On the first night of winter, skies around the south of Australia lit up with a stunning display of the southern lights. And if you happened to miss out, don’t worry. There’s a number of things you can do to help you get ready the next time there’s a geomagnetic storm. You can sign up to get aurora alerts from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre. These alerts will let you know if you’re likely to see an aurora. You can also join Facebook groups, like Aurora Hunters Victoria, for local information. Plan where you want to go in advance, so you can head out to see the lights in some stunning locations. There’s lots of great locations around Victoria for you to visit the next time aurora australis strikes.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to find somewhere dark, with a view to the south. The further south you go, the better. Visiting a beach is a good plan, because the ocean is nice and flat, allowing you to see further out.
Here are some awesome locations around Victoria for viewing the aurora australis
1. Werribee South Beach
This beach is a great spot to look out for aurora australis if you’re living in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Located roughly 4o minutes away from the CBD, Werribee South Beach is quiet, faces south and offers great views towards the horizon. While there are a few street lights on the roads, it should be dark enough on the beach for you to enjoy the southern lights.
2. Point Ormond
Point Ormond Lookout in Elwood is a great place to enjoy scenic views of Melbourne, and, if the conditions are right, it’s a great spot to see the aurora australis too. Just remember to look south, away from the twinkling temptations of the city skyline.
3. Rickett’s Point
With its rockpools and clear waters, Rickett’s Point in Beaumaris is a lovely spot to visit during the day. It’s also a great place to look out for aurora australis in Melbourne, as it faces south and offers clear views.
4. Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Cape Schanck Lighthouse is a favourite spot for photographers looking to capture the southern lights. Located on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, on top of dramatic cliffs, this beautiful corner of Victoria offers panoramic views of the Bass Strait and the night sky. The area has a number of scenic viewing platforms, so you can take your pick.
5. Flinders Blowhole
Just a 15 minute drive away from Cape Schanck Lighthouse, you’ll find Flinders Blowhole. From the carpark, head down the wooden boardwalk and stairway to the lookout, where you can admire the blowhole and take in more southern ocean views.
6. Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Heading west to the Bellarine, you’ll have a good chance of seeing aurora australis at Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. The surrounding area offers views over the entrance the Port Phillip, and along the coast to Ocean Grove in the west and Cape Schanck in the east. And, most importantly, it provides a great vantage point to seeing the ocean in the south.
7. Great Ocean Road
It’s hard to pick just one spot on the Great Ocean Road, as this scenic coastal drive has a number of beaches and lookout points that face south. The famous Bells Beach, for example, is about 90 minutes away from Melbourne, and has some lookout points on top of cliffs that will offer a stunning glimpse of the night sky and the southern lights. Aireys Inlet has a number of walking trails that will provide a great vantage point, including the iconic Split Point Lighthouse. And can you just imagine seeing the colourful aurora australis dance through the sky above landmarks like The Twelve Apostles? Given its distance away from Melbourne, a trip to the Great Ocean Road will need some planning ahead of time, but if the stars, or lights, align, it would make some unforgettable photos.
8. Phillip Island
Phillip Island is famous for its adorable penguins, but this island also has wonderfully clear skies and endless ocean views. Simply head to any southern spot or lookout point on the island, like Pyramid Rock and Cape Woolamai. Find more tips here.
9. Kilcunda
If you’re keen to include a landmark in your aurora photos, the heritage-listed trestle bridge in Kilcunda makes for some great shots. Stroll across the 91-metre-long bridge for sweeping views of the beach below and the aurora above. Or, find a spot down by the creek to include the bridge in your photos.
10. Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory National Park is home to the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. So, if you’re looking for aurora australis in Victoria, this is a pretty safe bet. Located around three hours from Melbourne, you’ll be rewarded with clear skies, plenty of nature and panoramic views. There’s a few different beaches and lookout points to choose from, and you can stay overnight at Tidal River.
