Stargazing in 2025: The Best Night Sky Events Visible from Perth

There’s nothing quite like gazing up at a star-studded sky — especially when you're in Western Australia, home to some of the clearest, darkest skies on Earth.

Whether you're chasing meteor showers, hoping to spot the Milky Way, or looking to experience a night under the stars, WA is full of spectacular stargazing spots. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of stargazing in 2025.

Top Stargazing Events in 2025

Mark your calendars! We've rounded up the major celestial events visible from WA this year:

Perseid Meteor Shower – Peaks 12th – 13th August

• The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July to late August, peaking on the night of August 12 and early morning of August 13. While more prominent in the Northern Hemisphere, stargazers in Australia may still catch some meteors, especially from dark sky locations.

Total Lunar Eclipse – 7th September

• A total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7, 2025, and will be visible from Perth in the early evening. During totality, the Moon may take on a reddish hue, often referred to as a "Blood Moon." 

Saturn - Peaks 21st September

• For the best view of Saturn, be sure to take a look on the 21st September. That's when Saturn is at “opposition,” meaning it's closest to Earth for the year.

Orionids Meteor Shower - Peaks 21st - 22nd October

• The second meteor shower created by Halley's Comet, the Orionids produce around 20 meteors per hour at peak and are visible in both the southern and northern hemispheres. 

Supermoon Events – 5th November and 5th December

• In 2025, two supermoons will light up the skies, appearing larger and brighter than usual. 

Milky Way Season – March to October

• The core of the Milky Way is best visible in Australia from late February to late October. During these months, stargazers can enjoy clear views of our galaxy's dense star fields far away from the bright city lights.

Where to Go Stargazing Near Perth

You don’t need to travel far to experience incredible night skies—just a little distance from city lights makes a huge difference.

1. Astrotourism Towns, WA-wide

Astrotourism WA has compiled a list of Astrotourism Towns where you can find country town hotspots for stargazing across WA, including Astrophotography hotspots.

2. The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park

With its surreal limestone pillars and near-zero light pollution, the Pinnacles is one of WA’s most iconic stargazing spots. Visit at sunset and stay into the night to see the stars rise over the landscape. For a fun sightseeing experience, Australian Pinnacle Tours offers Stargazing Tours to view the night sky far from light pollution.

3. Lake Leschenaultia, Chidlow

For a popular dark sky location just 45 minutes from Perth, Lake Leschenaultia is a tranquil spot in the Perth Hills and a local favourite for a starlit picnic or photography session.

4. Gingin Observatory

Home to the Gravity Discovery Centre, this is one of the best places for guided stargazing tours and astronomy talks. Book a night tour for an up-close look through their high-powered telescopes.

5. Mount Cooke

One of the highest points on the Darling Scarp, and aptly named after Western Australia's first Government Astronomer, William Ernest Cooke. Book a stargazing tour with Off The Beaten Track WA for a professionally guided nature-and-stars experience to share with a group.

Stargazing Tips

• Check the moon phase: New moon nights are best for seeing stars—less light means better visibility.

• Bring warm clothes: Even in warmer months, it can get chilly at night in the hills and outback.

• Stay safe: If heading off the beaten path, let someone know your plans and bring a torch or headlamp. Alternatively, follow a guided tour if you're inexperienced.

• Camera ready: For astrophotography, bring a tripod and shoot in long exposure for the best Milky Way snaps.

Make a Night of It

Turn your stargazing outing into a weekend adventure. Stay in a unique cabin, B&B, or bush lodge near your chosen location. You’ll find plenty of dreamy stays just an hour or two from Perth.