The Best Spots to Go Stargazing in Adelaide Where the Cosmic Views Aren’t Obstructed
If you want to see a starry night without hitting up The Museum of Modern Art for Van Gogh’s swirls, Adelaide’s stargazing spots are where it’s at.
The South Australian sky is just that magnificent, with locations like Innes National Park and Palmer Lookout serving up celestial eye candy that truly shines.
We’ve rounded up the most stellar spots around the city so you know where to set up camp on the next starry night!
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
From standard.content
Contact Details: (08) 8648 5300
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park boasts the country’s largest salt lake, making it a favorite for sightseeing, camping, birdwatching, and photography. The real show, however, starts when the sun goes down.
Here, there’s no smog or skyscrapers, just crystal-clear horizons. This means that if the weather is fair, stargazers can enjoy a celestial spectacle composed of stars, satellites, and even comets.
The views also get more breathtaking from April to October when the lake beautifully mirrors the star-filled sky, so time your visit around this period.
Tip: For those who need accommodation, check out the Halligan Bay Campground right by the lake’s shores. Just remember that the area has limited facilities, so come prepared for an off-the-grid stay.
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve
From starlitlandscapes
Address: 6 Randell St, Mannum, Murray River Lakes and Coorong
Contact Details: (08) 8564 6044
Like the first entry, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is free of pollution and unwanted views. What sets it apart, though, is its proximity—a mere hour and 25 minutes (88 km) from the Adelaide CBD.
We went here last July, and the Milky Way’s splendor was on full display during the said trip. The weather was perfect—hardly any rain, thanks to the minimal rainfall typical here—and there was ample parking across the expansive 3,200-square-km site.
Tip: We took a self-guided exploration, but those who prefer a guided experience can opt for a chauffeured vehicle with Juggle House Tours. Alternatively, you can hit up Big Bend by Night for their Dark Sky Night Tour.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Contact Details: (08) 8854 3200
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
The first things that probably come into your mind when you think of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are its pristine shoreline and sheltered bays. However, for those who love the stars, the park’s secluded setting and pitch-black nights are its standout features.
A couple of campgrounds like Casuarina Campground also dot the area, so finding a spot to sleep post-stargazing won’t be a hassle.
As a bonus, you might run into emus or wallabies while setting up in the late afternoon. You can also go on a beachcombing, surfing, or fishing spree at around the same time.
Tip: Summer is the best time to stargaze here, and there are a couple of reasons why. For starters, skies are naturally clearer during this season. In addition, summer offers cooling sea breezes that can relieve you of the intense city heat.
Flinders Chase National Park
From blntpencil
Address: S Coast Road, Flinders Chase
Contact Details: (08) 8553 4444
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island is another spot devoid of mainland light pollution. Located at the island’s southernmost tip and facing the open ocean, it offers dark skies where you can spot stars and planets without distractions.
To top it off, the park’s sunset and nocturnal animals are must-see wonders. It also flaunts dramatic coastal scenery and unique rock formations like the Remarkable Rocks.
Tip: If you’re on the hunt for a place to stay, give West Bay Campground a try. Just keep in mind that this camp is secluded; you can only reach it through 4WD.
Lincoln National Park
From j.p__10
Address: Donington Road, Sleaford
Contact Details: (08) 8688 3111
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
We spent 3 hours getting to Lincoln National Park, but who’s complaining? Our reward was cliffside stargazing and breathtaking coastline panoramas.
Finding peace and enjoying natural gems were also rewards we indulged in. You see, the park is a remote area, and it teems with accessible bays and walking trails where the grand cliffs look more magical.
Tip: Afraid of getting lost? Book the Wildlife Stargazing Photography Tour and let a professional lead your stargazing escapade.
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
From adzy_edwards
Contact Details: +61886480048
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Camping at Ikara-Flinders Ranges means you’ll fall asleep under a blanket of stars.
Perched at high altitudes and far from the city’s glimmer, the park’s ancient landscapes provide prime stargazing conditions. Additionally, there are 10 campgrounds you can stay at.
The best part is you can explore the locale’s majestic mountain ranges, deep gorges, and diverse wildlife during the day.
Tip: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is known for its very hot summers and cold winters. Checking the weather forecast before heading here is a must.
Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary
From arkaroolaofficial
Address: 2948 Arkaroola Rd, Arkaroola Village
Contact Details: 088648 4848
Operating Hours: Mon to Sun – 9 pm to 10:30
Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary spans 63,000 hectares of dry Australian bush, all offering premier stargazing locations.
What makes it distinct is its collection of state-of-the-art equipment. Guests don’t have to drag heavy gear just to see celestial magic here, as the sanctuary has telescopes, binoculars, star charts, and more stargazing essentials.
Tip: Book well in advance, especially during April, the sanctuary’s peak viewing month.
Palmer Lookout
From murrayriverlakescoorong
Address: 1356 Randell Rd, Palmer
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Palmer Lookout, a popular picnic destination just an hour from Adelaide, is one of our team’s go-to stargazing spots.
The granite rock views here are breathtaking, particularly Bear Rock, an iconic landmark resembling a polar bear. We also can’t forget its Murray Plain vistas that seemingly go forever.
But, of course, the cherry on top is its lack of pesky light pollution despite being close to Downtown Adelaide. All you need is to lounge on your car or picnic blanket and look up to see timeless constellations and hidden surprises like The Frog and The Elephant.
Tip: Palmer Lookout’s lack of paved pathways might be problematic for stargazers looking to go off the grid. Wear shoes with great traction, and avoid the area after days of rain, as it can get really slippery and muddy.
Dublin
From night.pix
A 47-minute drive with mesmerizing coastal scenery landed us in Dublin. This is a small but beautiful town nestling on the great Adelaide Plains, making it a premier hub for bushwalkers, photographers, and stargazers.
It took us some time to the proper sky-watching spot, though, as the town’s main street had noticeable lighting. Fortunately, heading to the darker and more tranquil shoreline solved the issue for us.
Tip: For a more remote experience, try driving to the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. It’s just 10 minutes from Dublin and is open daily for 24 hours.
