the splash of fish and the call of birds. For Carolyn, this place is a perfect example of how WA’s landscapes surprise visitors. “Lake Argyle is a big puddle of water that became a game-changer,” she says. “Seeing it from a boat, coach, and plane is mind-blowing. It puts time, isolation and the sheer scale into perspective.”

Aerial View of Triple J Tours on the Ord River, near Kununurra. — Glide past islands on Western Australia’s largest freshwater lake. (Image: Western Australia)

Discover more of Western Australia’s hidden gems and book your tour at aatkings.com.

Pearls of the sky: Western Australia’s top stargazing