If you’re looking for some late night magic that goes beyond the ordinary, a ‘noctotourism’ experience might be what you need. From gazing at stars in Dark Sky Communities to soaking in hot pools beneath the night sky, the Southern Hemisphere offers some of the world’s best after-dark adventures. That means there’s plenty of options across both Australia and New Zealand. Here’s how to spend your nights in ways that go well beyond dinner and a drink.
Unique Stargazing Experiences
Outback Astronomy. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia
Situated on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Carrickalinga is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. But it’s also certified for being Australia’s first official Dark Sky Park Community. For a full-package experience, base yourself in Adelaide, spend the day exploring the region’s incredible coastline then sit back to take in the stunning Milky Way in Australia.
If a visit to outback New South Wales is top of your list, Outback Astronomy in Broken Hill is another great place to enjoy some deep-sky wonders. Learn about the heavens above at the famous sky dome, or enjoy one of the regular programs, such as ‘Discover the Moon’ where you will learn about the history of space exploration. Also one of the best things to see in Broken Hill!
Across the Tasman, New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Just outside Christchurch, you’ll find plenty at the Oxford Forest Conservation Area with forest, waterways and biking and walking tracks. It’s also a Dark Sky region, offering unspoiled views or the night skies where silence and stars seem infinite.
Why not combine stargazing with a night time hot springs tour? New Zealand’s hot pools of Tekapo Springs offer a 1.5 hour Soak in the Stars experience, where you can float on a hammock as you listen to stories of the stars and learn a little about astronomy. Sitting within the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the tour will take you on a journey of discovery.
Accommodation in Adelaide
Find the perfect accommodation, from comfortable inns and suites to stylish and historic boutique hotels - perfect bases to enjoy stargazing in Australia and visit Carrickalinga South Australia style.
Accommodation in Broken Hill
Comfort Inn Crystal is close to the centre of town, and within just a short stroll from the art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Accommodation in Christchurch
Base yourself amongst beautifully manicured rose gardens close to the heart of town at Hotel Elms Christchurch, an Ascend Collection Hotel. Great for some Lake Tekapo stargazing.
Glowing Beaches and Caves
Woy Woy Waterfront on the Central Coast of NSW, as 35 min drive from Forresters Beach.
You’ll find a different kind of universe around some of Australia and New Zealand’s bioluminescent beaches. In Victoria’s Gippsland region, visitors staying in Lakes Entrance can head to nearby Metung - the abundance of micro-organism activity around these local beaches emits an atmospheric electric blue glow along the waterfront from December to February.
If you’re planning a road trip along the east coast of Australia, you’ll also find plenty of beach glow during these warmer months, from the NSW coast towns of Newcastle, Forresters Beach and Coffs Harbour and all the way to the bayside beaches of Melbourne. Spend some time enjoying the nightlife of this vibrant area before taking a late night stroll along the beach - the phenomenon has been known to happen around spring time.
Never one to disappoint, Whangārei Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve - near New Zealand’s most northern city - is home to a galaxy of glow worms. Descend the 30 steps into the cave and embark on a one hour guided tour through the Milky Way Glow Worm Cave. The region abounds in other natural attractions as well, such as the ‘Jurassic Walks’ between the forest and ancient limestone rocks.
Accommodation in Lakes Entrance
Close to Metung Victoria offers a peaceful lakefront stay at Comfort Inn and Suites Lake Entrance in the heart of Lakes Entrance, and the renowned Ninety Mile Beach.
Accommodation in Melbourne
You’ll find a range of accommodation options in and around Melbourne to suit all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotels and heritage-style apartments to family friendly hotels.
Accommodation in Whangārei
Close to the Glow Worm Caves New Zealand offers views overlooking Whangārei Harbour at Comfort Hotel Flames Whangārei, with studio accommodation set amongst lush tropical gardens.
Nocturnal Encounters with Wildlife
Daintree Rainforest. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia
Animal lovers, get ready for the wild world to awaken at night! Home to the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers night tours where you’ll see koalas, owls, and other nocturnal animals feed and during twilight and . On the Sunshine Coast, Wildlife HQ Zoo at Mooloolaba also opens after dark for a behind-the-scenes in the rainforest gardens - residents include Tasmanian Devils, Red Pandas and a Maned Wolf. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to stop at the Big Pineapple Sunshine Coast style!
Further north near Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest is a nocturnal wonderland. FNQ Nature Tours lead Daintree Forest night tours, and not only will you enjoy small personalised group excursions, you’ll also get to travel into the area by boat and enjoy a local craft beer or glass of wine only metres from the beach before embarking on a night walk.
Accommodation in Mooloolaba
Explore the sunset market and the nearby seafood markets by staying in comfortable hotels as well as resort-style apartment accommodation.
Accommodation in Cairns
The Comfort Inn Cairns City is ideally situated and can also organise hot air balloon rides and tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for enjoying Daintree forest tours from Cairns.
Accommodation in Brisbane
Explore your Brisbane accommodation attractions and enjoy Brisbane on your doorstep, with the city’s attractions and Easter events all within easy reach.
A Taste of the Supernatural
Eerie Tours. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia
No ‘noctotour’ would be complete without a taste of the supernatural. In Victoria, the infamous Beechworth Asylum is world famous for its ghosts, drawing paranormal celebs - from Ghost Hunters International to Sam and Colby - into its notorious corridors. Find out what the fuss is about on a night tour with Asylum Ghost Tours - and prepare to be spooked.
In the old Victorian gold-mining town of Ballarat, Eerie Tours explores the heritage streets and alleys between the gothic architecture. You’ll uncover plenty of tales that shed a light on both the town’s incredible history as well as the spirits that still linger. If you’re looking to travel further, Perth’s Fremantle Prison night tours in Western Australia reveal its dark past on the ‘Torchlight Tour’ through historic cellblocks and yards.
Accommodation in Wangaratta
Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway offers modern and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Wangaratta. Great option for nearby Beechworth Prison ghost tours.
Accommodation in Ballarat
There are plenty of accommodation options to help you enjoy leading attractions, bars and restaurants all within easy reach. Not to mention Ballarat ghost tours!
Accommodation in Perth
Get into the holiday spirit with one of the many outstanding accommodation options close to the action - and Fremantle prison tours - in Perth
Relaxing in comfort
He Puna Taimoana Hot Springs. Image courtesy of Miles Holden.
It doesn’t always have to be about edge-of-the-seat thrills. Recline in a deckchair at the Darwin Deckchair Cinema and enjoy a nightly range of movies next to water and within the tropical garden, throughout the dry season. In Christchurch, the He Puna Taimoana hot springs also invites visitors to relax by the ocean under the stars. Did we mention Tekapo Springs? Well, anywhere that alpine hot pools beckon is worth mentioning twice!
Accommodation in Darwin
Enjoy the tropical lifestyle, waterfront eateries and Easter markets at one of Darwin’s great accommodation options.
Accommodation in Timaru
Comfort Hotel Benvenue is located right on Caroline Bay, within easy walking distance of Timaru’s great attractions