Aurora Australis, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania © Pierre Destribats
Where to see the southern lights
A night sky adorned with dancing lights is just one of many highlights you will find in Tasmania.
Tasmania's Bruny Island is adored for its abundance of wildlife and sophisticated food scene. Despite being just 30 minutes by car from Hobart, the island feels refreshingly rural and is free from light pollution. For the best views of the Southern Lights, climb the stairs at The Neck and point your camera southwards. Whether or not you’re lucky enough to spot the Southern Lights, the views of the island, ocean and vast, starry sky are truly unforgettable.
A picturesque islet named for its excellent stargazing – it’s hard to imagine a better location than Satellite Island to spot the Southern Lights. Once an industrial salmon farm, the 34-hectare (84-acre) isle was repurposed into a private luxury stay, complete with kitchen gardens, 24-hour on-call concierge and an adorable herd of sheep. Rent the entire island with up to eight guests.
A series of flat, mirrored lakes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park give way to unobstructed views of the dancing Southern Lights. Head to the still waters of Cradle or Dove Lake and settle in for a spectacular show. With 60-million-year-old myrtle forests and spectacular alpine wilderness, you’re guaranteed incredible views even on a night without the famous natural lights. Stay within the park at chic Cradle Mountain Lodge for easy access to this breathtaking wilderness.
In one of the most remote corners of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, you’ll find Bathurst Harbour – and Par Avion Southwest Wilderness Camp. This exclusive retreat is about 100km (62mi) from the nearest town and is only accessible by plane and then boat. Take a seat on the camp’s private beach and stare up at the night sky.
The “Land of a Thousand Lakes” in Tasmania’s Central Highlands is characterised by flat, expansive plains and lakes carved out by glacial movement over millions of years. Its unobstructed horizon views make this an ideal area for viewing the Southern Lights, especially when you can retreat to the Thousand Lakes Lodge for a glass of Tassie wine afterwards.
