There’s something distinctly, and deliciously, primal about sleeping out under the stars. Perhaps it’s the epiphanic moments of realisation that we are just so tiny in comparison to the cosmos. Or maybe it’s simply the unique sensation of waking up with birdsong and not your alarm clock.
Esoteric, existential musings aside, Australia is renowned for its soul-stirring and stunning landscapes – the scorched, blood-red plains of the Red Centre contrasted by a deep azure lapping at a windswept and sun drenched coastline is the stuff of a traveller’s dreams – and the night skies are no exception.
From sleeping in a swag in the outback, below a deep purple night sky bright with phosphorescent dots, to snoozing with a view to constellations above the Great Barrier Reef, here are five great options for catching some Zs by starlight.
Nightfall, Lamington National Park, Queensland
Falling asleep ‘neath the night sky is already special enough but Nightfall takes the experience up a prehistoric notch or two. In the heart of the last remaining portion of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest, Nightfall is all for luxurious appreciation of nature. The hidden-away campground is perched on the edge of a creek, surrounded by lush jungle and the peaceful calm of a millennia of biological evolution.
Each permanent tent-like structure is glamped-out to the max and to experience the full star view, all you need to do is roll the soft canvas walls back. Gourmet organic nosh is provided, as is an open bar, and there’s a selection of spa treatments to select from – like a relaxing rubdown next to the creek or in the rainforest.
The Fortress, Grampians, Victoria
With its bulbous sandstone ramparts rising from the Victorian heath, the aptly named The Fortress is the first stop off on a three-day, 30+ kilometre tramp through the wilderness. Only a short (two hours) trek from Harrop Track carpark to The Fortress’ open air campground, once there, lay out your mat or swag under the massive overhanging rock wall.
A word of caution: this is serious Picnic at Hanging Rock territory. The landscape is beautiful, a bit haunting and with the omnipresent risk inherent in the Australian bush of getting so lost, you’ll never be found again.
Pelorus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Pelorus Island is a fairly underrated destination as far as islands of the Great Barrier Reef go, which is exactly why it’s perfect for a Robinson Crusoe-style sleepout. The surrounding waters are populated by the fishy residents of of this region, darting among the pristine fringing reef putting on a colourful undersea show.
When night falls nab a spot on the beach – with a swag and nothing but the sound of the waves gently lapping the shore – to kick back and let the sky do its thing. Access to the island is either by tour or private boat, and there are no facilities so make sure you’re prepped for life in the wild.
Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory
If you want starry sky views sans the urban glare, then Ormiston Gorge is your jam. The gorge, and its perennial watering hole, are a popular pitstop with Larapinta Trail walkers but the nocturnal show is a downright treat for stargazers. Pick out constellations, shooting stars and all manner of astral attractions from your spot in the small campground.
The Warrumbungles, Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales
The Warrumbungles, a collection of volcanic humps undulating across the horizon, is the only dark sky park in Australia, a status it has thanks to its neighbour Siding Springs Observatory. Which is to say that it’s virtually unbeatable for stargazing. It’s one of only 12 places in the world where the ‘full array of visible sky phenomena’ can be seen complete with auroras, zodiacal light, the Milky Way and faint meteors, according to the International Dark-sky Association. Spring is the best time to hit The Warrumbungles up, thanks to blooming native flowers and more temperate climates.
DESTA CULLEN IS A WRITER AND EDITOR BASED IN BRISBANE. SHE LOVES A GOOD GLASS OF ROSÉ AND OVERUSES THE PINEAPPLE EMOJI. HER WORK HAS APPEARED IN AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER, ON TOURISM AND EVENT’S HELLO SUNSHINE BLOG, THE COLLECTIVE BLOG BY TOPDECK TRAVEL, THE URBAN LIST, IN PEPPERMINT MAGAZINE, AND IN QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE’S MAGAZINE STORY, AMONG OTHERS. FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM @THENEONTROPIC
Want to take your starry-night escape up a notch? Be sure to read, Australia: 5 Beautiful Places To Get Your Glamp On. But if you want to get super remote, here’s why you need to visit Dirk Hartog Island in Western Australia at least once in your life.
