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The Outback Way to Stargazing Gold Dark Sky Stargazing Trail

Part of Dark Sky Stargazing Trails network

2WD
Trail difficulty
Easy
  • Length 450km
  • Est. time Multiple day
  • One-way
Today

19°C

19°

9°

Part of Dark Sky Stargazing Trails network

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In the heart of WA’s Goldfields, you’ll find a night sky sparkling with billions of stars overhead. Menzies is a starry location where time stands still, and the Universe stretches out far beyond your imagination. A welcoming community will make you feel right at home, and for some, the outback gold town holds discoveries during the day with the stars waiting for you at night.

The Outback Way to Stargazing Gold drive route takes in the iconic Lake Ballard. Call into the Mount Owen Observing Site to lie back on the stargazer's lounge!

Kalgoorlie Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9080 5555

Visitor Information Centres

National Parks

Other Links

Viewing Notes

Meteors
Best annual showers, depending on the moon phase May + Dec
Moonless Nights
Darkest skies around new moon
Milky Way Core
Best season Apr–Oct

The Goldfields are ideal for deep-sky viewing, with remote landscapes and dark horizons that make the night sky feel expansive. Around New Moon, the sky is at its darkest, giving visitors the best chance to see the Milky Way, faint stars and meteor activity. May and December are especially good months to watch for meteors, with the Eta Aquariids and Geminids offering reliable annual highlights if the moon phase allows.

Mount Owen near Menzies is a key observing site on this trail, with a Giant Planisphere and stargazer lounge to help visitors settle in and identify what is overhead. At Lake Ballard, the open salt lake and Inside Australia sculptures create a striking setting for viewing and photographing the stars. Around full Moon, Menzies is also a memorable place to watch the Moon rise near sunset as a large golden orb on the horizon.

Gallery:

Additional resources for this trail

Helpful resources for stargazing in Western Australia

Plan ahead: Check moon phase, weather and local conditions before heading out.

Local advice: Visitor centres may be able to help with current road conditions and suitable viewing locations.

Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

As a driving trail, this can take up to 4 or 5 days.

Length

450km one way

Trail Start

Laverton, 950 kilometres east of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Kalgoorlie, 590km east of Perth

Get directions

When to go

From April to October when the Milky Way is prominent in the night sky.

What’s the weather like?

Safety

Stargazing locations are best experienced after dark. Arrive before sunset where possible so you can check access, parking, uneven ground and your exit route before the light fades.

Facilities

  • BBQ Facilities
  • Camping
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Visitor Information Centre

Trail Accessibility

  • All accessible parking
  • All accessible toilet facilities
More tips for being Trail Ready

Trail information updated
2nd June 2026

Today Jun 10, 1:51pm

19°C

Feels like 18°C

Max 19°

Min 9°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 3.82km/h N

8-day forecast

Wed

19°

9°

Thu

24°

16°

Fri

17°

11°

Sat

18°

8°

Sun

21°

13°

Mon

16°

10°

Tue

14°

8°

Wed

16°

8°

Weather data provided by:

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