If you’ve just finished the incredible journey to Western Australia via the Outback Way, you’ll find yourself in one of the State’s premier stargazing regions. The Goldfields glitters with stars above and there are some places not to miss as you continue your travels.
As you finish the big trek across Australia’s Outback Way, take the time to recharge at the Great Beyond Visitor Centre in Laverton. It holds the fascinating Explorers Hall of Fame and there will be coffee and cake waiting for you. Now that you’re in the welcoming Goldfields, it’s time to begin a new chapter of discovery and adventure under the stars.
Make your way to Niagra Dam to camp overnight. It’s just near historic Kookynie. Make sure you call into the Kookynie Grand Hotel. Perhaps you’ll meet the friendly horse, Willie, and his new pony friend that frequent the bar! Camping on the edge of Niagra Dam gives you a great opportunity to try your hand at astrophotography and it’s only a hop, step and jump from your camper!
Overnight: Niagra Dam
On the way to Menzies, call in at Morapoi Station for an immersive experience in rich indigenous heritage and captivating Dreaming stories. You may decide to stay an extra night here, taste the flavours of bush tucker and choose a customisable tour package that puts you under Wangkatha night sky.
If you’ve travelled through to Menzies for the night, set up camp at Menzies Caravan Park before enjoying an early dinner at the local hotel or café. After dinner, wander out to Mount Owen, Menzies’ stargazing and observing site. You don’t need a telescope – just use the Giant Planisphere to find out what’s up in the night sky back and lie back on the stargazer lounge. Have fun spotting shooting stars and satellites!
Overnight: Menzies
The Milky Way above Mount Owen, Menzies’ stargazing and observing site.
Day 3: Lake Ballard (55 kms)
The last stop around delightful Menzies is the world-renowned Lake Ballard. An incredible 51 black chromium steel Inside Australia Gormley statues are sprawled out over the lake. Take your time to stroll around in the late afternoon. Whether full moon or new moon, it’s an astrophotographer’s dream, and you’ll be able to plan your evening adventure and decide what angle you’d like to capture beneath the glittering Milky Way.
Overnight: Lake Ballard
Day 4: Kalgoorlie (185 kms)
A stay in Kalgoorlie completes a trip to the Goldfields. There are plenty of activities on offer. Call into the local visitor centre to plan a short stay before heading on your way to Perth. On the way, there are many more stars of the Golden Outback to experience and you might come across a few more Astrotourism Towns that are working to share the incredible night sky with visitors from near and far.
Overnight: Kalgoorlie
Staying longer?
You’ll find more about this wonderful region on the Australia’s Golden Outback website.
Driving distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken.
WHERE ARE WA’S POPULAR STARGAZING DESTINATIONS?
New locations for stargazing and astrophotography are popping up in country WA!