Quick tips for creating stargazing experiences

Stargazing experiences invite visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature and enrich the overall destination experience.

What is a stargazing experience?

Stargazing, or astrotourism, is a growing trend as visitors seek unique, nature-based experiences. From astrophotography to guided night sky tours, these experiences offer a tranquil and memorable way to connect with nature.

By combining the natural beauty of the night sky with educational, recreational and social opportunities, you can create an unforgettable visitor experience. This not only elevates your current offerings but also opens doors to a new market, enriching your visitors’ experience.

Source: Austrade

Definitions:

Astrotourism refers to travel focused on experiencing the night sky, celestial events or astronomy-related activities, often in areas with minimal light pollution. Source: DarkSky International
Astrophotography is taking a photograph of an object in space, whether it's with a point-and-shoot camera, the Hubble Space Telescope or any other type of camera. Source: DarkSky International
Dark Sky tourism focuses on visiting places with minimal light pollution, such as Dark Sky Parks, to experience stargazing and support conservation efforts. Source: Dark Sky Ecotourism
Star-bathing is a mindful practice like forest bathing, but under the night sky. It involves relaxing in darkness, letting your eyes adjust, and immersing yourself in the stars to foster calm and a sense of connection with the universe. Source: 365 with Nature

Stargazing identified as the leading global travel trend

Stargazing is the number one trend on Booking.com with 62 per cent of travellers saying they plan to travel for stargazing. Popular activities include ‘star-bathing’ (72 per cent), star guides (59 per cent), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59 per cent) and constellation tracking (57 per cent). Source: Booking.com

Getting started

Creating a nature-based stargazing experience involves planning and consideration of various factors for a memorable visitor experience. Explore key factors to consider before getting started by viewing our guide to considerations when creating a nature-based experience.

Dark Sky accreditation

The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program certifies communities, parks, lodges and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect Dark Sky zones. If you've obtained Dark Sky status, lead with this in marketing to attract astronomy- and nature-focused visitors.

Quick tips for including stargazing elements in your experience

Creating opportunities for stargazing can be a unique and rewarding addition for your business. Here are several ways to develop or enhance the stargazing experience for visitors.

Tours, activities and attractions

Choose the right location: select Dark Sky areas away from artificial light such as lookouts, beaches or open fields with minimal light pollution. Ensure the site is safe, accessible and has parking or transfers are provided if remote.
Offer guided stargazing tours: offer expert-led night sky tours using approved laser pointers, star maps (also known as star charts or celestial maps), or stargazing applications like SkySafari or Sky Walk 2 to help visitors identify stars and planets. With permission, include Aboriginal star stories and insights to enrich the experience.
Plan for group settings: cater to team-building activities, astronomy-themed dinners or group stargazing sessions to engage more visitors.
Consider comfort: provide warm beverages, snacks, blankets and seating to keep visitors comfortable during the experience.
Incorporate enhancements: add extra value with night photography tips, telescope viewing, campfire storytelling or nocturnal wildlife spotting/listening.
Collaborate: partner with accommodation, cafes, restaurants and visitor centres to bundle your services or cross-promote the experience.

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky from artificial light. Excessive artificial light from buildings, signage or streetlights can disrupt wildlife, affect human health and reduce the quality of night sky experiences. When designing night-based experiences, consider using low-impact lighting to protect nocturnal environments and enhance stargazing opportunities.

Source: DarkSky International

Accommodation

Incorporate outdoor viewing spaces: private balconies, rooftop terraces or secluded outdoor areas away from artificial light provide ideal stargazing settings. Include comfortable seating (lounge chairs, benches, hammocks) and consider firepits for warmth and ambience.
Include a self-guided stargazing experience: when unable to provide a guided talk, encourage use of applications such as SkySafari or Sky Walk 2 as pocket planetariums. Offer kits with blankets, telescopes (e.g., Seestar) or binoculars, star maps and warm beverages to enhance engagement.
Play to the theme: use celestial artwork, subtle glow-in-the-dark decor such as starry wall decals or illuminate pathways leading to prime spots. Use constellation-themed bed linens and add touches such as star maps or celestial artwork.
Curate indoor lounges: comfortable seating, telescopes, and astronomy literature to extend the experience after dark.
Add a wellness angle: combine stargazing with mindfulness, meditation, yoga or “star-bathing” experiences with facilities such as outdoor baths or hot tubs.
Add ambience: use ambient music and soft, starry lighting (lanterns, string lights, candles) to reduce light pollution.

Food and drink

Incorporate outdoor dining areas: identify open-air dining spaces, such as courtyards, terraces or rooftops. Use low-impact lighting to add to the ambience.
Source locally: add extra value with locally sourced produce such as hot chocolate or wine served under the stars.
Design stargazing-themed menus: think about adding dishes and drinks that play to the theme, such as ‘starlight’ cocktails, constellation-named tapas, galaxy cakes or star-shaped cookies.
Consider outdoor firepits: leverage your venue’s stargazing offering by capping off a dinner experience with dessert and/or drinks around a firepit.
Add stargazing packages: combine dining with stargazing activities, private tours after dinner or ’dine under the stars’ offers.
Host special stargazing events: consider astronomy-themed dinners featuring guest speakers or guided stargazing talk after meals.

Additional information

Observe peak times and special events: schedule tours and activities, and curate experiences around moon phases, meteor showers, eclipses (notably the total solar eclipse on 22 July 2028*) or planetary alignments. Align programming with initiatives like Earth Hour or International Dark Sky Week. Provide transport to optimal viewing locations when possible.
Prioritise safety and accessibility: ensure safe night navigation with lighted pathways and clear signage. Prepare visitors for weather changes and clothing needs.
Minimise light pollution: use downward, dim, warm lighting outdoors to minimise light pollution and protect nocturnal environments.
Collaborate with astronomy organisations: partner with astronomy clubs, universities, or research bodies for exclusive events, expert talks and to boost your experience’s credibility.

*A rare celestial phenomenon, the total solar eclipse will sweep across Australia and New Zealand on 22 July 2028, bringing more than five minutes of midday darkness. The path of totality is expected to pass directly through NSW, with many communities predicted to experience total darkness. According to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), it will mark the first total solar eclipse visible from Sydney since 1857 and the last until 2858, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event. Now is the time for businesses to start planning and creating experiences that will leave visitors in awe.

Promoting your experience

Once you’ve created or adapted these elements to your experience, showcase your new offering with visitors, media, staff and distributors with these tips for promoting your nature-based experience.

Resources

SkySafari or Sky Walk 2 are apps that enhance night sky experiences by providing real-time, interactive guidance for identifying stars, planets and constellations.
Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA) offers best practice lighting information including advice for protecting and preserving Dark Sky zones across Australasia.
NSW National Parks – Dark Sky Parks highlights certified Dark Sky parks and provides information on how these areas are preserved for stargazing and ecological benefits.
DarkSky International offers resources for communities seeking Dark Sky accreditation, promote responsible lighting and support global Dark Sky initiatives.
Light pollution map uses satellite data of artificial light at night to show the darkest areas.
Dark Sky Traveller webinar on Designing night experiences that make an impact.