MRLC 2023 Visitor's Guide

MURRAY RIVER, LAKES AND COORONG | THEMURRAYRIVER.COM 34 Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park Dark Sky Tour Whether you’re a stargazer, astrophotographer or simply love the great outdoors, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve should be on your bucket list. The 3,200 square kilometre area (some of which falls within the Swan Reach Conservation Park) has some of the darkest skies you’ll see. The reserve is the first of its kind in Australia, and one of only 16 in the world. Darkness measures 21.97 out of 22 at the reserve’s core location, drawing photographers and astronomers from all over the world in search of the best views of the Milky Way. Experience Juggle House Experience’ s awe-inspiring ‘Dark Sky Gold Stars’ tour with experts in astronomy and Aboriginal Custodians guiding you through the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. Big Bend by Night and the PS Marion also offer tours. With the best time to view late at night during complete darkness, visitors should make the most of their adventure and stay the night in the nearby towns of Swan Reach, Walker Flat, Punyelroo, Cambrai, Sedan, Purnong or Caurnamont. Driving on country roads Many of the access roads into the core site, the Swan Reach Conservation Park, are for 4WD only. Mobile phone service can be patchy so check where you’re going before you leave and remember to keep an eye out for our native wildlife on the roads (especially at night). What you need to know before you visit The reserve is about a 90-minute drive from Adelaide, or 10 minutes from Mannum. You don’t need fancy stargazing equipment out here. A pair of binoculars will do the trick for beginners. Or just sit back and look up (you might see the International Space Station pass overhead). The reserve contains several astro hotspots and ideal places for stargazing (see a list of sites on themurrayriver.com) . If you’re a keen stargazer, set up your telescope on the specially made concrete pads. If you love camping, find a spot in our conservation park or local river reserves, and soak up the beautiful night sky any time you want. If you’re not an experienced camper, we would suggest an organised tour and overnight accommodation through one of our great local caravan parks, cabins, motels, riverside holiday homes or a houseboat. Its international status means it’s protected from artificial light, so nothing can interrupt your evening view. Our sparkling skies River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Mid Murray Landcare SA-catalysts for pursuing and achieving Dark Sky Accreditation D A R K S K Y R E S E R V E Juggle House Experiences Astro hot spots: Big Bend Lookout Purnong Lookout Kroehns Lookout Palmer Lookout Cambrai Oval Meldanda Campground