Dark Sky Week

International Dark Sky Week is a special time to pause and look up. It’s a chance to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of the night sky and reflect on the importance of protecting it.

Here in the Warrumbungle Region — home to Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park — we’re incredibly fortunate to have naturally dark skies that are perfect for stargazing, astrophotography, and enjoying the serenity of the universe above. With low light pollution and vast, open landscapes, our region offers an unparalleled view of the stars.

This week serves as a reminder of the impact light pollution has on wildlife, ecosystems, and our own wellbeing. By embracing simple actions such as using outdoor lighting responsibly, shielding lights, and turning off unnecessary lights at night, we can all contribute to preserving our night skies.

✨ How to Get Involved:

• Step outside during the evening and take a moment to stargaze.

• Visit a local lookout or Dark Sky viewing site.

• Share your stargazing photos and experiences on social media using #DarkSkyWeek.

• Learn more about light pollution and what you can do to reduce it.

Local Stargazing Experiences:

To enhance your stargazing experience during International Dark Sky Week, consider visiting these local attractions:

• Milroy Observatory with Donna the Astronomer: Located just 10 kilometers northwest of Coonabarabran, Milroy Observatory offers guided night sky tours led by Donna the Astronomer and her team. Discover planets, star clusters, and nebulae illuminated by starlight. Tours are available most days, but places fill fast. donnatheastronomer.com.au

• Coonabarabran Stargazing at The Getaway Tourist Park: Experience the beauty of the night sky at The Getaway Tourist Park. Settle in under the Milky Way for a 1.5-hour journey through the stars, planets, distant galaxies, and more. coonabarabranstargazing.com.au+1coonabarabranstargazing.com.au+1

Let’s protect our night skies so that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder we do today.

Photo credit: Blake Estes

When

Location

Coonabarabran, 2357