City Lights Stargazing Trail
Escape the city lights and discover the best stargazing spots near Perth, with adventures along the way - from charming country towns and telescope views to wine tasting and more. Read on for itinerary details and view the map to start your journey.
Day 1: Kalamunda
Head out to the Perth Hills to explore the charming town of Kalamunda. Stroll the Kalamunda ArtWalk and browse the Zig Zag Gallery for local creativity, then step back in time at the Kalamunda History Village. Families will love the whimsical Find A Fairy Kalamunda Trail, while nature seekers can stretch their legs in Mundy Regional Park.
In the afternoon, continue into the scenic Bickley Valley for cider tastings and a delicious lunch at Core Cider, surrounded by orchards and rolling hills. Check in to Rosebridge House Bed & Breakfast, a charming 1920s purpose-built retreat featuring elegant guest suites styled in a bygone era, and renowned for its complimentary daily gourmet breakfasts made with the freshest local produce.
Spend the evening at the Perth Observatory, where you'll can enjoy a guided tour of the Southern Hemisphere's night sky with powerful telescopes and expert volunteers, revealing star clusters, nebulas, planets and more. Explore the museum’s meteorites, historic instruments, astrophotography and artwork – including the rare Atlas Coelestis (1729), the world's first printed star atlas. On the return to your accommodation, stop at Lions Lookout for a spectacular view of the Perth city lights.
Day 2: Northam
After a leisurely breakfast, set a course for the rolling hills of the Avon Valley and historic town of Northam. Enjoy the journey through undulating farm land before arriving at the Northam Visitor Centre to pick up local maps and information. Right next door is the must-see Bilya Koort Boodja Centre where you'll discover the Six Nyoongar Aboriginal Seasons. Spend the afternoon exploring Northam’s heritage, from Morby Cottage to the town’s striking silo art. The nearby Northam Heritage Centre adds further depth to the region's story, before you check in to your accommodation.
In the evening, follow scenic Katrine Road to the evocative ruins of Glenfield Homestead - one of Northam's official Astrotourism Towns Trail sites and a favourite location for astrophotographers. The stone ruins create a dramatic silhouette against the night sky - local WA astrophotographer Ben Brown famously captured the Milky Way rising above the walls here in May 2020. The drive itself is full of history and viewpoints, offering multiple scenes to photograph in a single night. A safe pull-over bay sits just 14 kilometres west of Northam, providing a clear south-west outlook ideal for capturing the Milky Way. Please note there is no entry into the ruins as they are on private property, but stunning images can be taken from the roadside bay.
Day 3: York
Return to Perth, or extend your journey with a short drive south to York, Western Australia's oldest inland town. Stroll along Avon Terrace to admire the beautifully preserved heritage streetscape, before stepping inside some of York's cultural icons. Visit the York Town Hall, the York Residency Museum, and the York Courthouse Complex, which brings to life the colonial history of the region, and car enthusiasts will enjoy the York Motor Museum, one of the state's most significant collections of classic and vintage vehicles.
As evening falls, head up to Mount Brown Lookout for sweeping valley views that transform into one of York's best stargazing and astrophotography sites under dark skies. For an overnight stay, York offers a variety of options, from boutique town-centre stays to rural retreats where you can enjoy the night sky right at your doorstep. Lavendale Country Retreat, Hope Farm Guesthouse, and York Cottages & Burnley House sit just outside the town centre, providing darker skies and a peaceful country setting perfect for stargazing.
