FIVE EPIC CAMPING SPOTS TO SEE THE MILKY WAY THIS WINTER

Elizabeth Maguire
May 30
2 min read

A woman sits on a chair in a red flannel shirt, enjoying a serene mountain view. She looks relaxed against a backdrop of green hills.

Trade city lights for starry nights at these stunning, lesser-known camping spots across Australia.

From coastal coves to mountain plateaus, these scenic getaways offer front-row views of the Milky Way—and the kind of peace you can’t stream.

Winter is one of the best times of year to look up and take in the stars.

Whether you’re tucked inland under a canvas of constellations or watching the Milky Way by the ocean, these five lesser-known locations offer brilliant night skies and unforgettable evenings in nature.

Reflections Red Rock, NSW

Located between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, Red Rock is one of the NSW North Coast’s best-kept secrets and, after dark, becomes a prime spot for star sightings.

The nearby Yuraygir National Park buffers the area from much of the region’s light spill, allowing for clear skies right near the coast.

Offering both powered and unpowered sites, glamping tents and cabins, its peaceful beachside setting means you can enjoy the coast by day and stargaze by night. Bring a blanket, a thermos, and prepare for a night lit only by stars.

Dawsons Spring Campground, NSW

Perched just past the Mount Kaputar summit, Dawsons Spring offers front-row seats to some of the clearest skies in New South Wales.

The combination of high altitude, dry air and remote location creates ideal conditions for stargazing. After a bushwalk or a sunset picnic at the nearby summit lookout, throw on a warm jacket and watch the stars come alive.

The campground is easily accessible and surrounded by snow gums, giving it a truly alpine feel.

Bunya Mountains National Park, QLD

Tucked high in the Great Dividing Range, Bunya Mountains National Park is a dreamy stargazing spot where the rainforest meets the sky.

At 1,100 metres above sea level, the clear mountain air and distance from major towns result in minimal light pollution, making it perfect for spotting constellations and even the occasional meteor shower.

The Dandabah campground is easily accessible, known for its walking trails, waterfalls and birdlife during the day, but as night falls, the sky becomes the main event.

Reflections Scotts Head, NSW

Reflections Scotts Head combines the best of coastal calm with surprisingly dark skies.

This sleepy village near the Nambucca Valley has all the ingredients for a low-key beach holiday. Once the sun sets, the stars take over.

Whether you're parked up in a cabin or camped just steps from the surf, there’s something magical about seeing the constellations mirrored in the ocean.