Welcome to the River MurrayInternational Dark Sky Reserve

Take a tour and experience the Dark Sky Reserve for yourself.

Seeking the optimal River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve experience? Why not let someone else do the organising?

There are a range of tour options available in the area to help you learn about the sparkling galaxy above. From an authentic bush adventure out in the wild to a glamorous experience with champagne. By booking with someone else, you can guarantee that your visit to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve will include the best Astro Hot Spots.

BIG BEND BY NIGHT
JUGGLE HOUSE EXPERIENCES

Dark Sky Gold Stars Sunset Dinner Tour

Discover an enchanting journey in the heart of Australia’s very first International Dark Sky Reserve. Meet the stars of the region – Astronomy guides touring you through the night sky and Aboriginal custodians welcoming you to their ancient rock shelter.

Our Gold Stars Sunset Dinner Tour introduces you to one of the darkest places on earth with virtually no light pollution.

Your journey includes:

• Tour of the night sky by an astronomer on the River Murray clifftop
• Use of provided telescope and red torch lights to view stars, constellations, planets, clusters and galaxies.
• Guided tour of Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site with Aboriginal people described as the world’s first astronomers
• Main meal at Swan Reach Hotel or Bowhill Store
• Luxury travel in comfortable small group tour vehicle/s from Mannum to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve area and return.
• Insightful and light-hearted commentary on your journey, about townships and locations between destinations.

We look forward to introducing you to the stars!

Big Bend By Night

Big Bend By Night offers visitors the chance to see large numbers of kangaroos and wombats in the wild on unique spotlighting tours at Big Bend on the banks of the Murray River.

You can enjoy a bush tucker breakfast, a three course riverbank dinner while the sunset changes the colours of the sandstone cliffs, or, if travelling as a group participate in the Sunnydale Shearing Show.

There is no walking involved in the nocturnal tours just soft, comfortable padded seats in an open sided cart that is a fun experience on its own, especially on a clear starry night with Jackdog leading the way.

Big Bend By Night also have a Mercedes Benz Sprinter and a Toyota Commuter available to take you.

Our Dark Sky Reserve

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is the world’s leading dark sky organisation which accredits six types of designations based on their level of darkness. The award winning International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program was founded in 2001 to protect and preserve places with dark, unpolluted night skies.

There are only 15 Dark Sky Reserves in the world and the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is one of them! A dark sky reserve consists of a “core” zone meeting minimum criteria for the sky quality and natural darkness. This zone is surrounded by a buffer zone with light policy controls enacted to protect the darkness at the core.

DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET

The Best Lookouts

Whether it is an Astro Hot Spot or the ideal location for star viewing, we have selected the 15 best places to visit during your time in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. Grab your telescopes, binoculars, maps, camping equipment and cameras, and be ready to immerse yourself in the wonder of the milky way.

Just be aware, if you are self driving to our region, there are many unsealed roads to access some of the best viewing sites, and while a 4WD isn’t necessary in terms of access, there is a lot of rubble, dust and wildlife to consider

DOWNLOAD OUR LIST OF BEST LOOKOUTS

Know Before you Go

It’s important that you are prepared when entering the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve area. Spanning across such a large and secluded area, there are all kinds of factors to be wary of and to prepare for.

Ensure you know how to use any equipment you are taking, and you have a torch to use in the areas without power.

Understand how to travel in our region. There are many 4WD only tracks available in the area, please look at our River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve map for more information before you go. We are also highly prone to Kangaroos and other nocturnal wildlife crossing the roads at night. Stay alert while driving and tell someone where you’re going.