Perth Stargazing Trails
Discover the best places to see the stars close to Perth.
Travel from city lights to starlight! On the way there will be adventures of all kinds. From charming country towns to stargazing through telescopes to wine tasting and more.
City Lights Star Lights
Night 1: Perth to Bickley (30 kilometres/35 minutes)
Head out to the Perth Hills to explore the stunning Darling Range. Stroll through local art galleries, browse the many arts and craft stores, or sample unique wine and cider along the Bickley Valley Wine Trail. Choose a lovely place to stay overnight and make sure you've booked into an evening entertainment at Perth Observatory, one of WA's oldest tourist attractions. End the evening with a spectacular view of the Perth City lights from Lions Lookout.
Overnight: Perth Hills
Night 2: Bickley to Northam (85 kilometres/1 hour)
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 for Nyoongar Culture & Environmental Knowledge where you'll discover the Six Nyoongar Aboriginal Seasons. Northam is on the Astrotourism Towns Trail and offers dedicated astronomy sites such as the ruins of Glenfield Homestead for great astrophotography. The return to Perth the next day is only 100kms.
Overnight: Northam
Country to Coast Starlight Circuit
Night 1: Perth to Bindoon (75 kilometres/1 hour)
Travel the scenic tourist drive up into delightful Chittering. You might stop at The Orchard Perth, Stringybark Winery or walk the trails at Peace Be Still or Djidi-Djidi Ridge. Arriving in the charming town of Bindoon, you'll find the Chittering Visitor Centre and fresh seasonal produce along the Chittering Food and Wine Trails, at the Locavore Store and the very popular Bindoon Bakehaus for great food, coffee and cake.
Nights are spectacular at nearby Spoonbill Lake where your camera can capture the reflection of the stars in the water. "Astrotourists" are also welcomed at the historic Brockman Centre where you can set up your telescope to enjoy a fun night under the stars.
Overnight: Chittering
Night 2: Bindoon to Guilderton via Gingin (70 kilometres/50 minutes)
After a bakery breakfast, head west to one of WA's oldest towns, Gingin. Enjoy the historic buildings, the meandering Gingin Brook and historic water wheel. Enjoy morning tea before you head off into the Universe! If you're into space science, take a tour of the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory, on your way to Guilderton. At night, make sure you have a tour booked at the observatory. The roof slides off to reveal a star-studded sky! Choose to stay nearby in countryside Gingin or wake up where the Moore River meets the ocean at Guilderton. The return to Perth the next day is less than 100kms.
Overnight: Moore River and Gingin
After a space filled weekend away, you'll feel energised, inspired and invigorated. You'll have expanded your mind, enriched your soul and travelled well off the beaten track to other galaxies beyond the Milky Way! For additional information about the locations on Perth's Stargazing Trails, check out the following useful link www.astrotourismwa.com.au.
Driving times and distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken.
