If you are looking to elevate your next camping adventure this season, consider venturing into rural Western Australia for a chance to witness some of the most spectacular starry night experiences. With longer, darker nights and crisp conditions setting in, new data has revealed the finest stargazing glamping spots to observe the stars at their clearest and most striking during autumn.
The Study Behind the Rankings
The research, conducted by leading tech and camera retailer Becextech, analysed glamping sites across Australia using HipCamp data priced at $125 or under. A weighted index scoring was then applied, combining historical light pollution data, autumn cloud cover, and Milky Way visibility to determine the top destinations.
Top 5 Stargazing Glamping Destinations in WA
1. Wooramel River Retreat - Wooramel
This location claims the top spot in Western Australia, earning the highest autumnal stargazing glamping score of 58.3 out of 100. Set on the remote Wooramel River station, the Milky Way is visible to the east thanks to minimal light pollution.
2. Qualin Farm Bush Camp - Karranadgin
Ranking second in the state with a score of 57.9 out of 100, this spot is located in a pocket of deeply dark rural landscape. Its Milky Way altitude of 9.4 degrees positions the galactic core in clear view above the flat eastern horizon. For Perth travellers, it offers an accessible introduction to autumnal stargazing, just a few hours from the city.
3. Katrine Steading - Katrine
Coming in third with a score of 57.6 out of 100, Katrine Steading is a traditional farm stay with a sense of place and history. It rewards those who make the trip with a sky that feels almost entirely untouched by light pollution, set against a vast and silent backdrop. The owners are also taking wedding bookings.
4. Nambung Station Stay - Nambung
This station ranks fourth with a score of 57.3 out of 100. Situated on a working station near the tourist hotspot the Pinnacles Desert north of Perth, its closeness to one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks makes it an exceptional two-for-one destination: the Pinnacles by day, the Milky Way by night.
5. Candlelight Country Experience - Kukerin
Rounding out the Western Australian top five with a score of 55.7 out of 100, this boutique farm stay offers the widest Milky Way altitude angle at 11.3 degrees, giving stargazers the most elevated celestial view. Its dry climate and secluded setting provide a peaceful stargazing destination.
Expert Insight
Becextech managing director Santo Ludy said autumn is one of the best-kept secrets for stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere. “With temperatures comfortable enough to spend hours outdoors admiring the night sky, increased chances of spotting the Milky Way at night, and fewer tourist crowds, it offers a truly magical experience,” Mr Ludy said. “Our study highlights a diverse range of stargazing glamping destinations across Western Australia, where both locals and travellers can immerse themselves in the state’s extraordinary natural beauty. Wooramel River Retreat, which tops the Western Australian ranking, is a reminder that some of the state’s finest stargazing escapes are found just a few hours from the city.”
