Seeing the stars (I mean really seeing the stars) is such a rarity in today’s light-polluted world. Australia’s vast untouched landscape provide the perfect opportunity to step out into the wild, wrap a blanket around yourself and star gaze until you go dizzy.
So whether you go north to Uluru to appreciate the perfectly formed Southern Cross, or south to the famous star-gazing Outback destination of Coonabarabran – sleeping in the Australian outdoors will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a planetarium and put on a pair of 3D glasses.
Remember the basics
Don’t leave home without the bare essentials. You’re in the Outback for strewth’s sake with its vast expanse of wilderness and unknown spider types. Have you got spare batteries for your torch? Enough water? Foil blankets? You might think these are unnecessary if you’re parking up your campervan or setting up next to you super tech tent, but always be prepared.
Use your eyes, not your lens!
We’re all guilty of living life through a lens. It’s awesome to snap away at all the cool stuff you see, but this is one scenario where, unless you’ve got the right gear and know-how, your eyes are more powerful and all-seeing.
Check your sleeping bag or Swag for anything beginning with ‘S’
That’s right, snakes and spiders and all things slithery. Jump straight in without checking in the dark corners of sleeping bag or shoes at your peril!
Keep buzzing insects away
Keep your skin free of itchy red bites by remembering to take the repellent with you. And if you’ve slung a hammock up between some trees, invest in a cheap mosquito net to go over the top.
Know your stars
You don’t have to become an astrologist before go, but you’re certainly going to have a much better time if you know your Phoenix from your Fornax.
Leave the music to nature
Don’t be that person with the guitar singing a rendition of ‘Look at the Stars’ or the one with a portable speaker blasting out whatever shuffle decides to play. The best thing about being under the stars is the meditative calmness and taking the time to talk!
Take someone with you
Star-gazing is much more fun when done with friends
Protect your extremities
Remember your toes and head are the first to get cold and so some snuggly socks and a trusty beanie will mean you’re staying warm long after the fire has gone out.
Don’t drink too much
You’re finally snuggled in and feeling content after a night of star-gazing. The last thing you need is a sudden urge that will mean wriggling out of you sleeping bag and into the dark, dark night.
