5 Australian space experiences
From the Moon to the stars and beyond, humans are captivated with space – the final frontier.
The celestial world is within our field of view and yet we know so little about it. What’s out there? What’s landed down here? Australia has its fair share of astronomical footprints, from being part of space-race history to geological marvels forged by otherworldly debris.
Add these stellar Australian experiences to your travel bucket list and discover the wonders of outer space without leaving solid ground.
1. Star gazing
Many Australian locations are world-renowned for stargazing. Lack of light pollution, air pollution and infrastructure mean we don’t have to travel far from the big cities to find inky-black night skies perfect for seeing the Milky Way.
Carrickalinga is the country’s first certified International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. The small Fleurieu township has made efforts to reduce night-time light pollution and will hopefully inspire other towns to follow suit.
Other areas in SA that offer the darkest, clearest skies include the:
- River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (pictured above)
- Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
- Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
- Lincoln National Park
- Innes National Park
- Flinders Chase National Park.
If you want a closer look at the solar system, check to see if there are star gazing guides in the area.
2. Parkes Observatory
Prime Minister: Why’d they pick us?
Mr Callen: Turns out it’s the largest radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.
Prime Minister: What’s it doing in the middle of a sheep paddock?
– The Dish, 2000
Without CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory, the 600 million people huddled around televisions across the world wouldn’t have witnessed the historic Moon landing in 1969.
The 1000-tonne Murriyang dish – one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere – still stands to this day and continues to be used for NASA missions. Still located in the middle of a sheep paddock just outside Parkes, NSW, you can visit for free seven days a week. Watch as astronomers move the massive dish as they explore the universe.
3. Australian Space Agency and Australian Space Discovery Centre
With the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide in 2018, South Australia: the space state can be added our list of state accolades. The Agency, described as the “heart of space in Australia”, plays a key role in civil space matters both in Australia and globally.
At Lot Fourteen you’ll find the Australian Space Discovery Centre, which lets space enthusiasts, young and young-at-heart, get among the action. Be inspired by the story of Adelaide local and astronaut, Dr Andy Thomas AO. Discover the latest space technology that looks like it comes straight from a sci-fi movie and join special sessions held throughout the school holidays.
4. Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater
The Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater in Western Australia is the second-largest meteorite crater in the world. This huge hole was created by an enormous 50,000 tonne meteorite crashing into the earth about 300,000 thousand years ago.
There are many impact craters across Australia however not all of them are open to visitors.
Take the 400m return climb to the crater rim for a spot of photography and nature watching. If you stay overnight, make sure you take in the spectacular sight of the sun rising over the crater rim. To really appreciate the crater’s impact, book a scenic flight and see the enormous divot from the air.
5. Chase the next total solar eclipse
The birds’ chirping stops as they get ready for bed. An eerie hush falls across the landscape and the moon moves in front of the sun. For just a few minutes, day turns to night.
The last total solar eclipse visible from Australia was in April 2023, but the countdown is already on for the next one on 22 July, 2028. This time the path covers Australia, passing from the Kimberley region in Western Australia, across the Northern Territory and into Queensland. It will then be visible in New South Wales and even pass directly over Sydney. With it covering more of Australia than the 2023 eclipse, there will be more opportunities to set up camp and experience this wonder of nature.
Remember, never stare directly at the sun without solar filters. Make sure you do your research about safe solar eclipse viewing and get any equipment well ahead of time.
Ready for an out-of-this-world adventure?
Our RAA Travel experts can help get you there.