10 Places to see Milky Way in New South Wales (NSW) (2024)
I am a huge fan of the Milky Way. When I see stars, I feel like a small child. The dust in the sky, the shooting stars, and the star trails excite me. I have been lucky to live in Australia, where the Milky Way is visible almost everywhere.
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Page Contents
What is the Milky Way?
The Milky Way is our home, and our solar system resides there. The Milky Way is the galaxy in which we live. Milky Way is derived from a Greek word that translates to milky circle. According to the Greek mythology, the goddess Hera sprayed milk across the sky.
A galaxy is a collection of stars and all the interstellar components, and our galaxy has more than 100 million stars.
It is estimated that the Milky Way contains around 100 to 400 billion stars, a warped disc with gas and dust. Did you know that Milky Way is made up of 90% dark matter (that cannot be seen through our naked eyes) and 10% luminous matter (that can be see through our naked eyes)?
How can we see the Milky Way if we reside in it?
When the photographers or the astronomers say that they see Milky Way, they are addressing the core of the galaxy. This is the brightest part of our galaxy and is very concentrated that it is visible to the naked eye. From Earth, the Milky Way appears in the shape of a disc as the structure is viewed from within.
10 Places to See the Milky Way in NSW
New South Wales (NSW) has a lot of places that are pollution free and have great visibility of the Milky Way. In this post I have listed the 10 Places to see Milky Way in New South Wales (NSW)Â where Milky Way can be spotted quite easily.
1. Warrumbungle National Park
Known as the dream destination for astronomers and star gazers, the Warrumbungle National Park is the darkest place in NSW. Designed as the Dark Sky Park, the national park is a heritage-listed national park in Australia.
The region is famous for mountains that were said to have been created by volcanic activity around 13 to 17 million years ago. It is located near Coonabarabran in the Orana region of NSW. The distance between Warrumbungles and Sydney is about 550 kilometres.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 550 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Warrumbungles Mountain Motel
An interesting fact about the Warrumbungle National Park is that the name ‘Warrumbungle’ is derived from the Kamilaroi language, and the word means ‘crooked mountains’.
2. The Blue Mountains
About 60 kilometres from Sydney, The Blue Mountains offer a great opportunity to capture the Milky Way. The rugged mountain region west of Sydney is known for its dramatic cliffs and scenery.
Katoomba is a major town in the Blue Mountains, one of the closest places from Sydney to spot the Milky Way. Any part of the Blue Mountains at night is a great spot to view the Milky Way, but the best place to view it is at the heritage-registered Linden Observatory.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 60 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
3. Camping Sites in NSW
Australia boasts abundant camping grounds throughout the country, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Some of these remote sites allow you to set up camp beneath the breathtaking expanse of the Milky Way.
In New South Wales (NSW), there are numerous locations where you can immerse yourself in the celestial spectacle of the Milky Way. Certain campgrounds boast minimal light pollution, providing optimal conditions for observing the Milky Way’s splendour.
The Mungo Brush and Diamond Head Campgrounds are exceptional destinations for camping enthusiasts. Having personally experienced both, I can attest that these moments have been etched as cherished memories of my camping adventures.
- Nestled within the Myall Lakes National Park along the north coast of Sydney, the Mungo Brush Campground offers a serene setting approximately 230 kilometres from the bustling city.
- Similarly, the Diamond Head Campground, situated near the beach within Crowdy Bay National Park, is renowned for its popularity among campers and offers an idyllic escape approximately 360 kilometres from Sydney.
Another noteworthy location for admiring the Milky Way is the Cedarvale Camp Ground in Kangaroo Valley, presenting yet another captivating opportunity to marvel at the celestial wonders above.
Mungo Brush National Park
The Mungo Brush campground is about 180 kilometres north of Sydney. It is a popular and well-known camping ground with about 75 camping sites and basic facilities like barbecue tables, non-flush toilets, and picnic tables.
The camping ground is perfect for viewing and camping under the Milky Way. There is absolutely no light pollution. Some picnic tables are in the middle of the ground between the two barbecue areas. This is the perfect place to lie down and watch the beautiful, magical, magnificent Milky Way.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 230 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Mungo Brush Campground
The total cost for one night at one site is AUD 16.40. Bookings can be made online through the NSW National Parks website, which provides up-to-date information on availability and costs.
The campsite also has abundant wildlife. Beware of the goannas and take care of the food. I saw a huge Goanna around my tent and a few Kookaburras around the ground.
If you are camping in your caravan, visit the Caravan Camping website for the best camping equipment solutions.
Diamond Head Camp Ground
The Diamond Head Campground is one of those camping sites where one can see the spectacle called the Milky Way. It is just along the beach, and the sites to pitch the tent are a few metres from the beach.
The camping site has basic facilities such as a barbecue, well-maintained toilets, and showers (no hot water). The cost for one site for three people is AUD 27.75. Bookings can be made using National Parks NSW or the Youcamp website.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 360 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Diamond Head Campground
The campground has zero light pollution and is a great place to see millions of stars and the Milky Way. However, beware of the kangaroos at night as they wander around the camp ground.
4. Glenworth Valley
Nestled in the Central Coast region of NSW, the Glenworth Valley is about 65 kilometres from Sydney. It is the gateway to the Hunter Valley region and is one of the outdoor adventure centres with camping and horse riding options. Campsites have no light pollution, making them perfect for seeing the Milky Way.
The closest train station for Glenworth Valley is Gosford. The distance between Gosford and Glenworth Valley is around 23 kilometres, and one can catch a taxi to Glenworth Valley, which costs about AUD 65 one way.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 65 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
5. Eden
Eden is a coastal town located on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. Famous for its whaling stories and history, the town has very secluded camping grounds where one can easily spot the Milky Way.
About 550 kilometres from Sydney to the south, Eden is one of the farthest places from Sydney. But the beauty this place offers is worth travelling for. Eden is also famous for the light-to-light coastal walk, where one can hike and camp for multiple days.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 550 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Hotel Australasia
6. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
The Sugarloaf Point lighthouse, also known as the Seals Rock lighthouse, is located on Sugarloaf Point in the Seal Rocks region of NSW.
Located about 280 kilometres from Sydney, Sugarloaf Point, part of the Myall Lakes National Park, is an active lighthouse operated by the Australian Maritime Society Authority.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 280 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Cair Paravel at Seal Rocks
7. Bombo Beach, Kiama
Bombo Beach is one of the places to see in Kiama. It is about 120 kilometres from Sydney. It is a 1.2-kilometre-long beach located between Cathedral Rocks and Pheasant Point.
Kiama is easily accessible by train from Sydney. Also, note that the quarry at Bombo Beach is very dangerous, as the waves swirl up very high rapidly, so be extremely careful at this point.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 120 kilometres
Best Stay Option: The Sebel Kiama
8. Turimetta Beach
The closest option is Turimetta Beach, which is just 30 kilometres from Sydney. It is a very small beach of 350 metres and is located between Turimetta and Narrabean Head.
Note that Turimetta Beach is not a patrolled beach, so it is dangerous for swimming. As there are no swimmers and lifeguards, the beach is not crowded and hence can make a perfect spot to see and capture the Milky Way.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 30 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Narrabeen Sands Hotel by Nightcap Plus
9. Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse is located in Palm Beach, about 45 kilometres from Sydney. It is accessible in two ways and requires a steep hike to the top.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 45 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Barrenjoey Beach House
10. Thredbo
About 500 kilometres from Sydney, Thredbo is located in the Kosciuszko National Park. It is part of the Snowy Mountains and is a very famous skiing destination in Australia during the winter season.
In the summer season, the national park offers some breathtaking hiking trails. As there is absolutely no light pollution in the national park, the town of Thredbo makes it best for viewing the Milky Way.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 500 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Thredbo Alpine Hotel
Bonus Location – Lake Lyell
Situated near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains, Lake Lyell is a perfect place to see the Milky Way. It is around 145 kilometres from Sydney (2 hours drive), and the lake is at an elevation of 66 metres.
Quick Information
Distance from Sydney: 145 kilometres
Best Stay Option: Black Gold Motel
PIN for later reference – Places to See Milky Way in New South Wales
Best Time to View the Milky Way
For avid stargazers, winter in New South Wales (NSW), spanning from May to October, offers the prime opportunity to witness the brilliance of the Milky Way against clear night skies. During this period, the air tends to be crisper and devoid of the haze that often obscures celestial views.
To optimise your stargazing experience, keep an eye on the lunar calendar. The new moon phase, characterised by minimal lunar illumination, provides the ideal conditions for observing the Milky Way in all its splendor. With the absence of moonlight, the sky becomes darker, enhancing the visibility of distant stars and the Milky Way’s luminous band.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or an amateur enthusiast, embracing the winter months in NSW presents an unparalleled chance to connect with the cosmos and marvel at the celestial wonders above.
Camera Settings for Capturing the Milky Way
I love clicking the Milky Way and the shots my camera, Canon 7D Mark II DSLR, captures. The pictures of the stars and the Milky Way are stunning. However, there are a few settings to keep in mind while clicking the Milky Way:
- The wide-angle lens provides the best output.
- Lowest f point – ideally f1.4 to f4.
- ISO – 1600 to 3200.
- Shutter speed – about 15 to 20 seconds.
- A tripod is a must to get a clear picture of the Milky Way, and the less the moonlight, the better the picture is.
Ensure to try various settings with the above baseline to get the best results, as the pictures depend on the lighting and the type of camera.
Closing Notes
Australia’s vast expanse offers awe-inspiring skyscapes, with New South Wales (NSW) harbouring some of the most breathtaking stargazing locations. Despite being just a few hundred kilometres from the bustling city, these remote spots provide an unparalleled view of the Milky Way.
Here, minimal light pollution ensures optimal visibility of the Milky Way, offering unforgettable experiences. Whether seeking solitude amidst nature or embarking on a memorable camping adventure, these NSW destinations promise to leave an indelible mark on every stargazer’s soul.
Did you know that Ayers Rock (Uluru) is another spot with zero light pollution and is perfect for stargazing?
Disclaimers:
- The prices mentioned in the post are valid only at the time of publication. Ensure that you check the booking websites for up-to-date information and prices.
- My opinions and views are unbiased. If the post is a collaboration, then they are specifically mentioned.
- Ensure that you check the relevant websites for up-to-date information on COVID protocols.
- For any adventurous activities, please note that there is a risk that can be dangerous. Ensure you read the terms and conditions recommended by individual agencies and do them at your own risk.
- For visas, it is best to see the embassy website for changing rules.
- While using the recommended guides, auto-drivers or taxi drivers, do your due diligence and trust your judgement.
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PIN for later reference – Places to See Milky Way in New South Wales
