The best new accommodation experiences for solitude, stars and sunrises…
Discover the awe and wonder of Central NSW’s star-studded skies at unique new accommodation and attractions across Bathurst, Orange, Forbes and Parkes.
From stargazing domes and glass-walled farm huts to outdoor hot tubs, the region offers the perfect escape to reconnect with nature on a short break.
Central NSW is one of the premier stargazing destinations in New South Wales, featuring exceptional dark-sky accommodation, attractions and experiences. With minimal cloud cover and light pollution compared to coastal and city areas, the region provides unparalleled celestial viewing.
Starstruck Stays:
- Starscape Australia – Nestled on 100 acres of pristine wilderness near Bathurst, the recently opened Starscape Australia offers an adults-only front-row seat to the cosmos. This self-contained retreat features a transparent StarDome, outdoor bath, indoor fireplace, dedicated wellness room and panoramic views of the Abercrombie River near Trunkey Creek village. Combining luxurious comfort with cosmic wonder, rates start at $690 per night with a two-night minimum stay. www.starscapeaustralia.com
- Wilga Station’s Farmers Hut -Couples at this luxury farm stay will enjoy floor-to-ceiling night sky views from their bed, or venture outdoors for a hot soak in a beautifully handcrafted cattle trough bath made from recycled timber. Fold out the table, pour a glass of bubbles, and watch sheep graze by-with the occasional comet overhead. Completely off-grid and perched atop a hill, the hut delivers breathtaking valley views at sunset and sunrise. From $425 per night. www.wilgastation.com.au
- Top Paddock Silo Stay – For magnificent stargazing from your own jacuzzi, this unique retreat sits on an Angus beef cattle farm 25 minutes from Forbes. Constructed from two original grain silos, the three-bedroom accommodation offers peaceful isolation with uninterrupted views of the night sky. Surrounded by cows, horses, goats and native wildlife, with farm-fresh eggs, local sourdough bread and luxury touches included. From $340 per night. www.toppaddocksilostay.com.au
Best Stargazing Attractions:
Astrophotography Locations – Historic buildings and iconic attractions provide stunning foregrounds for night sky photography: Grenfell’s Commodities Silos, historic Iandra Castle and Weddin Mountains views; Bathurst’s Abercrombie House; Cowra War Cemetery; the striking AMAZING Forbes sign; Condobolin’s Utes in the Paddock art installation; and the awe-inspiring Kanangra Walls in Oberon’s Kanangra Boyd National Park.
‘The Dish’ CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and Discovery Centre, Parkes – One of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest radio telescopes at 64 metres in diameter, featuring interactive displays, an astronomy resource centre and 3D theatre with awe-inspiring journeys across the Universe. Perfect for daytime learning and night-time astrophotography. www.visitparkes.com.au/attractions/the-dish/
Bathurst Observatory Tours – Experience open night star tours on Fridays and Saturdays for live views of planets and our solar system. www.bathurstobservatory.com.au
