Stargazing in the Flinders Ranges

Kate Muller • Dec 19, 2022

The Flinders Ranges are an adventure traveller's dream - and a stargazer's paradise. With hardly any light pollution, the sky is crystal clear and packed with stars. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is home to some of the darkest skies in Australia, so here are our tips on making the most of your stargazing trip to Arkaroola, and further afield, in the Flinders Ranges.

Sleep Under the Stars


There is nothing quite like lying in a swag or peeking out of your open tent in the still of the night and feeling enveloped by the night sky. Camping is an easy way to enjoy some stargazing time and there are many great locations to pitch your tent. Arkaroola has 300 hectares of un-powered, bush-setting campgrounds which means you’ll be able to keep a good distance between you and other campers to minimise light sources and maximise your stargazing experience. There are many other paid and unpaid camping options throughout the region to choose from though including ones at Parachilna George, Wilpena Pound Resort, and within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park itself, such as Acraman and Brachina East. All light sources will affect your view of the night sky so remember to put out your campfire as well as your lanterns for the best viewing conditions.


If camping isn't your thing, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the stars at Arkaroola, so read on!

See the Stars Up Close


For those who prefer to be guided through the tapestry of stars and celestial bodies that make up the night sky then Arkaroola has a variety of Stargazing experiences, catering to novices and astronomers and everyone in between.


Our Under the Stars experience is perfect for the astronomy beginner, allowing learners to absorb the brilliance of the night sky and see the moon, stars and Milky Way through astronomy binoculars, from the comfort of a reclining camp lounge chair. To ensure the best viewing conditions this experience runs a week either side of the dark of the moon. You can check out the dark moon dates here.


Or, if you are looking for a front row seat with a view of the universe, Arkaroola runs three fully equipped astronomical observatories all designed and operated to ensure an unforgettable stargazing experience. Our Explore the Cosmos digital Astro Experience is made possible through our Ningana Imaging Observatory which allows visitors to view the wonders of our solar system and beyond into deep space in real time on the big screen. While Private Observatory tours can be arranged at our Dodwell and Sir Mark Oliphant observatories for a once-in-a-lifetime experience usually restricted to astronomers and scientists where you can go truly intergalactic and tour the universe under the best of stargazing conditions with customised commentary.


Enjoy a Special Event Under the Stars


While not strictly stargazing, special outdoor events held at Arkaroola are a wonderful opportunity to spend a different kind of night under the stars! In 2022 guests joined us for an evening of bush dining and world-class entertainment for ‘Under the Stars with the Stars’. In a first for Arkaroola, Australian theatrical stars Rachael Beck and David Hobson were accompanied by Internationally acclaimed Musical Director and pianist Kym Purling, and the sensational Sarah Straschko, for two intimate shows set against the backdrop of Stubbs Waterhole and our magnificent night sky.


Any events we hold will be listed on our website so be sure to check https://www.arkaroola.com.au/ regularly for any news!


The arid environment and elevation at Arkaroola, with the backdrop of the Flinders, provides the perfect environment for stargazing. No matter what kind of traveller you are, the Flinders Ranges have something to offer everyone who loves star spotting! So get out there and explore this amazing part of Australia - we promise you won't be disappointed!


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