Wongan Hills became an Astrotourism Town in August 2018. The Shire is proud to be working with Astrotourism WA to do our part in sharing our welcoming dark sky places where the stargazing is spectacular, protecting WA country towns from light pollution, and growing this sector by creating events and activities.
Low levels of artificial light in Wongan Hills and through the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu make for excellent destinations for stargazing, and a variety of surrounding landscapes are an astrophotographer’s dream.
“Western Australia’s night sky is an asset worth protecting. Communities around WA are working to keep the night sky as dark as possible by reducing light pollution. While we’re protecting our night sky, we’re inviting visitors from around the world to share its beauty. At the same time, we’re growing our understanding of how stargazing brings people together.” – Astrotourism WA Founder, Carol Redford
Stargazing Drive Trails make for the perfect weekend camping activity. Visit the link below to see trails in our area.
Both Wongan Hills Airport and Lake Ninan are hotspots for stargazing within the Wongan Hills area. We encourage you to bring your telescope, binoculars and a blanket and rug up under the stars in our beautiful Astrotourism Town.
Want to learn more about what’s up in the night sky in our area? Head to the link below!
What’s Up in the Night Sky? Your Guide for Stargazing Western Australia
Visit Astrotourism WA for more information.
Have you snapped any incredible stargazing pictures whilst in our region? Email shire@wongan.wa.gov.au to be featured on this website.
Photographs by Paul Goh – Lake Ninan
Often used by the local community to watch special astronomical events such as Lunar Eclipses, you’re also welcome to use this site for stargazing, or to take telescopes and binoculars.
Easy to get to and just 2kms from the town centre, it’s ideally positioned away from street lights, and the large sheds there create a good barrier from the town lights. The area that’s been set aside for visitors is in front of the large sheds on your right as you drive into the Airport. More Info
10kms west of Wongan Hills on Calingiri Road is the Lake Ninan Rest Area, which is a large open area on the south side of the lake – making it an ideal place to set up for a night of astrophotography and stargazing.
There are no facilities here, other than picnic tables and waste bins, but there’s easy access to walk to the shore of the lake. The view to the south overlooks another smaller salt lake where you can capture the Milky Way scene at the right time of the year.
Planning to stay overnight or for a few days when you visit our town for astrophotography, astronomy, or stargazing? We can assist you with more info on places to stay, where you can eat & drink, as well as what else you can see and do during the day.
Our region is famous for its tracks & trails, history, and wildflowers. And there’s also a number of other attractions & activities you might enjoy.
Most details are on this website, or you can call in to our local Visitors Centre.
“Stargazing is something you can’t do in a city because the night sky is hidden by artificial light pollution. There are millions of people worldwide who can’t see any stars at all, so we are lucky to see billions every night in country Western Australia.”
One of the aims of Astrotourism WA is to establish a network of towns to create Stargazing Drive Trails. Visit the link below to see a suggested trail in our region.
GOLDEN COUNTRY STARS
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