Viewing locations
Come to Carnarvon and experience the REAL Dark Skies!
The Shire of Carnarvon is perfectly situated for cosmic activities of Dark Sky Tourism, stargazing and astrophotography.
Dr John Goldsmith renown astrophotographer and co-author of ‘Visions of the Cosmos - Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia’, stated that the Gascoyne region is one of the best locations in Western Australia for Dark Sky activities due to the absence of light pollution in the night sky. Visions of the Cosmos was launched at the Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery on the 14th April 2023, in the lead up to the Total Solar Eclipse event.
The Gascoyne region hosted hoards of photographers and stargazers in April 2023 to witness the Total Solar Eclipse with its site of totality at Pebble Beach in Exmouth. Carnarvon witnessed a 97% covering of the sun. No darkness however, it was still thrilling, and the community was a buzz with excitement.
You will be spoilt for choice in the Shire of Carnarvon for a spectacular, light pollution free location to enjoy your stargazing and astrophotographic activities. This region is known for it's clear skies for 95% of the year.
DARK SKY vIEWING hot spots
QUOBBA LIGHTHOUSE
Quobba is 75kms north of Carnarvon. A glorious location known for the famous Quobba Blowholes, natural aquarium, imposing “King Waves Kill” sign and the wide expanse of a bejewelled ink black sky.
Quobba is a nature camping area. When camping you will need to be fully self-sufficient with water and ablutions.
Quobba Lighthouse is a terrific feature for a nightscape image. Access is available from Blowholes Road and may be accessible by two-wheel drive. Looking up to the Milky Way is mesmerising! The imposing structure seems to reach up and touch the stars!
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DWYERS LEAP
Nestled behind the dunes at the end of Silvercity Road you will find yourself at the mouth of the mighty Gascoyne River. This is a playground for anglers as well as one of natures best fishermen, our local pelican population.
The red dirt and wooden gates that stand out into the water of the river mouth along its banks give a mystical feel to the location. None better at night when you can get an amazing east to west panoramic night sky shot.
A favourite location for moon photographers and dark sky photographers. You will be treated to an extremely low light polluted sky to get the most of your efforts.
Head down Babbage Island Road and turn right where the road turns left. You will be glad you did.
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THE OTC DISH - OTC SATELLITE EARTH TRACKING STATION
Visible for miles in every direction the historic OTC Dish would have to be the ultimate feature in a night sky photograph.
The OTC Satellite Earth Tracking Station is famous for the station’s role in the 1969 moon landing. The dish is also famous for the dark sky photo taken with the dish that is featured at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum.
There’s one important thing you will need to do to get an epic shot. Ask the team at the Museum if they could turn off the lights that illuminate the dish. They will be more than happy to do so, giving you the best conditions to take an image at night.
Need something to do while you wait for nightfall? Take a stroll through the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. Allow a couple of hours. You will be glad you did!
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CARDABIA STATION
Staying at Coral Bay? Join a tour with Baiyungu Dreaming and connect with the Aboriginal night sky and culture. Connecting with a Baiyungu Dreaming tour you will be yarning by the campfire, experiencing mind-blowing history from the land’s traditional owners.
Cardabia Station is on Baiyungu Country just 5 minutes from the Coral Bay township.
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HANDY LINKS
Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum
Astrotourism WA - Stargazing in Western Australia
Astrophotography Western Australia
Visions of the Cosmos
Wooramulla Cultural Tours
Baiyungu Dreaming Cultural Tours
The Astronomical Society of Western Australia (Inc.)
Acknowledgement
The Shire of Carnarvon's dark sky tourism initiatives are supported by the Gascoyne Development Commission as part of the Gascoyne Dark Sky Tourism Support Project.