The Grampians National Park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and one of its many highlights is stargazing, which is like nowhere else. Away from the city lights, the park is the perfect place to get lost in the night sky in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re an astronomer or just looking to get away from it all, the Grampians is the place to stargaze under a million stars.
Dark Skies
The Grampians is a Dark Sky Park where the lack of city lights means the night sky is at its best. No urban light pollution means you can see the Southern Cross, distant star clusters and sometimes even the Aurora Australis. The rugged mountains and ancient landscapes are the perfect backdrop. Stargazers can also enjoy the stunning night sky views across the open space of this stargazing hot spot.
Why the Grampians for Stargazing?
The Grampians National Park has plenty to see in the night sky. From the Southern Cross to star clusters and the odd shooting star, the sky comes alive after dark. In certain seasons, you might even see the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis on the horizon. Whether you’re using your naked eye or an optical telescope, the faint stars and brighter planets like Venus and Mars will be on show. City slickers visiting the park for stargazing will be surprised at how clear the sky is with no light pollution, a sight they rarely see in their everyday life.
What to See in the Night Sky?
The Grampians National Park has plenty to see in the night sky. From the Southern Cross to star clusters and the odd shooting star, the sky comes alive after dark. In certain seasons, you might even see the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis on the horizon. Whether you’re using your naked eye or an optical telescope, the faint stars and brighter planets like Venus and Mars will be on show. City slickers visiting the park for stargazing will be surprised at how clear the sky is with no light pollution, a sight they rarely see in their everyday life.
Best Time for Stargazing
April to September is the best time for stargazing in the Grampians. The seasonal weather means clear skies and longer nights. Winter nights in the Grampians are cool and clear, perfect for stargazing. Bring warm clothes as it can get cold at night. Even in the warmer months, the night sky is great, but summer can be hazy or humid.
Best Stargazing Spots
- Dunkeld Arboretum – Best stargazing spot in the southern part of the Grampians. Open spaces and no obstructions to the night sky. Peaceful water nearby creates a mirror like effect of the stars above.
- Cato Lake Park – In Stawell, this quiet lake mirrors the night sky, a hidden gem for visitors escaping the city.
- Mount Arapiles – For adventure and stargazing. High up you get stunning views of the landscape and desert above. A favourite among climbers.
- Reed Lookout – Famous for sunset views, also ideal for stargazing above a valley, far from city lights.
- One Tree Hill – Near Ararat with 360-degree views, excellent for meteor showers, constellations and clusters.
- Boroka Lookout – Easy to access, panoramic views of the night sky and landscapes. Popular with visitors staying in Halls Gap.
Other Stargazing Spots
- Lake Eildon National Park
If you’re going beyond the Grampians, Lake Eildon National Park is another great stargazing spot. The lake with it’s clear water makes a perfect mirror of the stars above, a peaceful and secluded spot to spend the night gazing up. - Wilsons Promontory National Park
Along the southern coast of Australia, Wilsons Promontory has great views by day and is a stargazing heaven by night. Wide open skies and secluded campgrounds make it a great choice if you want a quiet night under the stars. - Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
For a special stargazing experience, the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park has calm waters and dark skies. Remote landscapes and minimal light pollution make this park a top pick if you want to get into nature for the night.
Dark Sky Festival
Each year, the Grampians Dark Sky Festival attracts amateur and professional astronomers to the park for a night of stargazing. With astronomy tours, workshops and big telescopes to use, you can get a deeper understanding of the universe. Leon Mow will talk about the things you can see in the sky from the park, which is a great spot to learn about the universe. The festival also celebrates the protection of dark sky stargazing sites so we can all enjoy them for years to come.
FAQ
Why is the Grampians good for stargazing?
The Grampians is good for stargazing because of no city lights, rugged mountains and remote stargazing spots with clear views of the sky. It also has popular lookouts like Reed Lookout and Boroka Lookout.
Can I see the Aurora Australis from the Grampians?
Yes, on very rare occasions the Aurora Australis can be seen from the Grampians but only during strong solar activity. But more commonly seen further south near South Australia.
When can I stargaze in the Grampians?
Best time to stargaze in the Grampians is during the winter months April to September when the nights are longer and clearer.
Are there campgrounds for stargazing in the Grampians?
Yes, there are several campgrounds for stargazing in the Grampians, including Borough Huts Campground which has minimal light pollution and is close to great stargazing spots.
What can I see in the Grampians?
In the Grampians you can see the Southern Cross, star clusters, Venus and Mars and the odd shooting star. With telescopes you can see even more distant objects like galaxies and nebulae.
Grampians Travel
