Star Way (10-12 Days)

Embark on a unique journey guided by the stars, traversing from the sheltered boating waters near the Mackerel Islands and the picturesque Onslow on the coast, to the red sands of Tom Price and the captivating National Parks of Karijini and Millstream in the Pilbara.

Days 1-4: Onslow and the Mackerel Islands

Onslow is one of the rare places where you can see both the Sun and Moon rise and set over the ocean! Head up to Dreamers Hill to see sunsets and sunrises in all their glory. The Staircase to the Moon can be seen on full moon nights from April to October each year.

Practise your astrophotography at local attractions, The Termites and Old Onslow Town.

After a couple of nights in Onslow, catch the boat for some more adventures on Thevenard Island amongst the Mackerel Islands. There is so much on offer during the day followed by magical evenings dining under the stars! Thevenard Island is partly in the “path of totality” for Eclipse 2028.

Overnight:

Ocean View Caravan Park. Bookings essential

Onslow Beach Resort. Bookings essential

Beadon Bay Hotel. Bookings essential

Mackerel Islands - Amazing Island Holidays Western Australia Bookings essential

Days 5-7: Cheela Plains (270 kilometres/3.5 hours)

You’ll feel so welcome at Cheela Plains Station stay. whether you’re camping, caravanning or staying in comfortable accommodation. After check in and getting your access key, set up camp or enjoy the luxury of a cabin and then set off to explore of the station’s gorges, enjoy a star filled night sky by the camp fire either at the homestead campground or at your own wilderness camp.

The Cheela Café will fuel you up ready for a night under the stars.

Here, you’re completely away from light pollution and to be dazzled like never before

If you have a 4WD make sure to explore Beasley Gorge and see the “Great Oxidation Event”. This is a rock timeline recording the rise of oxygen in the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere more than 2700 million years ago

Overnight: Cheela Plains Station Stay - Bookings essential

Day 8-9: Paraburdoo (95 kilometres/1.25 hours) and Tom Price (115 kilometres/1.75 hours)

If you’re ready for your next spot of astrophotography, stay overnight in Paraburdoo.

Visit the Red Dog statue in honour of the famous ‘Pilbara Wanderer’ and fuel up at one of the local cafes.

An incredible art sculpture called Resilience will captivate you for an entire eventing.

Stay longer and you’ll be able to catch a ride with Pilbara Camel Trekking and Cultural Tours.

Imagine your very own camel ride to the stars where you’ll discover how Aboriginal people, the world’s first astronomers, used the night sky to guide everyday life.

Soak in the panoramic views of the Hamersley Ranges enroute to Tom Price and savour a freshly brewed coffee at one of the town’s many cafes or coffee vans.

Make sure to call into the Tom Price Visitor Centre to get all the local stargazing secrets.

At the information bay on the way into town, one of the huge mining trucks is there to greet you and it’s ideally positioned to take your own astro-image with the stars and Milky Way behind

Overnight: Tom Price Tourist Park - bookings essential

Days 9-12: Millstream National Park (320 kilometres/4 hours) or Karijini National Park (160 kilometres/1.75 hours) from Paraburdoo

Stunning National Parks to choose from - some of the Best in Australia

Head north to Millstream-Chichester National Park and join Clinton and Ngurrangga Tours to soak in Aboriginal culture and heritage. Clinton is an award-winning tour guide and on some of his tours, you’ll experience the night sky through his eyes. His overnight tour explores the Millstream-Chichester National Park and George Gorge. You’ll camp under the stars where you’ll learn more about connections for the Yindjibarndi people.

The incredible Karijini National Park is an awe-inspiring experience, where adventure awaits. Remember to take in the night sky once again with Karijini’s Dales Gorge Campground, Astro Tours run from April to September each year. Contact the Karijini Information Centre

Enjoy a night under the stars and see astronomical objects close up through telescopes.

Overnight: Karijini National Park - Park Stay - bookings essential

Overnight: Millstream-Chichester National Park - bookings essential

From reef to range, you’ll be under the stars every night on this wonderful road trip adventure.

For additional information about the locations on the Star Way, check out the following useful link www.astrotourismwa.com.au.

Driving times and distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on the exact route taken.

Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.