Nature

The best locations for stargazing in Victoria

Jupiter and Milky Way above Gippsland Coast in Australia

RACV

Posted July 24, 2024

From Melbourne to Mount Arapiles, Victoria is a haven for stargazing enthusiasts, offering some of the most spectacular night skies in Australia.

Victoria boasts some of the best stargazing locations in the country. While Melbourne has some prime spots, nothing beats getting away from the city lights and seeing the stars under the darkest skies.

The best times to stargaze are from May to September, when the nights are longer and visibility is enhanced by the crisp air. 

You can view the night skies as part of road trip from Melbourne to Sydney or a Great Ocean Road coastal escape. Before embarking on any road trip, don't forget to take your emergency roadside kit and update your emergency roadside assistance plan. Electric car owners are advised to check EV charging availability along the route prior to leaving.

Here are the top spots to go stargazing in Victoria, and some tips on how to make the most of your experience. 

The top 9 stargazing spots in Victoria

Ricketts Point, Beaumaris

If you can't leave the city, then head to Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary in Melbourne’s southeast along Beach Road. Away from the well-lit car park, the beach is dark enough for optimal stargazing. It's also one of the best suburban locations to see the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights, with strong solar activity in late 2024 and early 2025 increasing the likelihood of witnessing the phenonemon.

Melbourne Observatory

Dating back to 1863, the  Melbourne Observatory continues to be a beacon of astronomical discovery and education, with the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) running Stellar Nights, which usually book out fast. Because of light pollution, you’ll see the moon and planets but not galaxies or nebulae. 

Mount Burnett Observatory

About an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD, Mount Dandenong is 633m above sea-level, and offers views of both Melbourne’s city lights and the night sky. Nearby Mount Burnett Observatory is run by a not-for-profit astronomical society, and holds public events from time to time.

Child looking through a large telescope outside Melbourne Observatory.

The Astronomical Society of Victoria's public events include Stellar Nights at the Melbourne Observatory. Image: Linda Richmond, ASV.

 

Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula

Near RACV’s Cape Schanck Resort, at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, is the Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, a marvellous location for viewing stars and photographing the night sky. From the car park walk toward Pulpit Rock. Make sure you have a torch so you can see the ramp and stairs. Find a spot sheltered from the lighthouse beam, look south and be amazed. 

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road offers an unparalleled view of the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. The clear, unpolluted skies make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Imagine sitting on the beach, listening to the waves, while gazing up at a sky filled with countless stars.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Prom is a renowned spot for viewing the Aurora Australis, and bioluminescence, which is the light given off by tiny organisms living in the sea. Its remote location away from urban lights makes it perfect for stargazing. The park features various camping grounds and lookout points, offering excellent vantage points for celestial observations.

View of Milky Way along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria

The Great Ocean Road offers an unparallelled view of the Milky Way. Image: Getty

 

ASV Leon Mow Dark Sky Site, Greater Bendigo

The Leon Mow Dark Sky Site is the premier astronomical facility in the state, with the largest telescopes in Victoria. Set in the middle of the bush in the Greater Bendigo region, you’ll need detailed directions to find it, but the Milky Way there is so bright it can cast a shadow. The site is open to the public in March, September, and December – bookings are essential.

Grampians National Park and Mount Arapiles

One of the premier stargazing locations is the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Known for its vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, the park provides an ideal setting for stargazing. Designated areas within the park offer unobstructed views of the stars, making it a favourite among astronomy buffs. Equally spellbinding is Mount Arapiles (known to Wotjobaluk Peoples as Dyurrite), east of Horsham. From the lookout, this popular rock-climbing destination during the day offers unobstructed views of the stars in any direction at night.

Lake Tyrell

Going further afield, head to Lake Tyrrell. Follow the Calder Highway northwest of Melbourne for about 350km to reach this popular stargazing location. The ASV's 2024 Sea Lake Astro Fest will be held over the Melbourne Cup weekend, with the chance to learn about the astronomical traditions of the local Boorong people, see Saturn's rings and the coloured bands of Jupiter, as well as safely see the sun through a specialised solar telescope.

People camping under the night sky

Camping is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy stargazing. Image: Getty

 

What can you see in the night sky?

On a clear night you can the moon, constellations, stars, galaxies, and satellites, and occasionally comets and asteroids. The Southern Cross and the Milky Way are the easiest to find with the naked eye, while a pair of binoculars will allow you to see what's known as the the Tarantula Nebula, a massive cloud of dust and gas 160,000 years away in another galaxy. If you're interested in finding out more, the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) has events, talks, YouTube videos, and resources online.

How to make the most of your stargazing trip

Before heading out, ensure you pack the right gear. A good quality telescope or binoculars will enhance your viewing experience. To make the most of your stargazing trip, consider these tips:

  • Check the weather forecast and choose a clear night for optimal visibility.
  • Dress warmly and bring blankets, as stargazing can get chilly.
  • Use a stargazing app or guidebook to help identify constellations and celestial objects.
  • Minimise light pollution by using a red flashlight or covering your regular flashlight with a red filter.

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