The best stargazing experiences in & around Sydney

DIY stargazing 

On the northern fringe of Sydney, Palm Beach Healand has been designated as the first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP) in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere by DarkSky International. Covering 62 hectares across Governor Phillip Park (open at any time for members of the public to view the night sky) and Barrenjoey Headland (closed from dusk to dawn and only open for approved DarkSky events) which is part of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the location boasts remarkable oceanside views of the starry night sky. 

There are plenty of other places around the city where you can escape the bright lights and admire the night sky. The Royal National Park, on Sydney’s southern edge, has frequently been ranked as one of the best stargazing spots in the country. Nearby Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops is also a favourite. Look to the skies around Bankstown Airport, which is notably dark once flights have stopped for the day, or Mount Ku-ring-gai Oval – in summer, the constellation Orion sits right above the field. 

Stargazing at Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach

Visit an observatory 

Right in the heart of Sydney you’ll find Sydney Observatory, which was opened in 1858 at the highest natural point in the city. Climb the narrow staircase and step inside the dome to see historic and modern telescopes in action, scanning the skies as they have done for almost 170 years. Viewing sessions run from Wednesday to Sunday and there are dedicated family sessions tailored to little stargazers. Sydney City Skywatchers is an amateur astronomy association based at the observatory that hosts regular talks, events and meetings. 

The Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory has upgraded 12- and 16-inch telescopes inside the dome that can be used to see planets, moons, binary stars, star clusters and nebulae. Free public viewing sessions are held fortnightly. Campbelltown Rotary Observatory is run by Western Sydney University and is the only dedicated SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) program in the Southern Hemisphere. Public viewing events are run through the Macarthur Astronomical Society. 

Sydney Observatory - Credit: Demas Rusli | Powerhouse

Take a guided stargazing tour 

Join a tour to let the experts show Sydney’s best stargazing in the field. Red Lantern Tours runs regular sessions in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, looking at the night sky above the calm waters of Bobbin Head, and in Rouse Hill Regional Park on the edge of the Hawkesbury. You can admire the stars, planets and the moon with the naked eye and high-powered telescopes, then feast on a delicious charcuterie platter. 

Red Lantern Tours, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Credit: Red Lantern Tours

Western Sydney Stargazing’s tours in Emu Plains are led by Dr Chris Matthew who has qualifications in astronomy, astrophysics, space operations and more. His fascinating tours are held in the grounds of the historic Arms of Australia Inn and will introduce you to the wonders of the universe through a state-of-the-art telescope. Inside the Royal Botanic Garden, the Astronomy at The Calyx sessions are led by an astrophysicist and a First Nations Educator, blending modern science and Aboriginal perspectives on the stars. They also run similar monthly sessions at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah. 

Further afield, the dark skies of the Blue Mountains promise exceptional astro experiences. Blue Mountains Stargazing was founded by a French-Australian astronomer and runs tours of the night sky from the Wentworth Falls Lookout, so you can witness a spectacular sunset before the stars come out. Led by astronomers, scientists and passionate experts, the 90-minute sessions will take you on a tour of the heavens. Or choose the one-of-a-kind Wine Tasting Stargazing tour held at Dryridge Estate, which pairs tastings and telescopes. 

Blue Mountains Stargazing

Sleep under the stars 

At most Sydney hotels, the only twinkling lights you’ll see will be those of the city’s skyscrapers. But a handful of camping and glamping options can open up the night sky. Cockatoo Island is in the quieter Inner Harbour area and has tents set up right along the waterline, ideal for sleeping bag stargazing. In the Lane Cove National Park, you can sleep under the stars in the glamping tents at Discovery Parks – Lane Cove, where bushland shields you from the glare of the city. 

Wollemi Ridge Retreat near Bilpin has glamping tents and outdoor bunk beds that immerse you in nature and the rich darkness of night. The team runs guided stargazing sessions as well as glow worm tours, which mimic the feeling of stars with these tiny living illuminations inside a tunnel. To the north of Sydney, Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures can set up glamping tents in a secluded part of their property, making for uninterrupted starry vistas. 

Glow worm tours at Wollemi Ridge Retreat- Credit: Wollemi Ridge Retreat