The astronomical potential of dark sky tourism as more Aussies look up

We've all seen photos of tourists wearing glasses and watching rare solar eclipses.

In 2023, thousands of visitors flocked to Western Australia to watch a total solar eclipse and spend their money in the local towns.

But there is an industry that trades in dark sky tourism all year round - and it's growing.

Also called astrotourism, it occurs in places where low levels of light pollution allow star-gazers to see the night sky unfettered.

According to Explore Worldwide's Travel Trends 2025 report, astrotourism is trending in Australia and around the world.

According to the report, people travel to see natural phenomena like the Southern Lights, also known as Aurora Australis, not only in Australia "but across the world."

WA is one of Australia's peak dark sky tourism destinations and according to Tourism WA, 95 per cent of international and domestic visitors showed moderate to high interest in stargazing or other associated activities.

But it's more than stars that dark sky tourists come to see: they also flock to the western state to see the Aurora Australis, comets and meteor showers.

Tourism WA managing director Anneke Brows said viewing wildlife at night and dinner under the stars were other popular dark sky tourism activities, which could also include "glamping or outback station stays, particularly in the North West."

Astrotourism WA founder and CEO Carol Redford, also known as "Galaxy Girl", wants to preserve the skies so visitors from around the world can be inspired by the beauty of the Milky Way.

"We've got a unique set of circumstances that make us a really good destination for dark sky tourism," Ms Redford said, adding Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world.

"Most of our light pollution comes from that one tiny little spot, and it just means we've got this huge open land with dark skies forever."

She said humans have always been interested in the stars, and there is something about the night sky that "captivates people."

"There's always been that pull towards it, and I think it's because it's largely unexplored," she said.

With LED streetlights, we're "living in such brightness now". Ms Redford said some people don't have darkness anymore: "They either have daylight or street light."

Alpine Nature Experiences at Mount Hothan in Victoria offers visitors the chance to look at the night sky from the comfort of dome-like accommodations called Hypedomes.

Operator Jean-Francois Rupp said watching the Milky Way from the comfort of the accommodation was "one of the things [visitors] look forward to when they come and stay with us."

The accommodation is popular in winter when star-gazing and nature-based experiences like camping are popular.

"Being locked down in small apartment buildings or houses [during COVID], that creates a craving for more open space, fresh air, wilderness, and nature-based experiences," Mr Rupp said.