Stargazing in Kalbarri isn’t just about rugged gorges and turquoise waters—it’s also one of the best dark-sky locations in Australia. With minimal light pollution, the night sky here truly comes alive. It showcases the Milky Way, constellations, and countless celestial wonders. Whether you’re a keen photographer, an amateur astronomer, or simply love lying back under the stars, Kalbarri is the perfect spot for stargazing adventures.
Best Stargazing Spots in Kalbarri
✨ Kalbarri Skywalk
By day, the Skywalk offers jaw-dropping views over the Murchison River gorge. By night, it transforms into an unparalleled stargazing platform. The cantilevered decks jut out into darkness, giving you a front-row seat to the Milky Way. Some guided tours combine sunset drinks here with stargazing. Therefore, you get the best of both worlds.
👉 Check Skywalk tours on Viator
🌊 Coastal Lookouts
Red Bluff, Natural Bridge, and Island Rock aren’t just daytime attractions. At night, these coastal cliffs create dramatic foregrounds for astrophotography. Imagine the Milky Way arching over rugged red rock and crashing waves—pure magic, perfect for stargazing the Kalbarri skyline.
🌄 Meanarra Hill Lookout
Just a short drive from town, Meanarra Hill offers panoramic views over Kalbarri and the river mouth. The elevated position makes it a fantastic place for a self-guided session of Kalbarri stargazing.
🏜️ Kalbarri National Park (Inland)
Away from town lights, spots like Nature’s Window and Z-Bend deliver pristine, ink-black skies. Perfect for long-exposure photography, but do take care when driving or hiking at night.
Stargazing Experiences & Tours
✨ Guided Stargazing Tours
Local operators run stargazing tours that include telescopes, laser-guided constellation talks, and even tips for smartphone astrophotography. It’s a safe, social, and educational way to experience Kalbarri’s stars.
👉 Book a stargazing tour here
🚗 Self-Guided Adventures
Prefer to go solo? Pack a picnic rug, download an astronomy app, and drive to one of the national park lookouts. Just check road conditions before heading out and keep an eye out for wildlife at night. Enjoy Kalbarri’s stargazing all on your own terms.
Astrophotography Tips
📸 Bring the Right Gear
While phones can capture stars these days, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a fast, wide-angle lens (14–20mm, low f-stop) will give stunning results. Don’t forget a sturdy tripod for long exposures.
👉 See camera tripods on Amazon AU
🌑 Plan Around the Moon
The darker the night, the better. Aim for a new moon and use apps like Stellarium or PhotoPills. These apps let you know exactly when the Milky Way will rise above Kalbarri skies.
🌄 Use the Landscape
Kalbarri’s rock formations, arches, and gorges make perfect foregrounds to frame your night sky shots. A little creative composition goes a long way.
⚠️ Stay Safe
Always let someone know your plans, especially if heading into the national park at night. Bring a torch or headlamp, plenty of water, and be mindful of wildlife.
Best Telescopes for Stargazing in Kalbarri (Australia)
If you’re planning a stargazing trip to Kalbarri, a good telescope can take your experience from simply spotting stars to exploring planets, galaxies, and deep-sky objects. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up some of the best stargazing telescopes in Australia. These telescopes balance quality, ease of use, and value.
👉 Browse all stargazing telescopes on Amazon Australia
Our Top Picks:
- Best for Beginners – Easy to Use
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Telescope – a lightweight, compact telescope perfect for travellers and first-time stargazers. Ideal for watching the Milky Way from Kalbarri’s coastal lookouts. - Best All-Rounder – Versatile Choice
SVBONY SV406P HD Spotting Scope – excellent optical performance, great for both stargazing and birdwatching. A reliable mid-range option for families exploring Kalbarri National Park. - Best for Astrophotography – Serious Stargazers
Sky-Watcher Reflector Telescope – designed for deep-sky viewing and astrophotography. Pair it with a DSLR or mirrorless camera to capture the Milky Way above Nature’s Window or the Skywalk.
Where to Stay in Kalbarri for Stargazing
Staying close to the action makes late-night stargazing a breeze in Kalbarri.
- Skywalk Proximity: Choose accommodation near Kalbarri National Park entrances for quick access to inland stargazing.
- Coastal Views: Stay near Red Bluff or Natural Bridge for stunning coastal skies right outside your door.
👉 Browse Kalbarri accommodation on Expedia
Final Thoughts
Stargazing in Kalbarri isn’t just about seeing stars—it’s about connecting with the universe in one of the most spectacular natural settings in Australia. Whether you join a guided tour, set up your camera at the Skywalk, or simply lie back on a blanket and look up, the night sky here will leave you speechless.
So pack your tripod, charge your camera, and get ready for a celestial adventure you’ll never forget.
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you. This helps support the running of this site.