Ready for an out-of-this-world getaway? With astro tourism on the rise, Australia’s Northern Territory offers exceptionally dark skies, ancient Aboriginal star traditions, and adventures that put travelers beneath the Milky Way.
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing
We Are Austin host Sierra Waggoner caught up with travel expert and Your Bucket List Guide Justin Walter ahead of Fall Astronomy Day to explore why Australia’s Red Centre belongs on stargazers’ travel lists.
Watch the full video above for Justin’s guide to experiencing Australia’s Northern Territory after dark.
We Are Austin host Sierra Waggoner caught up with travel expert and Your Bucket List Guide Justin Walter ahead of Fall Astronomy Day to explore why Australia’s Red Centre belongs on stargazers’ travel lists.
A sanctuary for the night sky
Walter highlighted Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devils Marbles, which he said was recently designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
“Think of it like a national park, except for the night sky,” Walter said. “These sanctuaries legally protect truly untouched darkness.”
Walter’s own experience beneath the stars in Australia’s Red Centre at age 21 helped inspire his career in travel.
“I literally felt like someone threw glitter into the night sky,” he said. “I was in so much awe I couldn’t sleep.”
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing
Connecting culture and the cosmos
Stargazing in the Northern Territory also offers an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal cultures and their longstanding relationships with the night sky.
“Around campfires, Aboriginal elders would point to constellations to share stories, teach navigation and pass down living history from generation to generation,” Walter said.
Visitors can find experiences around Uluru combining the night sky with storytelling, dining and cultural light displays.
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing
Other after-dark adventures throughout the Northern Territory include outdoor dinners, multi-day canoe trips with overnight camping and stays at remote cattle stations.
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing
Put these eclipses on your calendar
Walter also has two dates for serious eclipse chasers.
He said Karlu Karlu will fall within the path of totality on July 22, 2028, while another total solar eclipse is expected over Uluru on July 13, 2037.
“It’s going to be magical,” Walter said.
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing
Visit NorthernTerritory.com to explore the destination and YourBucketListGuide.com for more from Walter.
Look up! Australia’s Northern Territory is a dream destination for stargazing