Starry Coast to Outback Adventure

Fly into Shark Bay Airport to pick up a hire car or take a two-day drive from Perth along the coast of WA.

Spend three nights in the Shark Bay area. Denham is relaxed, and you’ll find a rich history of maritime navigation by the stars that goes back hundreds of years. The many nature experiences on offer are incredible, from a day trip to Dirk Hartog Island, the dolphins at Monkey Mia, and exploring the UNESCO Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre Museum provides an insight into the history of the region and free 3D film HMAS Sydney II ‘Fire on the Water’.

You won't want to miss the Didgeridoo Dreaming Night Tour offered by Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventure, a remote cultural experience under the stars. Drop into Little Lagoon for a sunset picnic before a night of stargazing. Don't forget the camera, or a telescope if you have one!

Overnight: Denham, Monkey Mia, and/or Dirk Hartog Island.

Image credit: Nick Thake

Explore the outback night sky where the colours will dazzle you with their brilliance. Start with a refreshing stop overnight at Gascoyne Junction. This will get you into the feel good vibe of the red earth. A short stroll from your room, there’s a plane flying low and is a fun setting for some astrophotography. Or choose the short drive for an evening at The Waterhole where the stars are brilliant above.

Overnight: Gascoyne Junction Pub and Tourist Park

Image credit: Astrotourism WA

The choice is yours! If you’re not in camping mode, head to Burringurrah or Mount Augustus. There’s great accommodation and you can easily spend a few days exploring the area during the day and at night. Take a picnic to Yalaweerie Hill Lookout. If there’s a small Moon in the sky, you’ll have fun capturing the beauty of the world’s largest monocline under the Milky Way with a camera.

If you are set up for camping, Mundatharrda or the Kennedy Range National Park is a paradise for photography during the day or at night. Allow yourself to feel lost amongst the thousands of stars at Temple Gorge.

Overnight: Mount Augustus Tourist Park or camping in Kennedy Ranges with a last night at Gascoyne Junction before travelling to Carnarvon.

Image credit: Virat Shah

You’ll need a few nights in Carnarvon to soak up the atmosphere. Discover space history at the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, the Aboriginal night sky at Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre or on tour with Wooramulla Eco Cultural Journeys, and try your hand at some astrophotography at the stunning Quobba Lighthouse. Gourmet food, culture and heritage await you in this vibrant town.

Just south of Carnarvon, Wooramel River Retreat provides the perfect accommodation to enjoy an authentic station stay experience while becoming absorbed by the night sky. By day, enjoy their hot artesian baths and onsite cafe, and by night, relax under the stars.

Overnight: There’s a great variety of accommodation providers in and around Carnarvon. Needing some extra assistance? Visit the Carnarvon Visitor Centre for more information on the accommodation available once in town.

Image credit: Astrotourism WA

Head north along the wondrous Ningaloo coastline to Coral Bay and Exmouth. Spend a couple of nights immersed in the World Heritage-listed region, joining guided tours and visiting incredible stargazing hotspots.

From Exmouth, discover the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park with Trek Ningaloo or experience the night sky like never before with Ningaloo Stars.

Just outside Exmouth, enjoy a memorable overnight stay at Bullara Station or Warroora Station - both offering unique accommodation and camping experiences under the stars.

Near Coral Bay, don’t miss a cultural tour with Baiyungu Dreaming at Cardabia Station, where storytelling and connection to Country bring the landscape to life.

The stars in the Gascoyne are truly mesmerising - guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable, sky-filled memories.