Stargazing in Melbourne is becoming more and more popular. And, although light pollution will hamper many efforts to get out and marvel at the huge “balls of gas burning billions of miles away”, there are quite a few phenomenal spots near Melbourne perfect for stargazers. No matter the time of year, it’s always perfect when you’re looking up at the night sky and feeling amazed by the cosmos and its celestial wonders, including supermoons, comets, meteor showers, and perhaps even Aurora Australis.
We’ve rounded up a few favourite places to see the stars near Melbourne, with or without a telescope or binoculars; however, those always help. If you’re on a road trip interstate, check out an internationally accredited Australian Dark Site, which you can find in NSW, SA and QLD.
Observatories around Melbourne
1. Melbourne Observatory
Any stargazing in Melbourne list wouldn’t sit right without a mention of the Melbourne Observatory. Located in the Royal Botanic Gardens, the site typically runs tours thanks to volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Victoria who share all their knowledge with curious, amateur stargazers. The observatory dates back to 1863, but was retired from government work in 1945. Since 2018, the observatory and surroundings have been included on the National Heritage list.
ASV volunteers run regular ‘Stellar Nights‘ for up to 30 people, which allow you to visit the historic telescopes and then use your own (not historic) telescope to gaze at the heavens on the Observatory Viewing Lawn. The knowledgeable and friendly team will help you see nebulae, planets, and constellations aplenty. Updates on the next tours, plus booking information, are provided on their website.
📍 Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
👉 More info here
2. Mt Martha Observatory
On the first Friday of each month, the Morning Peninsula Astronomical Society holds public stargazing nights at the Mt Martha Observatory. Using a wide array of telescopes supplied by their members, the public can head along for phenomenal views of the sun, the moon and all the stars that are visible. Pre-booking is essential as they’re a popular affair, and tickets for adults cost $15, with the event beginning at 8pm.
The night also includes a multimedia presentation to spark your interest and give you the low-down on what you’re about to see. The MPAS is a volunteer-run Astronomical Society founded way back in 1969, and the location at Briars Historic Park was the first registered amateur observatory in Australia. If you’re really into your stargazing, it’s worth signing up for a membership.
📍 MPAS, The Briars, Mount Martha VIC 3934
👉 More info here
3. Snake Valley Observatory
Snake Valley in Western Victoria is home to some pretty dark country skies, which makes it a prime location for stargazing in Victoria. In 2015, they were granted the gold-level rating as an Australian Dark Sky Site in the Australian Dark Sky Register. This means they’ve got the darkness needed for deep sky observing and astrophotography.
Located between Ballarat and Beaufort, the Snake Valley Astronomical Association welcomes visitors once a month to their public nights, which will return in 2025. If you can’t make it on one of those nights, you can reach out and organise a group booking on a suitable night. As with other astronomical associations, membership is available, which allows members to use the site whenever they like and even camp over.
📍 825 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley VIC 3351
👉 More info here
4. Phillip Island Observatory
This private observatory is one man’s mission to guide you through space and show you all that he knows when you’re visiting Phillip Island. All ages and levels of knowledge can be catered for and there are also accommodation options for you to stay the night and make the most of the stars up above.
Using the most up-to-date equipment available, you can see the planets, the stars and beyond while out at Phillip Island and away from the city glow.
👉 More info here
5. Mount Burnett Observatory
Originally built in 1972, the Mount Burnett Observatory faced closure a decade ago, but thanks to a handful of members from the Astronomical Society of Victoria it was saved. Not only is it back up and running but it has been improved. Now, space enthusiasts in the Dandenong Ranges (and those willing to make the trip out east), can make use of the facilities for some night-time fun with the stars.
Bookings for their astronomical events tend to open a couple of weeks before the date, so check their events page for the latest. Other offerings on the website include podcast episodes, and a live view of their sky-scanning camera with a helpful guide to what’s visible. Passionate astronomers can support their work with donations, too.
📍 420 Paternoster Rd, Mount Burnett VIC 3781
👉 More info here
Open spaces for stargazing near Melbourne
6. Winton Wetlands, Benalla
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest wetland restoration project is just outside of Benalla at Winton Wetlands. It’s also one of Victoria’s top stargazing spots thanks to its generally clear and unobstructed skies overhead. Bring your telescope, binoculars or just use your eyes to see as many stars as you can because out here the sky is fabulous, with low light pollution.
Tack on the Winton Wetlands Lunette Walk to your adventure to see a rare geological feature—a sand dune formed over millennia on the edge of the swamp. The local astronomy club typically set up shop on the Observation Pad located near the Mokoan Hub & Cafe on the northern foreshore.
📍 681 Lake Mokoan Rd, Chesney Vale VIC 3725
👉 More info here
7. Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Catch it at the right time of year and with the right weather conditions, and you might be able to see Aurora Australis from Cape Schanck. The spectacular views over the Bass Strait to Tasmania are beautiful for sunsets, so if you’ve got the time, why not make your visit a day to night affair?
📍 420 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939
👉 More info here
8. Leon Mow Dark Sky Site, Heathcote
Found about 1.5 hours north of Melbourne near Heathcote, the Leon Mow Dark Sky Site is only available for use by members of the Astronomical Society of Victoria. They have a general viewing field and an astrophotography area as well as a clubhouse with a few creature comforts to make a visit more accommodating. Public stargazing nights at Leon Mow Dark Sky Site are rare, but the ASV does hold nights closer to the city, typically at Caulfield Racecourse.
👉 More info here
9. SkyHigh, Mt Dandenong
The Dandenong Ranges lookout is super popular for views of the city (and all the way out to the Mornington Peninsula), but its views of the carpet of stars that get rolled out night after night are pretty splendid as well.
You can go from one of the best sunset spots in the state to one of the better stargazing spots near the city in a matter of moments. The Sky High venue inside Mount Dandenong Observatory is open all year round to make the most of your evening under the stars with dinner at the restaurant. The views from the observatory are worth the trip alone!
📍 26 Observatory Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
👉 More info here.
10. Lerderderg State Park
Just 70 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, you can find Lerderderg State Park. The Lerderderg River cuts right through it and over the years has carved a deep gorge that blocks out plenty of light pollution from surrounding areas, which makes for some spectacular nighttime views of the stars. Here, you can set up camp and wait for night to fall for a magical display just over an hour west of Melbourne.
📍 Lerderderg Gorge Rd, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
👉 More info here
11. Lake Tyrell
Far to the north of Melbourne, you’ll want an overnight trip to visit Lake Tyrell and witness its splendour. By day, Victoria’s largest inland salt lake is a stark, eerily beautiful spot — especially if it has turned pink — and when night falls, the stars are reflected on the still lake below, making it one of the most unique stargazing spots in Victoria. Snap a photo with the Hollywood-esque Tyrell letters to complete your trip.
📍 Victoria 3533, north of Sea Lake
👉 More info here
Other excellent spots for stargazing you can try include the western slope of Mount Macedon, alongside Lake Eildon, Wilsons Promontory National Park (when the weather is fair), and various places throughout Grampians National Park, including Dunkeld Arboretum and Mount Arapiles. Happy stargazing!