Discover the magic of the night sky at Earth Sanctuary, where clear, dark skies and expert guidance provide unforgettable astrophotography opportunities. Perfect for capturing breathtaking celestial images in a serene setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required, mostly standing or sitting
Wildlife
History
Earth Sanctuary was established in 2010, emphasizing eco-friendly tourism and dark sky preservation.
Conservation
Significant efforts are in place to minimize light pollution and promote sustainable stargazing practices.
Earth Sanctuary
Discover the magic of the night sky at Earth Sanctuary, where clear, dark skies and expert guidance provide unforgettable astrophotography opportunities. Perfect for capturing breathtaking celestial images in a serene setting.
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.
Use a sturdy tripod
A stable tripod is essential for capturing clear, sharp images of the stars.
Check moon phases
Plan your visit around a new moon for optimal dark sky conditions.
Arrive early for sunset shots
Capture the landscape at dusk to complement your star photos.
Dress warmly at night
Night temperatures can drop significantly; bring layers to stay comfortable.
Camera with manual settings
Necessary for capturing high-quality astrophotos.
Tripod
Stability is key for long exposure shots.
Warm clothing
Stay comfortable during nighttime hours.
winter
Red flashlight or headlamp
Red light preserves night vision while providing visibility.