Astrotourism WA Wongan Hills Dark Sky Stargazing Night

With sparkling night skies and low levels of artificial light in the town, Wongan Hills is an excellent destination for stargazing. With a variety of surrounding landscapes such as the expansive Lake Ninan, it truly is an astrophotographer’s dream. Learn about the Total Solar Eclipse, discover why Western Australia is a world-class dark sky tourism destination and find out all about WA’s amazing space science projects. View through telescopes and be amazed at a spectacular green laser pointer tour of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

This Eclipse Discovery Tour event is made possible by funding from Tourism WA, CSIRO, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Scitech and Curtin University. The event is also supported by Astrotourism WA and 18 regional Local Governments. The Eclipse Discovery Tour is a series of stargazing events around Western Australia, your world-class dark sky tourism destination and space science epicentre!

Astrotourism WA Denham Dark Sky Stargazing Night

It’s the ocean and marine activities by day and the stars by night in and around the delightful town of Denham. Not only does Shark Bay’s rich maritime history of navigation by the stars await, but this stunning area is also home to the world-famous Monkey Mia resort and dolphin interaction. Learn about the Total Solar Eclipse, discover why Western Australia is a world-class dark sky tourism destination and find out all about WA’s amazing space science projects. View through telescopes and be amazed at a spectacular green laser pointer tour of Southern Hemisphere constellations. This Eclipse Discovery Tour event is made possible by funding from Tourism WA, CSIRO, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Scitech and Curtin University.

This Eclipse Discovery Tour event is made possible by funding from Tourism WA, CSIRO, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Scitech and Curtin University. The event is also supported by Astrotourism WA and 18 regional Local Governments. The Eclipse Discovery Tour is a series of stargazing events around Western Australia, your world-class dark sky tourism destination and space science epicentre!

Cultural Walk Tours

Join us for a daily cultural walk tour at Gwoonwardu Mia! Explore the rich Aboriginal history and culture of the Gascoyne. See traditional artifacts and learn about the local customs and traditions. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the land and its people. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind cultural experience!

Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Daily Burlganjya Wanggaya Old People Talking – Listen, Learn and Respect Tours

Join us on a unique tour experience in Gwoonwardu Mia, where you’ll listen to the fascinating stories within the Burlganjya Wanggaya – Old People Talking permanent exhibition. Immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage, learn from their wisdom and respect their traditions. Get ready to be captivated by their tales and be inspired by their resilience and strength.

Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Aboriginal Night Sky Stories

The Aboriginal Dark Sky Stories evenings at Gwoonwardu Mia promises to be a mesmerizing and captivating experience. Against the backdrop of the stunning night sky, visitors will be transported to a world of ancient tales and legends, as the indigenous guides share their rich cultural heritage through the power of storytelling. As the stars twinkle above, the stories come to life, painting a vivid picture of the significance of the night sky in the lives of the Aboriginal people. These unique and unforgettable evenings offer a rare opportunity to connect with the rich traditions of the past, while also experiencing the beauty of the night sky in a truly immersive way. Join us at Gwoonwardu Mia for a night under the stars like no other!

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Aboriginal Art Workshops

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s indigenous people through our engaging and interactive aboriginal art workshops at Gwoonwardu Mia. Experience the beauty and spiritual significance of traditional painting, storytelling, and cultural activities. Learn from local artists, connect with nature, and leave with a unique artwork that celebrates your journey. Join us now and immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Gwoonwardu Mia.

Workshop Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Ancient Land Under Brilliant Skies

Located in the heart of Wajarri country, The Ancient Land Under Brilliant Skies Festival is coming to the Murchison Settlement this April. Learn from CSIRO about the world’s largest radio telescope the SKA, join a virtual reality experience with ‘Beyond The Milky Way’, learn how to cook in a camp oven or take a scenic helicopter flight. Wander the local market stalls of artisan-made goods. Participate in a bushtucker talk and admire indigenous artworks. Circus acts, face painting, costume making and more will enthral the children. Sit amongst the oasis of Murchison and enjoy good food supplied by local caters and enthusiasts. In the evening, relax with fantastic performances or participate in a stellar stargazing event, including three spectacular green laser pointer tours of Southern Hemisphere constellations.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Premier Screening of Avatar – The Way of the Water

It is time to walk the red carpet at the highly anticipated adult-only screening of the new release of the Avatar as part of the Solar Eclipse festivities in Carnarvon! Join us for a night of glamour, excitement and a breathtaking visual experience at the Camel Lane Cinema. This exclusive event is designed for adults only and will feature a red-carpet arrival, where you can mix and mingle with fellow movie enthusiasts. As you make your way into the Cinema, enjoy a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail, and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the night. The screening of the new release of Avatar will be presented in stunning 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos sound, making you feel as if you are actually in Pandora.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Beyond the Milky Way

Experience one of the greatest international scientific endeavours in history as you step onto Australia’s future site of the incredible Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescopes in an immersive 360-degree virtual reality cinema experience. Narrated by physicist Professor Brian Cox, travel to the radio-quiet Western Australian outback to explore where one of the world’s largest radio telescopes will be capturing the corners of the universe and breaking new ground in astronomical research.Dates:

Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

KidsFest

Come and join us for a fun-filled day at the Kids Fest as part of the Solar Eclipse festivities in Carnarvon! With hands-on activities and exciting performances, there is something for everyone. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in fun science experiments and make their own pinhole cameras, plus live music, entertainment, food and so much more. Come and join us for a day of fun, learning, and discovery!

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Last Reviewed: 2023-04-05