"login": { Bruny & Satellite Islands, Tasmania, Australia. In the Arctic Circle, they are known as aurora borealis or the northern lights, while in the Antarctic Circle they are called aurora australis or the southern lights. Thus, the chances of spotting aurora australis in these two states are even slimmer. Stewart Island, New Zealand. Toggle navigation. The top locations to see the Southern Lights are the southernmost destinations in the world, including Tasmania and New Zealand. "FYASignUpDtmConfig": { The Aurora Borealis, a natural light display that happens in the Earth’s sky, is pretty spectacular. You could try your aurora luck at the Cape Northumberland Lighthouse in Port MacDonnell, one of the most southern spots of the state of South Australia. Although rare to witness, you might get lucky on your Australia or New Zealand holidays. Southern lights: Eaglehawk Neck, Australia: Known to be a small town and gateway to the many attractions of the Tasman Peninsula, it is definitely possible to see the southern lights Down Under in Australia. }, The scarcity of land close enough to the South Pole in the southern hemisphere makes the aurora australis more difficult to see, but that’s what makes getting a glimpse of this beautiful light show even more special. The Aurora Borealis, in the North, and the Aurora Australis, in the South, are two of the most exciting spectacles you can witness on earth. You can stay in the nearby town of Flinders, a popular scuba diving spot with a long pier. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. NASA. Affordable, premium candles with stylish impact. Gleaming white sand beaches, hopping wallabies (mini kangaroos! If one were to look from space, they would see a ring-shaped aurora spanning around 2500 miles (4000 kms) around both poles. "startScreen": "gigya-update-profile-screen" The Southern Lights are visible in Melbourne, so here's a rundown of what time of year is best to see it. Our selection of all-inclusive tailormade tour packages include everything from cruise, flights, accommodation, rail, tours and more. The BEST Places to See the Southern Lights 1. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site. Choose one of the idyllic seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road like Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, which have relatively low light pollution. Find out more. { Find the perfect Southern Lights Australia stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Even more so is Stewart Island, the most southern and isolated tip you can visit. Unfortunately there isn’t a service like this available in … These are the best places to see the Southern Lights in Australia. Head to the still waters of Cradle or Dove Lake and settle in for the show. It’s best to check long-range weather forecasts beforehand and stay a few nights at a backpacker’s hostel in order to maximise your chances. These light displays are rare, and only visible from remote locations. Ask any aurora australis hunter what the best place in Australia is to see the southern lights, and chances are good that he or she would point you to the continent’s southern island of Tasmania. South Australia and Western Australia states share the southern coast of Australia alongside Victora. Albany Wind Farm in Sandpatch, near Albany, is one of the spots to check out. ... Augusta, Western Australia. https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/articles/2019/southern-lights "screenSet": "Aus-RegistrationLogin", New Zealand is a great place to see the Southern Lights. Even though both states boast a long southward-facing shore, most of the spots are much further from the magnetic southern pole than those of Tasmania and Victoria. If you visit then, you can expect uninterrupted views of pink and green waves gleaming as you look up. In case the lady aurora doesn't make her appearance there, you can still enjoy the views of the turbines and explore walking tracks in the area by day. This islet just off the coast of Bruny Island was named for its excellent star-gazing. Its southerly... 2. These dramatic and colorful lights are created when electrically charged particles from solar winds enter … Australians have the rare opportunity to see a display of the Aurora Australis, or the southern lights, for one more night. Here's Everything You Need to know. We get a lot of readers asking whether it is possible to book a Tasmania Southern Lights tour. ACT. Location: Tasmania island, Tasmania sea, southern tip of Australia. Join Chimu Adventures and a team of expert astronomers on board a private Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as you head over the Southern Ocean toward Antarctica. }, {"PageInfo":{"component":"PageInfo"},"Hero":{"component":"Hero","subTitle":"","title":"Where to see the southern lights","playerId":"default"}}, Guide to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, 5 days road tripping Tasmania's Great Eastern Drive, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis! Select from premium Southern Lights Australia of the highest quality. Select from premium Southern Lights Australia of the highest quality. Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) Forecast for Friday, March 19, 2021 Latest Forecast = in 12 minutes, the Aurora will be Quiet When and Where are the Southern Lights tonight in Australia and New Zealand? These light displays are rare, and only visible from remote locations. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Bring a jacket as it tends to get cold at night. the milky way arches over the hazards while the aurora australis glows beyond, freycinet national park, tasmania, australia - southern lights stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Aurora hunter and astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin who has led two successful charter flights into the Southern Aurora Zone has leant his expertise in the planning of these unique flights and … the milky way arches over the hazards while the aurora australis glows beyond, freycinet national park, tasmania, australia - southern lights stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 22 talking about this. "startScreen": "gigya-reset-password-screen" Like its Northern Hemisphere counterpart (Aurora Borealis), the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) illuminate the night sky with flickering shades of green, blue, purple and red. Also, solar activity tends to be more intense at the spring equinox in September, so this month is also a good time for chasing the elusive aurora. It is run entirely by volunteers who monitor solar activity, the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. How to see the Southern Lights in Tasmania | Aurora Australis Here's Everything You Need to know. The Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) as seen from Point Addis, Australia. New Zealand’s southernmost third island is often forgotten, but it is indeed beautiful! Keep your eyes peeled for one of nature’s most magnificent shows. The steam train popularity of flights to nowhere continues to surge forward. "campaignIntegrationUrl": "/bin/create/recipient", Stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge or the stylish Pumphouse Point, both located within the park. In the southern hemisphere, southern lights or aurora australis is the equivalent of aurora borealis. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. Most aurora-viewing spots in Australia are concentrated in the southern regions—the state of Victoria and the island of Tasmania. Tasmania Southern Lights Tour. Photographers across Australia will tell you that Aurora Australis is visible from many places, but your best chance of witnessing this phenomenon is to be as far south as possible – which means Tasmania. Mount Wellington, not far from Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart is among the most popular posts for aurora australis chasers. Aurora australis is not as vivid as its sibling aurora borealis simply because the landmass doesn't reach as close to the pole. Tasmania, Australia. "startScreen": "gigya-register-screen" 739 were here. "registration": { Relatively rural, the island is free from light and city pollution (two of the biggest hindrances to seeing the Southern Lights), with the added benefit of stunning beaches and wilderness. "screenSet": "Aus-RegistrationLogin", Southern Lights Hotel Kingston - 3 star hotel. If you are looking for locations closer to Melbourne, try Cape Schanck, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Victoria's capital. We have the southern lights, otherwise known as aurora australis, right here in our own backyard. Flickering shades of green, purple, red, and blue illuminate the night sky over the horizon. For business travellers, a meeting … Where to see Southern Lights in Australia other than Hobart? The Southern Lights appear over Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Antarctica, producing rainbow skies and bright, shifting ribbons of light. Southern parts of Australia are lucky to witness the glowing aurora australis. southern lights start at around 100km high up in the atmosphere, so from a flat point on the earth (a beach, or field for example), you can see this aurora activity even if Following on from Qantas’ fast-selling Australian sightseeing flight, an Aussie tour company is now chartering a Qantas plane to go and see the Southern Lights. "startScreen": "gigya-login-screen" Welcome to Tourism Australia {{firstName}} {{lastName}}. Power Tip: If you want to photograph the Southern Lights, then follow the tips in How to Photograph Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights). Southern Lights Church is a Christian Community to call home. "profileUpdate": { This auroral zone covers Central and northern Alaska and Canada, Greenland, northern Scandinavia and Russia in the Northern Hemisphere, and Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. The Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis! Here are the five best spots in the world where travelers can get a great view of the elusive southern lights. Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. “Bruny” as it’s affectionately known by Tasmanians, is a favourite weekend getaway. Wilsons Promontory, Australia. "screenSet": "Aus-RegistrationLogin", }, ), and some of the purest air on... 3. All you need for a sighting is a broad horizon (away from artificial light), a decent camera and good timing. Beachport, about an hour away from the lighthouse, is another place to wait patiently for aurora alerts. The Catlins: this is one of the most southern places you can go on the mainland where you can get away from light pollution. From Australia to New Zealand, photographers across Australasia braved cold weather to capture the dazzling southern lights as they illuminated the night skies on April 20. The Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) covers the sky over Tasmania. }, Destinations. Once an industrial salmon farm, the 34-hectare (84-acre) isle was recently repurposed into a private luxury stay complete with kitchen gardens, 24-hour on-call concierge and a herd of black-faced sheep. The Southern Lights appear over Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Antarctica, producing rainbow skies and bright, shifting ribbons of light. Once an acclimatisation centre for CSIRO scientists headed to Antarctica, the lodge still offers the same hauntingly beautiful landscapes and extreme climates – but these days you’ll find a decidedly higher level of luxury in the rooms. Check out our list of best places to see the Southern Lights and sign up … ... Australia has its own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. . Hobart, Tasmania. "screenSet": "Aus-ProfileUpdate", "validationUrl": "/bin/ta/postauth", Southern Lights Hotel Kingston boasts a central setting in vicinity of Kingborough Sports Centre with a view of Huon Valley. Therefore, nearby locations like South Arm Peninsula, Dodges Ferry, and Cockle Creek are often preferred for viewing the southern lights in Australia. The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, happens when the sun releases a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields into space, also known as CME (coronal mass ejections). These are the best places to see the Southern Lights in Australia. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator and were correct at the time of publishing on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. Stewart Island in the sun, New Zealand (Shutterstock) … Here are a few of our favourite Tasmanian locations. The Lights are concentrated around the southern polar cap and can be seen from some of the southernmost locations on Earth including Antarctica, New … The southern island of Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see the southern lights. But you don’t have to head to Scandinavia to see this dramatic light … "homePagePath": "/content/australia/en.html", You’ll need to rent the whole island to stay here (maximum occupancy is eight guests), but we’d say it’s worth it. We put all the information down here in an easy to read format, enabling you to see when the southern lights might be in your area next. Victoria's 1,200-mile coast provides plenty of beautiful spots to watch the nature's show over the Bass Strait. The Catlins: this is one of the most southern places you can go on the mainland where you can get away from light pollution. "custEvent": "FYASignUp", Southern Lights or not, the views of the island, ocean and vast, starry sky are memorable. Goat Bluff Lookout and Clifton Beach are some of the best places for aurora hunt in Tasmania. Carpets of alpine wildflowers are also present on the plains at this time of year. The cheapest time to see the Southern Lights: ... 31 March 2022 across Australia and New Zealand, including Uluru, Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Queenstown and … 2. Fancy experiencing nature’s Southern Lights fireworks from within the sky? When: March to September New Zealand’s southernmost third island is often forgotten, but it is indeed beautiful! Chimu Adventures have announced a series of scenic flights in 2021 to experience the Aurora Australis with departures from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Fancy experiencing nature’s Southern Lights fireworks from within the sky? Afterwards, discover a hot chocolate waiting for you in your room, or perhaps order a glass of Tasmanian whisky to toast your experience. . Thus, the best plan is to set your expectations low, keep an eye on aurora alerts, and bring a long-exposure camera to see more vivid colors. Like Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, its unobstructed horizon views make this an ideal area for viewing the Southern Lights, especially when you can retreat to recently opened Thousand Lakes Lodge afterwards. The island boasts a number of southward-facing spots with a broad horizon to view the flickering lights. Just under a couple of months ago, the night skies over parts of New Zealand and Australia were lit up by the amazing colors of the aurora australis, better known as the southern lights. When and Where to See the Southern Lights in Australia and New Zealand 1. "event": "taCustEvent", TO SEE THEM, YOU'LL HAVE TO GO PRETTY FAR SOUTH. To book your next dream holiday call our experienced team today on 1300883887 Hobart’s a big city, and cities usually aren’t the top spots for seeing auroras. For the Southern Lights, you’d want to head down anywhere from March through September. Tasmania Southern Lights Tour. The Southern Lights a.k.a Aurora Australis, are definitely a once in a lifetime experience and one you will never forget. click here. }, Sit on the camp’s private beach and stare up at the night sky. "taIdRetryLimit": 3 From Queenstown to Tasmania, viewers were treated to this rare phenomenon and took to social media to share their snaps . Cape Schanck is the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula and a perfect location for long walks and picnics. New Zealand is one of the best places to witness the Southern Lights. The lights of aurora australis glow over the water at Augusta, WA. However, the weather here can be unpredictable, which could hinder your viewing session – a cloudy sky will, unfortunately, obscure the lights. Power Tip: If you want to photograph the Southern Lights, then follow the tips in How to Photograph Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights). Stewart Island, New Zealand. Southern lights create a fairy-tale on Earth, turning the rural landscapes into majestic spot. Australia’s answer to the northern lights, the aurora australis is best viewed from Antarctica, Tasmania and the southern coastlines of mainland Australia. In one of the most remote corners of the vast Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, you’ll find Bathurst Harbour – and Par Avion Southwest Wilderness Camp. Find the perfect Southern Lights Australia stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Southern lights seen from space. The Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, is the lesser known counterpart to its famous alternative, the Northern Lights. 2. (Audience submitted: Leonard Low)The short story is — the further south, the better. This aurora was the result of a level G2 geomagnetic storm. As one of the closest countries to the South Pole, New Zealand is in a privileged spot to see the Southern Lights. Another of the favorite aurora-viewing areas is the South Arm Peninsula, some 30-minute drive southeast of Hobart. Best time to visit: Antarctic winter, i.e between March and September. . The beauty of aurora australis is that you can see it only above the horizon, which adds some shades of purple and red to the picture. Undoubtedly, the best chance of an Aurora Australis is in Tasmania. Southern Island, New Zealand. Aurora Service is an Southern Lights information and news service. All you need for good sighting is little to no light pollution, a broad horizon, good timing, and a decent camera. The region is known to the Maori people as “the land of glowing skies”, where daylight is sparse in the winter. The “Land of a Thousand Lakes” in Tasmania’s Central Highlands is characterised by flat, expansive plains and thousands of lakes carved out by glacial movement over millions of years. Unlike Aurora Borealis, which is subject to extreme seasonal light changes, the Southern Lights can be viewed all year round – although most commonly during winter, May to August, and during the spring equinox in September. The main obstructions to viewing the Southern Lights include large mountain ranges and trees – which is why Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, with its series of flat, mirrored lakes, is a great backdrop for the Southern Lights. The Southern Lights are also known as Aurora Australis, and they are visible only in the southern hemisphere. southern lights. However, sometimes... 3. Aurora Australis Southern Lights The Aurora Australis, otherwise known as the Southern Lights, is the lesser known counterpart to its famous alternative, the Northern Lights. Join Chimu Adventures and a team of expert astronomers on board a private Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as you head over the Southern Ocean toward Antarctica. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). "resetPassword": { Unfortunately there isn’t a service like this available in … When and where to watch the rare Southern Lights in Australia. And these are the best viewing spots around the country for the Aurora Australis from March to September. } If you are wondering if there is any difference between the Northern Lights and the Southern Lights, this page is designed to give you the answer. This exclusive retreat is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest town and only accessible by plane then boat, so it’s a memorable place to enjoy viewing the Southern Lights. https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/northern-lights-vs-southern-lights }, { These solar winds carry particles which interact with earth’s magnetic field, colliding to … There are also several inland spots across Victoria where the aurora lights can be seen, but coastal areas are better as they enjoy unobstructed views over the Bass Strait. "custAction": "event2" Theoretically, southern lights can be viewed in Australia all year round. Southern lights, also called Aurora Australis, luminous atmospheric display visible in the Southern Hemisphere. Latest COVID safe travel information: One of the best places to see the aurora australis is in Australia, but … "validationFavouritesUrl": "/bin/australia/favourites/sanitycheck", See aurora. However, for more extended night hours, you might want to aim for the winter months from May to August. Mortimer Bay. . On mainland Australia, the best destination to observe southern lights is the state of Victoria, in the southeastern part of the continent. You probably have the Northern Lights on your bucket list, but did you know that there are just as impressive aurora light shows close to home? Best time to see the aurora australis in Tasmania The Tasmanian aurora spectacle is somewhat elusive so we can never be sure when the solar winds will make it shine the brightest. For the best views of the Southern Lights, climb the stairs at The Neck and point your camera southwards. Just 30 minutes by car from Hobart, it is a haven for wildlife such as wedge-tailed eagles and white wallabies, and has a well-developed food scene – don’t miss the Bruny Island Cheese Co. Chimu Adventures have announced a series of scenic flights in 2021 to experience the Aurora Australis with departures from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. (In fact, one of the area’s original explorers chose Satellite Island as the place from which to map the southern skies.) You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location than Satellite Island. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. *Product Disclaimer: *Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. South Georgia Island: This remote island is only accessible by boat and is famous for its impressive birdlife. 14 May 2019, 10:26 pm. Western Australia is positioned even further north. Where and when to see the Southern Lights 1. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) Forecast for Friday, March 19, 2021 Latest Forecast = in 12 minutes, the Aurora will be Quiet When and Where are the Southern Lights tonight in Australia and New Zealand? The Aurora Australis are one of the most impressive natural displays We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. You’ll be happy with or without the Southern Lights as the park is generally regarded as one of Australia’s most beautiful, with its 60-million-year-old myrtle forests, spectacular alpine wilderness and the epic Overland Track. https://www.australia.com/.../where-to-see-the-southern-lights.html See the Aurora Australis on this southern lights flight tour package. Travelling in Tasmania? Mortimer Bay is a great location to enjoy fresh oysters Mortimer Bay is south-east of … We get a lot of readers asking whether it is possible to book a Tasmania Southern Lights tour. Australia In the southern hemisphere, southern lights or aurora australis is the equivalent of Aurora australis over Antarctica as captured by NASA's IMAGE satellite on Sept. 11, 2005 and superimposed onto NASA's satellite-based Blue Marble image. For the Aurora Australis, … The lights of aurora australis glow over the water at Augusta, WA.