Stellar places for stargazing in Queensland

When it comes to stargazing in Queensland, you’re spoilt for choice. From outback observatories to Indigenous astronomy tours, opportunities to get better acquainted with the night sky and its clusters of residents are plentiful.

Yagurli Tours, Burketown

Burketown is where you’ll find one of the best stargazing in Queensland experiences. Join the Yaliya’s Stories tour by Yagurli Tours for a chance to visit nearby one of the country’s biggest salt pans in an intimate group. While you gaze through state-of-the-art telescopes at the night sky, your local Gangalidda guide will share dreamtime stories about the universe.

Kingaroy Observatory

You may also know this scientific institution as the Maidenwell Observatory, regardless the Kingaroy Observatory has long been offering the South Burnett destination’s visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the stars. Hosted by astronomer James ‘Starman’ Barclay, who has 68 years of experience in the field, your visit here promises to be as educational and fun as possible.

Cosmos Centre, Charleville

Outback town Charleville is another of the best places for stargazing in Queensland as far from the bright lights of the capital is arguably the best place to get a good look at the surrounding cosmos. The expansive Cosmos Centre boasts a series of tours and observatories, from the Big Sky Observatory, to the specialty Sun Viewing tour, offering you a new take on the solar system.

Brisbane Planetarium

When it comes to stargazing in the Queensland capital, look no further than the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Sitting in the midst of the botanic gardens in Mount Coot-tha is this local institution, a space comprising an observatory, a 12.5 metre-high projection dome (the Cosmic Skydome), the Galaxy Gift Shop, and the Sundial Courtyard.

Rubyvale Observatory, Central Highlands

Make your way to the Sunshine State’s Sapphire Gemfields for more stellar stargazing in Queensland. Take the tour ‘Gems by Day, Jewels by Night’ which will let you take a look through the powerful 14” Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, offering you a chance to see constellations up close.

Dark Sky Sanctuary, Winton

It’s the acclaimed Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton that has been awarded the first international certification for a Dark Sky Sanctuary. What does this mean exactly? That the sky surrounding the outback town is so exceptionally clear and dark that it is ideal for stargazing in Queensland (and beyond). It’s one of only 10 such sanctuaries worldwide.

Wappa Falls Astronomical Observatory, Sunshine Coast

Say hello to one of Queensland’s leading private observatories. This Yandina space sitting in quiet bushland boasts 16 different telescopes of all shapes and sizes and has been in business for the past 27 years. Can’t make it in person? You may be lucky enough to catch their mobile show which travels to schools and events in the local area.

Springbrook Research Observatory, Gold Coast Hinterland

On Friday and Saturday nights you can pay a visit to the Springbrook Research Observatory. It’s here that a dedicated team of stargazers will help you get a good look at the stars above, from the moon to nebula. Just keep in mind that the opening of the observatory is very weather-dependent - you’re always best calling ahead to check.

Carlo Sand Blow, Rainbow Beach

Fancy some stargazing in Queensland in the great outdoors? Make your way to the idyllic Rainbow Beach, on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast. This place may be most famous for its 4WD highways, and access to Double Island Point, but there are plenty more reasons to visit. Namely the Carlo Sand Blow, a ‘moonscape’ sand mass of 15 hectares that forms the perfect spot to watch the sun set and stargaze once dark arrives.

Twinstar Guesthouse and Observatory, Southern Downs

In Ballandean resides one of Queensland’s most unique accommodation offerings; Twinstar Guesthouse and Observatory. Nudging Girraween National Park, this bed and breakfast boasts its own 4.5 metre astronomical observatory, which hosts nightly tours for just six people at a time.

Big Sky National Parks, Toowoomba

One of the most memorable places to stargaze in is the region dubbed the Big Sky national parks. Picture seven unforgettable drives winding their way through a cluster of national parks in south-east and Outback Queensland. Among these is Bunya Mountains National Park outside of Toowoomba. Post-drink at Shackleton’s, Australia’s highest whiskey bar, take to one of three campsites to spend the night gazing upwards. Just don’t forget your camera.