Can I take photos of the Milky Way with my phone?

While it’s possible to take photos with a smartphone, a DSLR camera with manual settings and a tripod will produce much better results, capturing more detail and brightness.

What should I wear for stargazing?

Dress in warm, layered clothing and bring a blanket or chair for comfort. Coastal areas can be quite cold at night, even in warmer months.

Watch the Milky Way at Night Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives for its stunning views and cliffs. While it’s a popular day trip destination, the beauty of this place goes beyond daylight hours. As the sun sets and the sky darkens, the Milky Way appears. It’s a stargazing dream. Watching the Milky Way at night on the Great Ocean Road is not only magic but also a reminder of how big and beautiful the universe is, away from city lights and artificial light pollution.

Night Skies

Night skies along the Great Ocean Road are magic. Away from city lights, this coastal region has some of the clearest and darkest skies in Victoria, making it a stargazing paradise. Millions of stars are scattered across the sky, and the Milky Way’s core is glowing brightly, which is a heavenly sight. The stillness of the night, the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, and the vastness of the universe above is a unique and peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and wonder. The views and dark sky stargazing make it a great destination for beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.
Join Great Ocean Road tours for a unique stargazing experience! Witness clear, dark skies filled with stars and the glowing Milky Way. A perfect getaway for reflection and wonder.

Stargazing Facts

Stargazing is not just looking up at the night sky; it’s about understanding what you’re seeing. The Milky Way is our galaxy, home to over 200 billion stars. What we see as a band across the sky is the view of our galaxy’s core. The best time to see the Milky Way is during winter, when it’s visible all night. There are several stargazing spots in the region, including Johanna Beach and Logans Beach, for their amazing beaches and views. National parks in the area, such as Port Campbell National Park and Grampians National Park, are also great stargazing spots as they have minimal artificial light. The Astronomical Society of Victoria often has public viewing nights and events where you can get guided stargazing and learn about star clusters and constellations.

Watching the Milky Way

Watching the Milky Way in this environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, the sky reveals more stars than you ever thought possible. The central band of the Milky Way appears, stretching from horizon to horizon and on a clear night, you can even see distant planets, star clusters and meteor showers. The peace of the moment and the visual spectacle of the galaxy will make you feel connected to the universe, this is a must do for any nature lover or astronomy enthusiast. Whether you’re solo or with a group, the stargazing adventure along the Great Ocean Road is a way to connect with nature and the universe.

Best Time to See the Milky Way on the Great Ocean Road

April to October is the best time to see the Milky Way when the skies are clearer, and the core is more visible. Ideally, plan your stargazing trip on a moonless night to avoid the bright light that can wash out the stars. Check the weather forecast for clear skies, too. The new moon is the best time for stargazing as there is no moonlight to wash out the Milky Way. Also, consider visiting during the annual Leon Mow Dark Sky Night run by the Astronomical Society of Victoria for some dark sky stargazing.

Top Places to See the Milky Way

The Great Ocean Road has many great spots for stargazing. Here are some of the best:

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are famous for their dramatic rock formations. At night, they become an incredible stargazing spot. The lack of light pollution makes the stars shine bright, and this is one of the best places to see the Milky Way. The amazing rocks and views during the day become a magical night sky setting for landscape photographers to capture the Ocean Sky.

Aireys Inlet Lighthouse

The Aireys Inlet Lighthouse (also known as Split Point Lighthouse) is another great spot for stargazing. Perched on a cliff, the lighthouse offers a elevated view of the surrounding area and a 360 degree view of the sky. The lighthouse light adds to the charm of stargazing. This spot is also open to the public for viewing nights and stargazing tours run by local astronomy groups.

Gibson Steps

Just a short walk from the Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps is a quiet and peaceful spot for stargazing. The steps lead down to a beach where you can lie back and watch the night sky above you, with the sound of the waves adding to the atmosphere. This spot is popular with photographers who want to capture night shots with the Milky Way framed by the coastline.

Loch Ard Gorge

Loch Ard Gorge is famous for its shipwreck but also for its amazing night skies. The enclosed cove provides a unique view, with the cliffs framing the Milky Way. This spot is great for those who want a peaceful and secluded stargazing experience away from the crowds.

Cape Otway

Cape Otway has some of the darkest skies along the Great Ocean Road. The Cape Otway Lightstation is a great place to stargaze, you can see the Milky Way in detail. The lighthouse itself is a bonus. There are camping spots nearby so you can turn your stargazing trip into a full night adventure.

Port Campbell National Park

Port Campbell National Park is known for its rugged coastline and dramatic views by day. By night, it’s a stargazer’s heaven. The many lookouts and secluded beaches are perfect places to lay down a blanket and gaze at the Milky Way. No artificial light makes it a dark sky park for astronomers.

How to Stargaze

Stargazing is more than just picking a spot. Start by choosing the right time – new moon is best. Check the weather forecast for clear skies and dress warm as coastal temperatures can drop at night. Bring a chair or blanket, binoculars or telescope, and a red flashlight. Consider staying overnight somewhere nearby so you can enjoy the experience without the rush of getting back to your car. Public transport is limited along the Great Ocean Road so plan your trip accordingly.

Where to Stay

There are many accommodation options along the Great Ocean Road for stargazers. From campgrounds and holiday parks to boutique lodges and beachside cabins, there’s something for everyone. For a special experience, consider staying at places that offer stargazing tours or have a designated viewing area. Places like the Cape Otway Lightstation B&B and some of the eco-lodges in Port Campbell have dark skies right at your doorstep. If you want to go stargazing elsewhere, consider Outback Astronomy in Broken Hill or one of the many Astro Tours in Victoria.

Night Time Astronomy Photography Tips

Capturing the Milky Way requires a bit of planning and the right gear. Use a DSLR with a wide-angle lens and set your camera to manual. A low f stop (f/2.8 or lower) and long exposure (20-30 seconds) will let your camera suck in more light. Keep your ISO between 1600-3200 to avoid noise in the image. A solid tripod is a must to keep your camera steady during long exposures. Experiment with different compositions, including foreground elements like rocks or trees, to add depth to your photos. And don’t forget to bring a hot drink to keep you warm during those long photo sessions.