Explore the Dark Night Sky
Crowned 2nd best in the world for stargazing Warrumbungle National Park Australias first "Dark Sky Park" Coonabarabran NSW
We have two jobs
Job one: Save the AAT. Jobs and science at Siding Spring.
By mid-2027, the current funding for the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) will come to an end, with no long-term commitment secured beyond that date.
There is no automatic replacement for that funding.
We are a community campaign advocating for a managed future for the telescope and its site. This includes ensuring ongoing scientific contributions, preserving the heritage of Australia’s largest optical telescope, and supporting the regional economy surrounding it.
Our efforts highlight the importance of the Anglo-Australian Telescope in providing meaningful science alongside daytime experiences that can enhance Coonabarabran and Warrumbungle shire tourism activity.
Siding Spring Observatory is an operational site with additional telescopes. Dark Sky Hub and the Last Light campaign is committed to securing a sustainable future for the AAT/SSO and establishing a public front door that enhances access to this remarkable asset on the mountain.
Job two: Grow visitors to match the sky and science.
Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park, ranking as number one in the Southern Hemisphere and number two in the world, making it an ideal destination for stargazing experiences.
Dark Sky Hub is enhancing our town’s appeal in this ranking by introducing various apps and online tools. These include a calendar that helps visitors plan their visit around the best night sky offerings.
We've also developed an app to guide visitors along the Solar System Drive, along with one that provides a season-by-season, month-by-month overview of the night sky.
Looking ahead, we plan to establish a town presence where visitors can learn more about dark-sky nights, available tours, and local events.
Our mission focuses on informing visitors, enhancing their knowledge of dark sky opportunities, and growing the welcome in Coonabarabran, Siding Spring, and the surrounding Shire, ensuring they have an incredible experiences.
The tools
Travel the Solar System Drive
Follow the world’s largest virtual solar system from Pluto to the Sun. Scaled billboards along five scenic routes turn the journey to Siding Spring into a simple, educational trip.
Where, When and What's Up
The Coonabarabran Dark Sky Calendar is a free sky clock for Coonabarabran and the Warrumbungle Shire. Use it to see moon phase and what is up in the early evening. Check details with local operators when you arrive. Weather is never guaranteed. Three or more nights gives you a better chance of a clear night.
Where Are We Tonight
This page shows where the Sun and Earth sit in our galaxy, and why the sky over Coonabarabran changes with the seasons. The four seasons in the sky are a reason to come back.