With zero light pollution and wide-open skies, our farm is one of the best spots in the Hunter region for stargazing. Here's what to look for and when to look up.
Why the skies here are special
Laguna sits in a valley surrounded by national park, far from the glow of city lights. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon — a river of light so bright it casts shadows. Most of our guests have never seen a sky like this before.
What you can see with the naked eye
You don't need a telescope to have an incredible stargazing experience here. On any clear night, you'll be able to spot:
- The Milky Way — our home galaxy, visible as a bright band across the sky
- The Southern Cross — Australia's most famous constellation, and the two pointer stars beside it
- The Magellanic Clouds — two small, fuzzy patches that are actually neighbouring galaxies
- Planets — Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are often visible, depending on the season
- Shooting stars — especially during meteor showers (the best ones are in April and December)
Best times to stargaze
- New moon nights are darkest and best for seeing faint objects
- Winter months (June to August) offer the clearest, driest skies
- After 9pm once the sky is fully dark and your eyes have adjusted
Tips for a great session
- Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the dark
- Bring a blanket or swag — lying flat is the most comfortable way to watch the sky
- Use a red-light torch if you need light (it won't ruin your night vision)
- Download a stargazing app like Stellarium to help identify what you're seeing
- Be patient — the longer you look, the more you see
There's something deeply grounding about lying under a sky full of stars with nothing but the sound of the creek and the occasional owl. It's one of the things guests tell us they remember most about their stay.