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As you browse the site, add accommodation, tours, events and attractions to your personalised trip by clicking the heart icon. When you’re done, click the heart icon in the menu at the top of the website to view your wishlist.

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Auroras, Milky Way and Bioluminescence: D’Entrecasteaux Channel After Dark

  • Aurora Australis. Image Credit: Simon Kruit

The D’Entrecasteaux Channel, with its secluded coves and serene beaches, becomes a gateway to some of nature’s most awe-inspiring light displays once the sun sets.

Southern Tasmania is privileged to witness the Aurora Australis’s ethereal dance, bioluminescence’s mesmerising glow, and the Milky Way’s breathtaking expanse. 

Far from the city’s lights, the Channel offers an unspoiled night sky view, where these phenomena often grace the heavens and seas. While these natural wonders remain elusive and unpredictable, we have curated a list of the best spots to experience these magical moments under the stars.

Taroona Beach. Image Credit: Aaron Ching
Taroona Beach. Image Credit: Aaron Ching

Taroona Beach

Taroona Beach, just a 20-minute drive south of Hobart, is a prime location for capturing the celestial wonders of the night sky.

Favoured among photographers for its unobstructed views, this tranquil beach offers a front-row seat to the Aurora Australis and the Milky Way. 

By night, Taroona transforms into a serene oasis, where the only sound is the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the shore—a perfect setting for those seeking to witness and photograph the southern skies at their most magnificent.

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Blackmans Bay. Image Credit: Matt Davis
Blackmans Bay. Image Credit: Matt Davis

Blackmans Bay

The rocky coastline around Blackmans Bay Beach is interesting enough to explore during the day, but at night the sandstone rock formations and the dazzling Milky Way are a match made in heaven!

Nearby, Fossil Cove is a magical spot to visit after dark. Gaze at the stars through the rocky archway, and you’ll find all kinds of fun compositions.

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Howden. Image Credit: Aaron Ching
Howden. Image Credit: Aaron Ching

Howden

Near the boat ramp at Howden is a favourite spot for Aurora chasers. If you get really lucky, you might just witness the magic of bioluminescence – watch in awe as bursts of electric blue appear in the water! The bright glow is caused by billions of single-celled algae or plant plankton called Noctiluca scintillans (commonly known as sea sparkle) flashing when disturbed by waves or currents. Make sure you look south for an opportunity to catch the elusive Aurora Australis.

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Tinderbox. Image Credit: Matt Davis
Tinderbox. Image Credit: Matt Davis

Tinderbox

The Tinderbox Hills Track is awesome for wildlife enthusiasts, as the bush comes alive with the activity of all sorts of native animals after dark. 

You never know who you might meet! If the sky is clear and the Milky Way is on glorious display above the treetops, even better.

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Snug Falls. Image Credit: Matt Davis
Snug Falls. Image Credit: Matt Davis

Snug Falls

Another forest track that comes alive after dark is the walk to Snug Falls (please take care if you’re walking in the dark).

You’ve probably seen the popular waterfall during the day, but under the stars, it’s a different kind of captivating.

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Coningham. Image Credit: Deni Cupit
Coningham. Image Credit: Deni Cupit

Coningham Beach

The adorable boat sheds at peaceful Coningham Beach look super cute under the starry night sky.

You can even gaze across the water towards kunanyi / Mt Wellington, standing watch in the background.

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Kettering. Image Credit: Aaron Ching
Kettering. Image Credit: Aaron Ching

Kettering

Trial Bay at Kettering is far enough away from the bright city lights that you can nab some breathtaking photos of the Aurora and Milky Way.

Capture the dancing beams and the green and purple glow reflected in the water for bonus enchantment power!

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Discover D’Entrecasteaux Channel

A picturesque stretch of water separating lunawuni / Bruny Island from the Tasmanian mainland.

D’Entrecasteaux Channel

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We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.

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