Dine under the setting sun and then journey through the southern night sky with expert guides at Earth Sanctuary near Alice Springs. Discover the secrets of the cosmos alongside a gourmet Australian barbecue.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily seated during dinner and standing during telescope viewing.
Wildlife
History
The East MacDonnell Ranges have long-standing cultural significance for local Indigenous communities, whose stories enrich the night sky experience.
Conservation
Earth Sanctuary actively promotes dark sky preservation to minimize light pollution and protect nocturnal wildlife habitats.
Earth Sanctuary
Dine under the setting sun and then journey through the southern night sky with expert guides at Earth Sanctuary near Alice Springs. Discover the secrets of the cosmos alongside a gourmet Australian barbecue.
Earth Sanctuary is a dedicated astronomy and stargazing venue located near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Offering a range of guided experiences, Earth Sanctuary presents short star tours, dinner-and-star options, overnight camping, and specialized astrophotography sessions. Each program is led by experienced astronomy guides who provide telescope views of deep-sky objects, planets, and the Milky Way.
The Sunset to Sunrise overnight tour includes a gourmet barbecue dinner, fireside discussions about the universe, overnight camping under dark skies, and a pancake breakfast to conclude the experience. Short-format tours include a 1.5-hour guided star tour that focuses on telescope views and accessible explanations suitable for all ages. The Dinner & Star Tour combines a sunset barbecue and a guided stargazing session using powerful telescopes.
Astrophotography nights are designed for photographers and night-sky enthusiasts, offering opportunities to capture the Milky Way and celestial events with support from knowledgeable staff. Earth Sanctuary highlights comfortable on-site amenities and a focus on sustainability during overnight stays.
Located in the East MacDonnell Ranges region, the venue emphasizes clear, low-light skies ideal for astronomy. Visitors can expect structured programs, hands-on telescope experiences, and informative commentary, making Earth Sanctuary a trusted choice for night-sky viewing and astrophotography sessions in the Alice Springs area.
Tours Offered
4
Guided astronomy experiences
Location
Alice Springs, NT
East MacDonnell Ranges area
Overnight Stays
Available
Sunset-to-sunrise camping option
Award-Winning
Star Tours
Award-winning astronomy tour
Reserve an astrophotography session, a short star tour, a dinner-and-star evening, or the Sunset-to-Sunrise overnight experience in Alice Springs.
Book Early to Secure Your Spot
This intimate dinner and star tour sells out quickly, especially during peak viewing season—reserve your tickets well in advance.
Arrive Prepared for Desert Nights
Temperatures drop sharply after sunset; bring warm layers to stay comfortable during telescope viewing.
Check Weather Before You Go
Tours depend on clear skies—Earth Sanctuary will notify you in advance if weather conditions will affect visibility.
Consider Transport Options
While self-driving is popular, shuttle bus tickets are available and recommended for hassle-free transfers to and from Alice Springs.
Warm Layered Clothing
Even desert nights can be freezing; layers keep you comfortable when temperatures drop.
fall|winter|spring
Sturdy Footwear
The ancient sand dune terrain calls for stable shoes for walking to viewing spots.
Hat and Sunscreen
Protect yourself during sunset before the night chill sets in.
summer|spring
Personal Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your visit, especially after your meal.