Starstruck Stays in Central NSW
Reconnect with nature beneath Central NSW’s famously dark skies. From luxe stargazing domes and off-grid farm huts to iconic observatories and night-sky attractions, these starstruck stays promise solitude, sunrises and unforgettable nights under the stars.
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
