For a long time now, Perth has been known as the City of Light after John Glenn said he could see all of the light projecting out of the city from space. However, when you wander only a little bit out of the city and towards the darker skies, you can see the entire night sky in all of its glory. If you’re an eager stargazer or simply want to experience the night sky for the first time, we have compiled the best places to go stargazing in Perth.

This mystical experience has long entertained and enlightened people. On a clear night, you can see so much of the night sky and all it has to offer. At the places listed below, you can gaze at galaxies and let your mind explore all of the mysteries of the universe.

Just bring a blanket, snacks and drinks, and head off to one of the destinations around Perth listed below. Let’s take a look!

Where to Stargaze in Perth, Western Australia

Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory

Gingin

If you’re feeling up to driving a bit further out of Perth, the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is one of the best ways to view the night sky. Better yet, this Gingin observatory also has a retracting roof for you to have the best experience possible. You can also view the night sky through state of the art telescopes.

From the CBD, you can expect to drive for around an hour north of Perth to get to your destination. This excellent educational centre also offers weekend workshops that allow visitors to learn about constellations and the history of Aboriginal astronomy. First Nations people are actually the oldest astronomers in the world.

For a long time now, they have successfully used the night sky to predict seasons, explain eclipses and tidal patterns, and note weather patterns. They have then passed this knowledge along via Dreamtime Stories. These stories have allowed people to further understand the correlation between the night sky and our weather patterns and seasons.

Aboriginal Astronomy Sessions are offered here where visitors can learn about aboriginal dream time stories and other informative things. If you want to learn about aboriginal astronomy and hear real stories, this is the place to do it. Far from the bright city lights, this spot is one of the best locations around.

Mundaring Weir

Perth Hills

This great spot is absolutely perfect on a dark night as it is far enough away from the city that you don’t have to deal with any light pollution, but it is still close enough that you don’t have to spend too long sitting in a car. The Perth Hills are very popular for photographers, astronomers, and stargazers alike. As one of Perth’s favourite spots to gaze at the beautiful night skies, it is often said to be the place to watch from when it is Milky Way season.

if you want to see the Milky Way, this is the place to be. With a long and interesting history, the Mundaring Weir is a great sightseeing destination in the Southern Hemisphere. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the night sky from multiple places here.

The Pinnacles

Nambung Desert

Many people make the mistake of only visiting this popular tourist attraction during the day. However, it is at night-time that it truly comes alive. The Pinnacles at night has often been described as a magical and enchanting wonderland.

The beautiful limestone crags and rippled sand tend to create the most perfect landscape for photography and a beautiful view. Only 10 minutes from Cervantes and a two hour drive from Perth, this spot is everything when it comes to finding the perfect stargazing spot.

Perth Observatory

Bickley

The internet and our phones are full of information these days about stargazing. Though, nothing is more fulfilling than a truly authentic experience. When you head to this Observatory in Bickley, you can learn about stargazing from true experts who are familiar with this art form.

Established in 1896 in Kings Park, this observatory existed there for a while before heading to the hills in the 60s due to the light pollution resulting from the city lights that was ever-growing. These days, the observatory has retired from any official research and is used as an educational site to allow all visitors to learn about the big sky above us.

It is the oldest observatory in WA and offers night visits for incredible stargazing experiences. Public night visits are offered at the great price of $50 for adults, $35 for concession, and $25 for children over five years of age. This observatory is a great way to learn about the sky above us.

Image credit: Roger Groom

Serpentine Dam

Serpentine

While this is a slightly less popular place for stargazing, it is very convenient for those who want to experience the dark sky south of the river. This calm destination is perfect for when you want to view the glorious dark night skies. On clear nights, you can even see the Milky Way!

Make sure you check out the area before you go as the boom gates close at roughly 5-6 pm and any after-dark parking there is super limited. You can check out Blue Rock which is just up the road if you can’t find a spot at Serpentine Dam. Just beware of the rules to follow as this is in a National Park.

Cervantes Dunes and Lake Thetis

Cervantes

Checking out the Cervantes dunes and Lake Thetis is very much recommended when you’re up that way. These dunes are said to be even more popular for stargazing than the Lancelin dunes. Both of these sites offer clear skies away from light pollution. Astrophotography is very popular here due to the aesthetic nature of the destination.

It is certainly a beautiful place in the universe.

SciTech Planetarium

Perth

When writing a blog about stargazing, you can never forget about SciTech. It is the perfect spot to spend the day stargazing. If you don’t want to travel too far or don’t want to be driving at night, you can head to the SciTech Planetarium to learn more about the stars you can view.

You can also check out the range of events and interesting exhibits throughout the planetarium. It is a great place for visitors to experience scene and astronomy as a whole at all times of the year.

Lake Clifton

Preston

Lake Clifton’s Boardwalk is a stunning walkway that extends over the rocky reef. On this wooden boardwalk, you are suspended above the thrombolites below that are almost older than time itself. With the moon above them, you will have the perfect viewing landscape when you head to this spot.

Better yet, you can view the gorgeous Milk Way above when you head there on a clear night.

Island Point Reserve

Herron

When you stargaze near or around water, there is no denying that the experience becomes a little more magical. When you head to Island Point Reserve, you can enjoy the way the night sky reflects off the clear waters to create an unimaginable ambience. While there are city lights in the distance, they almost enhance the stunning landscape.

Sit down and relax as you watch the night sky come alive and stretch out above you.

Lancelin Sand Dunes

Lancelin

When you stargaze on the Lancelin Sand Dunes, you will feel like such a small thing in this big wide universe. A night-time stroll here is such a magical experience when the night sky illuminates above you. With a picnic blanket in hand and some good company, you can spend the night here spotting many beautiful sights in the sky.

It is only an hour and a half from the city which makes it a perfect day trip. You can choose to relax on the beach, go sandboarding, or even enjoy a 4WD. Then pick from the places to stargaze at night and enjoy some excellent stargazing up at the darkest night skies.

Rottnest Island

Wadjemup

Island with stars? We think yes! Many people know Rottnest Island as the home of quokkas, cocktails, and beautiful sea creatures.

However, being so far away from the city, Rottnest is able to capture some of the most magnificent skies in the world. You can even marvel at the Milky Way from here! Endless ocean views and stunning stars sprinkled across the sky will never get old.

Staff on the island even host Dreamtime storytelling and stargazing events usually on an annual basis to show you the best stargazing spots near Perth City.

Lake Leschenaultia

Chidlow

Based only 45 minutes out of the city, Lake Leschenaultia is as regal and beautiful as the name itself sounds. Lake Leschenaultia has plenty of room for picnics, swimming, and good times galore. However, aside from that, it is also an absolutely exceptional place to check out the glowing night sky for the best stargazing.

You will have to spend the night here as the gates close only half an hour after sunset. Pack some food and water and spend the night gazing at the sky at one of the nicest stargazing spots within Perth.

Are you a fellow stargazer? Have you visited any of these spots for stargazing in Perth? Let us know about some of your favourite stargazing tips below!