The best spots for stargazing in central NSW

Wanna know a secret? Central NSW is one of the state’s best regions for stargazing. And although the iconic Milky Way is best viewed from April to October, you’ll still get a good natural night show on any good weather night when the moon is not full.

The reason why? There is less cloud and light pollution in Central NSW than in coastal and city destinations in the state. Given that you need to be outdoors to experience these stars, I think it might be time to start planning your next weekend caravan and camping getaway. Don’t you think?

So without further ado, here are the best spots for stargazing in central NSW.

Budding astrophotographers will love these spots

Central NSW is spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic and historic attractions that act as the perfect foreground for stargazing photography. Head to Grenfell for the historic Iandra Castle and Grenfell’s Commodities Silos. Bathurst boasts Abercrombie House for great shots, Cowra has the War Cemetary and Condobolin has Utes in the Paddock. Don’t forget Kanangra Boyd National Park’s Kanangra Walls or the ‘amazing’ sign at Forbes.

Enjoy the night sky at a Farmstay 

Book a stay at High Country Trail Rides and after watching the sun go down, sit back and enjoy the stargazing experience from this Oberon High Country farm stay in NSW. The climate is definitely four seasons here with snow in winter, spring flowers, colourful autumns and mild summers so make sure you have appropriate clothing for the season.

Head to Barcoos Farmstay near Bathurst for camping on a 300-acre farm with all the creature comforts. Book a farm tour in the morning and in the evening after warming yourself up by the communal campfire, sink back into your camp chair for a spot of stargazing.

Head to ‘The Dish’ for learning by day and stars by night

Star of the movie ‘The Dish’, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope is one of the largest radio telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning a diameter of 64 metres. During the day, check out the displays, 3D theatre and astronomy resource centre. At night, stargaze at the Central NSW night sky in all its glory.

Level up your NSW stargazing campout with a glamping stay

Enjoy the spectacular Mayfield Gardens with a sleepover in a glamping tent that includes a three-course dinner. Of course, after dinner, make sure to enjoy a long spot of stargazing from these cool climate gardens in NSW. You can even organise for breakfast to be delivered to your tent the next day. The next glamping season runs from 27 December to 26 January so you’ll need to get in quickly.

Nashdale Lane is the place to head if you fancy a spot of luxurious glamping in a vineyard. Disconnect, reconnect and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. This is a top spot to relax as the night sky reveals itself around you.

Jump on an open night star tour in Bathurst

If you’re in the Bathurst region, call ahead to the Bathurst Observatory and see if they are running one of their open night sky tours. This is a great stargazing opportunity in NSW to get a live view of the wonders of the planets and solar system. In general, they run on any clear Friday and Saturday night but after Covid lockdowns and a long spat of unpredictable weather, the observatory is struggling so you will need to book first. All tours are subject to weather. 

Given that stargazing is strictly a night-time activity, make sure to consider your health and safety. Take some friends or family with you, bring a torch and ensure you don’t trip over hazards in the dark.