28/09/2026
STAR GAZING
with KI CARAVAN PARK, KINGSCOTE ranking number 8 out of 10.
New research has pinpointed where South Australians and travellers can capture the most unforgettable views of the stars this autumn season.
In a new study by Becextech, South Australia's top 10 autumn stargazing glamping spots have been ranked, scoring each destination on light pollution, cloud cover, and Milky
Way
As longer, darker nights and crisp conditions settle in, new data has revealed the best stargazing glamping spots in South Australia to capture and experience the stars at their clearest and most striking display during autumn.
The study conducted by Becextech analysed glamping sites across Australia using HipCamp data priced at $125 or under, then used a weighted index scoring to combine historical light pollution data, autumn cloud cover, and Milky Way visibility.
The findings reveal South Australia's top stargazing glamping spots for an 'out-of-this-world' experience under the autumn sky. From remote outback stations to coastal retreats, the list showcases a collection of unique, bucket-list destinations across the state.
"Autumn is one of the best-kept secrets for stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere," says Santo Ludy, Managing Director at Becextech.com.au. "With temperatures comfortable enough to spend hours outdoors admiring the night sky, increased chances of spotting the Milky Way at night, and fewer tourist crowds, it offers a truly magical experience."
"Our study highlights a diverse range of stargazing glamping destinations across South Australia, where both locals and travellers can immerse themselves in the state's extraordinary natural beauty. Mount Eba Station glamping site, which tops the South Australian ranking, is a reminder that some of Australia's finest stargazing escapes can be found just a few hours from the city and KI CARAVAN PARK, KINGSCOTE ranking number 8.
Light & Cloud Score: 80.2
Milky Way Visibility Angle (degrees): 27.1 degrees
Milky Way Visible: visible
Look Towards: East
Autumn’s Stargazing Index Score: 63.6
If you would like further information:
Becextech's website: https://becextech.com.au/collections/digital-slr-cameras.html
Methodology
Becextech’s study analysed glamping sites across Australia to identify the best destinations for autumn stargazing.
Sites were sourced exclusively from HipCamp and filtered to glamping listings priced at $125 per night or under, resulting in a total of 309 sites included in the analysis.
Rankings were based on a combination of astronomical and meteorological data, including light pollution levels, historical cloud cover, and Milky Way visibility.
Light pollution data was sourced from VIIRS nighttime light satellite imagery (2024), provided by the Earth Observation Group. Radiance values were capped at 15 nW/cm²/sr — the threshold above which conditions are considered too bright for meaningful stargazing — and then normalised on a scale of 0 to 100.
Cloud cover data was sourced from NASA's MODIS satellite dataset and reflects average conditions for the month of May, used as a representative autumn observation period.
Each campsite was geocoded to a precise latitude and longitude using Nominatim. Light pollution and cloud cover scores were then assigned to each site by matching it to the nearest data pixel.
A base stargazing score was calculated by combining light pollution and cloud cover data using a weighted model: 70% light pollution and 30% cloud cover. Both measures were inverted so that darker skies and clearer conditions produce higher scores.
The higher the light score is, the better, since most locations are in the outback and a large part of Australia is empty. Cloud cover score 0 means totally cloudy, and 100 means perfectly clear.
Milky Way visibility was calculated for each site using PyEphem software, which computed the altitude of the Galactic Centre above the horizon on 1 May 2026. Altitude was capped at 70 degrees — the practical maximum from Australian latitudes — and normalised accordingly. A higher altitude indicates a clearer, less obstructed view of the Milky Way.
The final index score was calculated by blending the base stargazing score with the Milky Way visibility score, weighted at 60% and 40%, respectively.
Data was collected in April 2026 and is accurate as of that date, but is subject to change.
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