The ultimate overnight astronomy experience in Alice Springs
EXPERIENCE THE BEST VIEWS IN OUR GALAXY
Sunset to Sunrise
EARTH SANCTUARY
Experience Earth Sanctuary’s premium Sunset to Sunrise program with an astronomical camping experience. This overnight program combines Earth Sanctuary’s Astronomy tour with overnight camping and meals, extended astronomy experience and sustainability tour.
Private Star Tour
EARTH SANCTUARY
Enjoy time to speak with your own guide, ask questions and seek answers the biggest questions in the Universe, who are we, where are we from, how big is the universe? This private tour is available for upto 4 adults and kids come free. With extended time also on the Big Telescope this tour is a must for all Space enthusiasts.
Dinner & Stars
EARTH SANCTUARY
Add dinner to your space adventure. Earth Sanctuary has carefully selected special celestial dining dates for 2024 which offer some of the greatest viewing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Astro Tour
EARTH SANCTUARY
Welcome to Earth’s Sanctuary’s award winning astronomy programs. Sharing our celestial knowledge of the incredible and majestic night sky is our pursuit and we know you’ll be saying “Wow” before the night is over. We are located in one of the darkest regions on the planet so our celestial objects are naturally brighter and clearer to the naked eye. Arrive a touch early, grab a beverage and get ready to say”Wow”!
Why stay at
Earth Sanctuary
Location Location
Situated on the 23rd parallel South of the equator near the Tropic of Capricorn in the remote Australian outback, Earth Sanctuary Alice Springs is uniquely located for star gazing. With a dedicated space observatory and sophisticated astronomy equipment with all the comfort camping facilities, there are few locations on Earth that can provide unimpeded views of the night sky and the Milky Way Galaxy in comfort and style.
Extended Duration
Make it unforgettable. Experience an entire night of star gazing, drift to sleep under the slow progression of the zodiac and celestial phases. Appreciate the Earth’s rotation as you lay on your star bed and be guided through the stars.
The Billion Star Hotel
Sunset to Sunrise. Why confine yourself to the hotel walls when you can sleep directly under the Milky Way Galaxy, view countless stars, the planets, the Moon and constellations.
Star Guides
Earth Sanctuary prides itself on offering a holistic view on the night sky, interweaving modern science with ancient world views celebrating human heritage in the stars. From the practical skills of star navigation to ancient Egypt and Machu Picchu your star journey is not confined to one world view.
Carbon Neutral
Earth Sanctuary is a certified Climate Active venue, proudly reducing and offsetting its carbon footprint in a commitment to future generations. A significant portion of Earth Sanctuary’s revenue is directed to public education on averting the climate crisis.
Cool Space Tech
Earth Sanctuary’s viewing technologies include: 1 x Meade 14 Inch ACF deep sky telescope and dedicated astronomy dome observatory. 6 x 8 inch Meade and Celestron advanced coma free telescopes mounted to dedicated piers. 60 mm Colorado Solar viewing telescopes and 8 inch adaptive lenses for solar viewing. Multiple projectors for celestial application projection with virtual demonstrations of space phenomena.
Sustainability Tour
The Sunset to Sunrise astronomy experience includes a complimentary guided tour of Earth Sanctuary’s sustainability environment exploring energy, water, shelter, food, utilities and wellbeing…the same key features utilised in space exploration which are critical to achieving a sustainable Earth.
Start at Earth Sanctuary
If you’ve planned to explore Central Australia and perhaps embark on the Larapinta Trail then Earth Sanctuary is the perfect place to start. It’s not just the amazing stars but your guides will introduce local ecology, ancient indigenous culture and the rich pioneering history that will help you better appreciate the iconic region better known as the heart of the Australian outback.
Accomodation
If you really want to take your Earth Sanctuary experience further, then inquire about Earth Sanctuary’s fully furnished geodesic domes available to couples and families who wish to spend a night or two on site. We can prepare a tailored experience as you reside in a truly one of kind dome home in the Australian outback.
Sunset 2 Sunrise Tour Details
Astro Tour
Canapé Dinner / Pancake Breakfast
• Canape dinner and dessert treat followed by campfire nibbles.
• Your choice of beverage (bottle of wine, or two beers/ciders per person)
• Wake up to a hot pancake breakfast
Star Beds
View the moving cosmos from the comfort of your star bed
• Overnight stay in star bed, with stretcher and swag (BYO pillow and sleeping bag)
• Access to private tent for luggage and changing
• Hang out in the star hammocks or star gaze from a reclining camp lounge
Navigation
Learn to Navigate with the Stars
Learn celestial navigation, also known as astronavigation. This is an ancient and modern practice of finding direction using the stars. On this tour you will learn how to Navigate using the Southern Hemisphere Stars
Zodiacs
Locating the Zodiacs
In Western astrology, and formerly astronomy, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs, each occupying 30° of celestial longitude and roughly corresponding to the constellations: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. At any one time we can see 6 Zodiacs and we will help you find them.
Telescopes
Look through a telescope
For our Private program, we get extended time looking through our large Deep Sky Telescope and we will get to see a variety of celestial objects up close and personal.
Ecliptic
Finding the Ecliptic
As viewed from Earth, the ecliptic is a great circle around our sky, formed by the intersection of Earth’s orbital plane with the imaginary celestial sphere surrounding us. The sun travels around our sky on the great circle of the ecliptic. The moon and planets also follow this path and our team will help you locate this in the night sky.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE…
“I’ve dreamed of seeing the stars in the Outback for so long and finally I did it . This is the best astro tour I’ve ever done. At first I couldn’t believe these boys slept under the stars for 10 years, then I just listened to their stories and knowledge. WOW ! Thank you Earth Sanctuary .
Jennifer Lawrence / Sydney, NSW, Australia
Common Questions
Arrival times and program duration:
Exact time for astronomy programs will be issued with your ticket. As a standard entry to Earth Sanctuary is permitted 1 hour before sunset. Please note that sunset times vary throughout the season so please check this on the following chart (link to sunset / sunrise chart)
Weather and climate
Central Australia has a unique climate with extreme temperature variation throughout the season, winter months between June and September can be very cold (0 to -2 degrees). Dress for alpine conditions with warm jacket, gloves, scarf and beanie.
Things to bring
Additional things you can bring if you want. Camera, tripod. Smart Phone. Snacks. Sense of humour.
Some good
reasons
to book
EARTH SANCTUARY OBSERVATORY
25 years of experience
DARK SKY REGION
Space Adventures under the darkest skies
Come and dine with us
Enjoy a great night you won’t forget
Look through a deep sky telescope
You will say “WOW”
See the shooting stars
