Where to go stargazing in Ipswich

If you're looking for a place where you can lie under the stars and see the night sky in all it's glory, there are a few places in Ipswich you should check out...
10 Nov 2022
Josh Kerr, Ipswich Trekker

Looking for an amazing stargazing experience? Ipswich is the place to be! With its dark night skies and expansive countryside, Ipswich is a prime location for star gazing. For an unforgettable night-sky experience, read on! 

Grandchester

Spicers Hidden Vale Photo: Facebook

Spicers Hidden Vale is one of the top stargazing destinations in Ipswich. Located just outside the town of Grandchester, this sprawling property features wide open fields with little to no light pollution, making it the perfect spot for a clear view of the stars. For the best results, you’ll want to book in for the night and settle in for your own personal showing of the heavens.

White Rock – Spring Mountain Reserve

Moonlight hike at White Rock

For an equally immersive stargazing experience, another great option is to check out the Moon Rise Tour and City Lights night hike with Ipswich City Council. This unique tour offers exclusive access to the conservation estate after dark, for an entirely different point of view. If a decent hike, some wildlife and then some stars is your cup of tea, this one is the choice for you. 

Hardings Paddock

Hardings Paddock Photo: Josh Kerr

Harding’s Paddock is another great option for stargazing enthusiasts. This quiet little part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, as well as amazing views of the night sky. Even a stargazing novice with an entry level telescope will be able to make some stellar observations out here!

You will have to book a campsite to go stargazing here though, as the day use area is locked from 6pm to 6am.

Ivory’s Rock

Starlight Landscape in Goolman – S Jappe, Enviroplan Photo Competition 2017

While you’re at it, why not check out Ivory’s Rock, in Ipswich. With the dark silhouette of Flinders Peak draped across the horizon and its sparse country population, this events and camping venue offers the perfect combination of dark skies and scenic beauty. It’s a top choice for both amateur and professional astronomers alike. Whether you’re looking to marvel at the bright stars or catch sight of distant nebulae and galaxies, Ivory’s Rock has something for everyone.

Josh Kerr Ipswich Trekker
Josh ‘The Bear’ Kerr, is an Ipswich local, hiker, tour guide, photographer, fitness instructor and most recently, Ipswich’s Google Trekker. Having grown up in the area since age 7 and quickly becoming involved in the outdoor scene, he would eventually put these skills to good use trekking almost all of Ipswich and its surrounds for Google Maps. What would ensue, is some of the most comprehensive mapping of any city in the southern hemisphere, from our historic streets and suburbs to our most rugged mountain peaks. “After 8 grueling months and over 3 million steps, Ipswich is finally on the map!”

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