Outback Astronomy in Broken Hill will host a rare overnight sky show where the Moon turns a deep copper in the early hours of Monday 8 September. From 1:30 am you can watch the eclipse unfold, experience totality after 3 am, and enjoy a guided dark sky show featuring Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Recline in comfort, snack through the night, and finish with a bacon and egg breakfast as dawn breaks. An unforgettable astro-tourism event just minutes from town.
Just 10 km from the Broken Hill post office and roughly a 10 or 15 minute drive from most accommodation in town, the venue sits far enough from town to enjoy a pitch black sky on moon-free nights. Out here, the horizon is clear. The purpose-built sky dome is all open air and quiet, designed so your eyes relax and your ears settle into the small sounds of the outback night. It is a calm, secure place to look up.
In short, it is the night of the full Moon but in the early hours of the morning, the shadow of planet Earth gradually moves across the Moon, blocking the moonlight and turning the very brightly lit night sky into a dark sky!
Note – a wood-fired heater is available if very cold. It relies upon a minimal air flow to move smoke away. However, if conditions prevent fire smoke from moving away, this heater cannot be used as smoke may ruin imaging by some guests. We can use outdoor gas heaters if needed.
This is where a night out becomes an opportunity to learn. With commentary explaining the view above and optics in hand, you will come away understanding why eclipses happen, what “totality” really means and how the outback’s low light makes everything sharper. In particular, learn about the changing night sky and how the Field Guide can assist your ongoing understanding of the changing night sky when you are back home. This event allows more time to view the night sky in silence too. You will notice details you may have missed before, like the Moon’s subtle shading as Earth’s shadow moves across its surface. Your sky guide will explain this changing view. This is not a lecture. It is plain-language guidance from hosts who care about sharing the sky in a way that feels welcoming and useful.
Outback Astronomy began as backyard nights for your hosts, Travis and Linda – hammocks and a Barossa port, binoculars chasing satellites and the thrill of seeing Saturn through a telescope. As Broken Hill’s long mining chapter began to slow, they chose to build something new for the community: an astronomy-themed tourism experience that meets high standards for safety, comfort and clarity. They started at the racecourse, then invested in a dedicated property at 18817 Barrier Highway, fenced for security and designed for night-time navigation with care. That local intent shows in the details, from underground electricity cables around their star viewing area (the “sky dome”) to a commercial kitchen built beside the sky dome.
Standing under a sky like this often brings a quiet shift. The outback scale makes the Moon feel closer and your thoughts feel larger. Many travellers say the small moments are what define a trip’s success. The warmth of a sleeping bag on a cool night. The first sip of hot chocolate when the lights are low. The hush as the Moon begins to darken. The low murmur of people learning together. It is simple, shared and surprisingly moving.
The venue is at 18817 Barrier Highway, approximately 10 km from the post office on Argent Street, about a 10 to 15 minute drive from most accommodation.
Bring (and wear) warm clothing layers and any personal comforts you like for a late night (eg pillow), camera and tripod, beanie, gloves, scarf. See more about what to wear here.
No. The event cannot be booked in the 24 hours prior to the event start time of 1:30am.
Book via the special events tab at this link https://outbackastronomy.com.au/outback-astronomy-special-events/
Yes. We expect some guests may like to nap in their reclined chairs before totality – from 1:30am until about 3am. The team can set an alarm for you.
Yes. Snacks will be provided, barista coffee and breakfast.
You won’t be held prisoner – leave at any time. The event is planned to end by 6am. If organising transport set your pick up time to 6am. Sunrise is 6:13am on this day.
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PLUS Ticket Inclusions
– Seating – reclined chair
– Sleeping Bag (in cooler months)
– Loan of an audio unit
– Optics suitable for the event*
– Side table
– Food and beverage service
Extras at Time of Booking
– Ear phones (or bring your own)
– Hot chocolate
– Options for other food, drinks
* Varies according to conditions.
** Only used in reclined chairs.
Standard Ticket Inclusions
– Seating
– Loan of an audio unit
– Optics suitable for the event*
Extras at Time of Booking
– Ear phones (or bring your own)
– Hot chocolate
– Reclined chair
– Reclined chair, sleeping bag**
– Options for other food, drinks
* Varies according to conditions.
** Only used in reclined chairs.
We use an audio system in most of our sky shows.
You should remember to bring your 3.5mm round plug/jack earphones – or you can purchase some when making an online booking if they are required for your event.
The following earphone connectors are not suitable – flat-style Apple Lightning, USB, Bluetooth or WiFi.
