Stargazing

Stargazing and astronomy adventures await in Perth. Travel from city lights to starlight, and along the way discover charming country towns, local produce and adventure experiences. The stars are not far away! With the charm of the countryside and some terrific night time experiences, you'll soon be mesmerised. Take a trip to some of Perth's stargazing hotspots including, the Chittering, the Perth Hills (where you'll find the Perth Observatory), the Avon Valley and Moore River (home to the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory).

2026 Perth Stargazing Calendar

Western Australia’s night sky will shine in 2026. Thanks to low light pollution, stargazing here is truly world-class, revealing breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Created with Astrotourism WA, this seasonal guide highlights the must-see celestial events and the best places to experience them.

Summer

Go Galaxy Hunting

When: December - February 2026
Where: Lake Clifton, Yalgorup National Park

Imagine seeing another galaxy with your own eyes! In the southern hemisphere, you can! The Magellanic Clouds are our Milky Way Galaxy neighbours and can be seen with the naked eye without a telescope or binoculars. All you need is a dark sky location with no moonlight.

Planet Bucket List

When: 19 February 2026
Where: Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe

If you've dreamed of ticking multiple planets off your bucket list in the one night - don't miss this on 19th February! The Sun will have only just set, but you should still be able to catch a glimpse of Venus and Mercury very low on the western horizon before they disappear from view. As the sky darkens, Saturn and Jupiter will be visible to the naked eye. To see Neptune and Uranus, you’ll need a pair of high magnification binoculars or a medium sized telescope.

Autumn

Total Eclipse of the Moon

When: 3 March 2026
Where: Kings Park, Perth

This impressive sight will be an early evening delight on 3 March. Watch as the Earth's shadow crosses the surface of the Moon and turns it a stunning coppery/red colour. At moon rise (6.43pm AWST), observers will see the partial eclipse underway. The Total Lunar Eclipse starts at 7.04pm (AWST) and ends at 8.02pm (AWST).

Planet Parade on Anzac Day Dawn

When: 25 April 2026
Where: Kings Park, Perth

Dawn on Anzac Day this year is extra special. If you regularly attend dawn services, you'll know that the view of the stars and planets change from year to year. This year, there are three naked-eye planets visible in a celestial line up – Saturn, Mars and Mercury. The view will add to the poignancy of this very special morning.

Dance of the Planets

When: Mid-May - June 2026
Where: Perth Hills

From mid May and into the month of June, stargazers are in for stunning evening night sky views! It’s the best stargazing all year! The planets of Venus, Jupiter and Mercury will put on a show that will change every night. It’s the motion of our Solar System in action! How do I see it?

Winter

Finding the Emu in the Night Sky

When: June - August 2026
Where: St Saviour's Anglican Church, Northam

The Southern Cross is Australia’s most iconic constellation. It's on the flag and in our hearts! Did you know it can only be seen from the Southern Hemisphere? Track it over time as it graces the southern skies. It's also the best time to see one of the best-known Aboriginal constellations, the Emu in the Sky.

It's Milky Way Season

When: June - August 2026
Where: Bakers Hill Recreation Oval, Bakers Hill

Milky Way Season is in full swing! If you’ve never seen the Milky Way on a moonless night August is perfect time to experience it. Sometimes this thick band of stars look so close, you could almost reach out and touch them. The Milky Way is simply stunning and is sought after by astrophotographers near and far.

Jupiter & Mercury Pair Up

When: 15 August 2026
Where: Mount Ommanney Lookout, Northam

In the early morning of 15 August, stargazers are treated to a close approach of the planets Jupiter and Mercury in the pre-dawn sky. The proximity to sunrise will make it difficult and a straight view to the eastern horizon will be essential.

Spring

Venus

When: 23 September & 28 November 2026
Where: Lions Lookout, Lesmurdie

In Spring, if you're asking yourself "What is that bright star I can see in the evening?", wonder no more. It's not a star at all, it's our neighbouring planet, Venus and it will make a striking sight on the western horizon. On 23 September and 28 November, Venus is at what is known as "greatest brilliance" and is the brightest it gets for the year.

Mercury Meets Venus

When: 12 October 2026
Where: Scarborough Beach

On 12 October, Mercury and Venus are the "stars" of the show! The pair of naked-eye planets appear on either side of a thin crescent Moon after sunset. Mercury is the planet above the Moon and Venus is below. If you turn around to look at the eastern horizon, see if you can work out which star-like object is Saturn!

Supermoon Time

When: September to November 2026
Where: Kings Park, Perth

You've probably heard about 'supermoons', but what are they? In the strictest sense, supermoon isn't an astronomy term. The Moon's orbit around Earth is slightly oval shaped or elliptical and every month there's a time when the Moon is at its closest distance to Earth (at perigee). If the Moon is full at this time, it's called a supermoon.

Stargazing Tours & Experiences

Visit an observatory, join a stargazing tour, or get in touch with local stargazing groups to start your stargazing adventure in Perth. Or check out our blog about where to stargaze in Perth.

Perth's Stargazing Hotspots

When you want to see the Milky Way in all its brilliance, the stars will be at our fingertips just an hour or so from the city. Try your hand at astrophotography or take a pair of binoculars to take a closer look at the stars.