WARRUMBUNGLE DARK SKY PARK, NEW SOUTH WALES
The night sky unravels around you in the Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first and only Dark Sky Park. The 233-square kilometre park has been internationally recognised for its stunning views of the stars, due to its high altitude, low humidity and carefully monitored light pollution. With four observatories to choose from, you can stargaze well into the night. Siding Springs Observatory is home to the largest optical telescope in Australia. With a mirror measuring 3.9m, the Anglo Australia telescope is capable of viewing quasars up to 12 billion light years away. The Warrumbungles still have plenty to offer once the sun rises. Avid bushwalkers are sure to enjoy the rugged volcanic landscape. The Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk will bring you close to the park’s most impressive formations. With over 190 bird species recorded within the park, look out for emus, wedge-tailed eagles and the southern boobook owl. Take a trip along the world’s largest Virtual Solar System Drive. The dome of the Siding Springs Observatory represents the sun, with scaled model planets stretching the whole 200km to Dubbo.