The 7 best places to stare at the night sky in NSW

Broken Hill

Travel five kilometres out from Broken Hill, in the far west of NSW, and it’s something of an understatement to say you won’t see many lights. That’s a good thing, of course, because it means at Outback Astronomy you get to see an incredible array of stars shining in an exceptionally dark sky. Here, you can recline in a purpose-built stargazing dome, get comfy under a blanket and follow expert guides as they take you through the highlights, pointing out the galaxies, constellations and notable stars that would otherwise just blend into the magnificence above. 

Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill

Coonabarabran 

Coonabarabran in NSW’s Warrumbungle region is known as the capital of Australian astronomy – and there’s good reason why. The region has zero light pollution and it’s home to the nation’s first Dark Sky Park – an honour bestowed by the International Dark-Sky Association. Warrumbungle National Park’s two observatories make it a magnet for professional and amateur astronomers. At Siding Spring Observatory, discover Australia’s largest optical telescopes, including the world-famous Anglo-Australian Telescope, which has a 3.9 metre-diameter mirror. Meanwhile, at Milroy Observatory, join research astronomer Donna on a kid-friendly tour discovering the Southern Hemisphere's night skies. You can also simply set up your own telescope in one of Warrumbungle’s campsites. 

Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran

Blue Mountains

It will come as no surprise to discover that the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, is a perfect place to stare at the heavens. This is nature at its finest, with few lights and little outside distraction to disrupt your observations. At Wentworth Falls Lookout, astronomer Dr Dimitri Douchin hosts Blue Mountains Stargazing, a tour of the night sky (with the help of a computerised telescope) that takes place either 30 minutes after sunset or a little later in the evening to appreciate the universe’s full display. These tours are suitable for ages four and up, and you'll get to look through a telescope, identify stars and planets, and ask all your burning astronomy questions. 

Blue Mountains Stargazing

Sydney

Great news: you don’t even have to leave the confines of Sydney to enjoy an eye-opening stargazing adventure. Occupying a heritage-listed sandstone building in The Rocks, on the appropriately named Observatory Hill, Sydney Observatory has played a pivotal role in Australia’s astronomical history, and continues to offer memorable experiences to visitors. There are both day and night tours here. During the day, use the telescope to view the sun, the moon and even Venus; at night, let expert guides lead you through the basics of celestial navigation, while also viewing some of the dark-sky highlights through the telescope. 

Sydney Observatory, Millers Point

Mudgee

Hidden away in the hills outside Mudgee in the state’s Central West, in a spot with very little light pollution, Mudgee Observatory is a private institution that accepts visitors on group tours or those simply interested in better appreciating the wonder that lies above. Astronomer and owner John Vetter guides visitors through the visible constellations – which are seasonal – via four telescope domes that provide incredible views out into space, where something that once seemed black-and-white is suddenly visible in colour as you zoom in close to planets and stars. There’s also a theatre and planetarium here, and the observatory offers daytime sessions to view the sun.   

Mudgee Observatory, Mudgee

Parkes

Few observatories in the world can claim the historical significance that Parkes enjoys. Communications from the Apollo 11 moon landing were received and relayed here, while cult film The Dish, whose story is based on those events, was also set and shot here. Visit the Parkes Observatory and, of course, you’ll get to see that dish – the 64m wide antenna operates 24 hours a day and is still used, among other things, to detect signs of alien life. You’ll also have a chance to explore the interactive displays and the 3D theatre on site. This isn’t so much a stargazing experience as such, but it’s still the perfect outing for anyone fascinated by astronomy. 

CSIRO Radio Telescope, Parkes

Dubbo

Located just behind Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Observatory has several powerful telescopes to view the night sky, including a 20-inch telescope. There are group solar-viewing shows during the day and stargazing sessions at night. You can also book an astrophotography session where you can capture images of deep-sky objects through a telescope using your own camera. 

Dubbo Observatory, Dubbo - Credit: Peter Starr