
NSW has hundreds of national parks, each with something unique to offer visitors. The state’s diverse landscapes come with million-year-old canyons, some of the most ancient parks in the world and some underrated gems you’ve likely never heard of. One such spot you need to clear out your calendar for is the Warrumbungle National Park, one of NSW’s best-kept secrets. It presents plenty of opportunities for camping, walking and birdwatching but as Australia’s first Dark Sky park, it’s a haven for stargazing with jaw-dropping celestial vistas stretched out for miles on end.
US-based not-for-profit organisation International Dark Sky Association has designated the Warrumbungle National Park as Australia’s only “Dark Sky park” so this is the place to go to if you’re after endless Milky Way and constellation views. Warrumbungle National Park qualifies for “the region’s low humidity, high altitude and distance from light-polluting big cities” according to Visit NSW.
Head here to find out if Australia has any more Dark Sky sites.
Warrumbungle National Park
The park is located in Central NSW around a 5-hour drive from Sydney and it’s worth the drive out. It’s also an excellent spot to explore during the day with lush bushland, gorges and rugged rock formations.
There are many ways to enjoy these views to the fullest. Head to Milroy Observatory and take part in their stargazing tours or get your fix the old-fashioned way by setting up a camp overnight. Camp Blackman is notably one of the best places to camp at the park with facilities that include barbecues, picnic tables and hot showers with kangaroos and kookaburras for company. For a more remote option, head to the Balor Hut campground which features a historic walkers hut, built between 1958 and 1962.
Tips for visiting the Dark Sky site
In order to continue protecting the night skies, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that visitors avoid using bright lights and turn them off completely when not needed.
It is also recommended to point your lights downward. Bear in mind that there is no street lighting within the Dark Sky park which is even better if you want to see galaxies far, far away. Entry to the park is just $8 per vehicle per day.
Read more about the national park and accommodation options here.