Inland Dark Sky Reserve

Stretching across the vast, sparsely populated landscapes of northern New South Wales, the Inland Dark Sky Reserve is a sanctuary for stargazers and anyone craving profound solitude under an unpolluted night canopy. Certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, this immense reserve covers over 3,500 square kilometres, encompassing the towns of Warrumbungle, Coonabarabran, and Baradine. By day, the region offers striking volcanic landscapes and ancient forests; by night, the Milky Way arcs overhead with a clarity that will leave you speechless. It’s a place where the universe feels close enough to touch.

Highlights & What to See

• Warrumbungle National Park – Explore dramatic volcanic peaks, walking trails, and the excellent Warrumbungle Visitor Centre. At night, the park’s dark skies are simply breathtaking.
• Australian Astronomical Observatory (formerly Siding Spring Observatory) – Book a tour to see Australia’s largest optical telescope and learn about cutting-edge space research.
• Coonabarabran – This friendly town is the gateway to the reserve; don’t miss the free public viewing nights at the observatory and the local café scene.
• Baradine – A quiet base for exploring the Pilliga Forest, with its ancient cypress pines and abundant birdlife, plus its own dark-sky viewing spots.
• Pilliga Nature Reserve – Walk through the Pilliga Forest’s sandstone outcrops and discover Aboriginal rock art; after dark, the sky is a tapestry of stars.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days and two nights to truly absorb the reserve’s celestial and terrestrial wonders. Spend the first day exploring Warrumbungle National Park and the observatory, then savour the second day driving the scenic backroads, visiting local towns, and settling in for a long, dark night of stargazing. If you’re a keen astrophotographer or hiker, add an extra day to venture deeper into the park’s trails or Pilliga’s forests.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dubbo – A two-hour drive south, with the excellent Taronga Western Plains Zoo and a lively regional centre.
• Tamworth – About two hours east, known as Australia’s country music capital, with a rich pioneer history.
• Narrabri – A charming agricultural town and gateway to the Mount Kaputar National Park, with its own dark-sky potential.
• Coolah – A small historic village with the Coolah Tops National Park, offering panoramic views and quiet camping.
• Gunnedah – The “Koala Capital of NSW”, with wildlife parks and the iconic Water Tower Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.