Aurora lights create a breathtaking view in the dark sky, crafting a lifetime moment for those who wish to see it. 2024 to 2026 is a golden chance for everyone who has dreamed of witnessing these celestial wonders. Just like different parts of the world, Aurora Australis is gracing Tasmania this year as one of the best places to witness the majestic Southern Lights, but what conditions are needed, and when is the best time to go?

Well, a little luck is required, though weather updates on the spot can greatly improve your chances. To catch this ethereal light show, you’ll need clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution – something Tasmania’s pristine nature offers in abundance. Strong solar activity is crucial, and being in the right place at the right time can increase your chances of seeing the Southern Lights for yourself.

Best Time to Visit (Season) to See the Aurora Australis

Winter is the best time to see the Aurora Australis in Tasmania, which occurs from May to August. This period offers longer nights and darker skies, significantly boosting your chances of spotting this celestial spectacle.
However, timing isn’t everything. Several factors can influence your aurora-hunting success:

Moon Phases

If you plan to see the Aurora Australis in Tasmania, it’s best to schedule your trip around the new moon or when it is less prominent. This will ensure darker skies and improve your chances of viewing the aurora.

Seasonal Variations

While winter is prime time, don’t discount the shoulder seasons. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) can also provide good viewing opportunities, with the bonus of milder weather.

Solar Activity

Keep an eye on solar forecasts, as heightened solar activity increases your chances of a sighting.

Location

Finding the right location or spot is always crucial. Choose spots with clear views of the southern horizon, away from light pollution. If you’re in Tasmania and eager to catch the Southern Lights, you can get the latest updates on a popular Facebook page called Aurora Australis Tasmania Alert NOW.

Remember, the summer months (December to February) offer less favorable conditions due to shorter nights, but sightings are still possible. Ultimately, patience and flexibility are key – the aurora dances to its own rhythm, rewarding those who persevere with a truly unforgettable display.

Where to See Tasmania Aurora Australis?

There are many spots where you can see Tasmania Aurora Australis. Some of them are:

1. Hobart

The capital city of Tasmania, Hobart, is popular among tourists for its wildlife, adventure, art, history, and rich food and wine scene. With its clear, dark skies, the spot is on the tourist bucket list for stunning views of the Aurora Australis. The main reason is that the city is protected from light pollution, allowing you to witness particularly bright and strong auroras. But where to see Aurora Australis in Hobart? Here are the top locations to experience this natural wonder.

Rosny Hill lookout

It is the closest spot to see the Aurora Borealis and offers a scenic escape from the city. Just a 10-minute drive from Hobart’s center, its clear skies and breathtaking views provide prime viewing of the Southern Lights. The nearby golf course ensures minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location to experience the stunning Aurora Australis. Additionally, you’ll enjoy impressive panoramic vistas of Hobart and the Derwent River.

Howrah Beach

This sandy stretch in Howrah is a prime spot for catching the Aurora Australis. Just a short drive across the Derwent River from Hobart’s city center, it’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see the Southern Lights without straying far from the city. Thanks to its south-facing views and relatively clear skies, Howrah offers a great opportunity to witness the dazzling display of the Aurora Australis.

Seven Mile Beach

The longest beach has zero light pollution as it is located away from the city. Uninterrupted views here enhance your chances of stargazing and witnessing the northern lights dancing on the surface of the water. If you’re traveling from afar, you can also plan a stay here, as there are plenty of accommodation options near the beach.

Mt Nelson Signal Station

Continuing from the signal station’s panoramic city view, this easy-to-access site is an excellent spot for catching the Aurora Australis. While its location provides a great vantage point, be aware that surrounding trees may obstruct some views of the auroras. For a convenient drive, take the Southern Outlet and exit at Proctor’s Road, or navigate through the suburbs on the winding Nelson Road.

Taroona Beach

If the space weather forecast suggests aurora viewing in the Hobart area, you can head to Taroona Beach, which is 15 minutes away from South Hobart. The beach is a good option to capture both the Southern Lights and the Milky Way.

2. Mount Wellington

About a 30-minute drive west of Hobart, Mount Wellington stands as a premier spot for aurora viewing. Rising to over 4000 feet (1200 meters), its high elevation positions you above much of the local light pollution on dark nights. However, visibility for good sightings or photography may be impacted by atmospheric conditions and light pollution from the nearby suburb of Kingston.

3. South Arm Peninsula

If you’re a photographer and have dreamed of capturing this incredible natural light phenomenon, this is the place. The South Arm Peninsula, located 40 minutes south and east of Hobart, offers fantastic views of the Southern Lights. Both Clifton and Calvert’s beaches are ideal spots to witness the aurora borealis and the night sky.

4. Gypsy Bay & Primrose Sands

Last weekend, some rare Aurora pictures spotted on the Facebook group came from the Primrose Sands and Dodges Ferry area. You can really capture some of the best Tasmania Aurora Australis images here. You can see the Southern Lights from their excellent southern-facing beaches. These include Park Beach in Dodges Ferry and the namesake beach of Primrose Sands. Both locations benefit from less light pollution than Hobart, providing great dark sky viewing chances.

5. Calvert’s Beach

If you’re looking for the best views of the dancing auroras, Calvert’s Beach is a great spot. For the best aurora viewing, head north along the shoreline. While the southern part of the beach is easy to access, Goat Bluff can block the view. Moving to the northern end of the beach gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the Southern Lights. The rock formations here make a perfect foreground for photographing the beautiful auroras against a rugged natural backdrop.

6. Cradle Mountain

If conditions are right for the Aurora Australis, Cradle Mountain offers one of the most spectacular viewing spots in Tasmania. However, its location further north than Hobart means that the Southern Lights need to be exceptionally strong to be visible above the iconic silhouette of the mountain and Dove Lake. But as shown in the photo above, it’s definitely achievable! Dove Lake is generally accessible throughout the year, though heavy snowfalls can occasionally close the road from Cradle Mountain Village. Recently, new rules have been introduced to manage congestion, restricting access by private vehicles during the day.

Travel Tips to Track the Aurora Australis

There is no fixed time when the auroras appear, so you need to stay alert and keep informed about weather updates to increase your chances of seeing the Southern Lights in Tasmania.

• There are particular groups on Facebook where you can get real-time updates on current Aurora sightings across Australia. You can join these groups to get the latest information on the Tasmania aurora. Members in these groups post pictures along with the exact locations where the auroras are showing on cameras.
• If you really wish to capture the Southern Lights, bring a camera capable of long exposures, a tripod, and a lot of patience. Adjust your camera to a high ISO, open up the aperture, and experiment with different exposure times to capture the vivid colors.
• You can bring a DSLR camera to capture this natural light phenomenon. A DSLR is always better for capturing the faint color changes through the lens than with the naked eye.
• Remember to bring warm clothing when packing for your aurora-chasing trip, as Tasmanian nights can be chilly. A thermos with a hot drink can make your wait for the lights more comfortable.
• Lastly, but most importantly, remember to be patient. Southern lights are unpredictable and may require long waits for the perfect conditions. But the reward will be a really breathtaking experience that’s truly out of this world.