T&Cs: Valid only on new bookings made between 16 February 2024 - 31 March 2024 for travel between 2 - 28 April 2024. Kids travel free valid only with bookings of 2 or more adults that include 2 of the following tours: Explore the Cosmos, Under the Stars, Observatory Tour. Valid only when code DARKSKYWEEK is entered at time of booking. Full rate will be charged at time of booking with the code DARKSKYWEEK entitling you to a refund of the child pricing at time of travel.*
In honour of International Dark Sky Week, from April 2nd to April 8th, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is illuminating the wonders of the night sky with a special offer for the entire family. As a proud International Dark Sky Sanctuary, we invite you and your children to immerse yourselves in the celestial magic with our array of astronomy experiences. Book two or more night sky experiences — choose from Explore the Cosmos, our enlightening Observatory Tour, or the enchanting Under the Stars experience — and for this stellar week extending right through to the end of the South Australian School Holidays, kids will join for free*. Embrace the universe's mysteries and create memories that will outshine even the stars.
Add code DARKSKYWEEK when prompted at checkout to register for your refund!
What is a Dark-Sky Sanctuary?
An International Dark-Sky Sanctuary is a place that has been acknowledged for its exceptionally dark and starry night skies.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. You can find out more about the program and our fellow certified Dark Sky Sanctuary locations here.
In July 2023 Arkaroola became only the second certified Dark Sky Sanctuary in Australia. Different from Dark-Sky Parks or Reserves, Sanctuary's are often more remote and require special considerations for approval.
Preservation
Awareness
Conservation
Why is this Dark-Sky Certification important?
Arkaroola has a long standing commitment to preserving the uniqueness of the rugged mountainous landscape, its flora, fauna, geology, and night skies for all to enjoy. Dark Sky Sanctuary status will help Arkaroola, and its not-for-profit entity the Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation, to further encourage education, conservation and research activities.
How can you experience our Dark-Sky Sanctuary?
See our Wildlife
While you might not think it, our Dark Sky Sanctuary enhances your day time visit to Arkaroola too! Many visitors come just to see our Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies (Petrogale Xanthopus), a vibrantly marked wallaby that thrives on the cliffs of Arkaroola. Being crepuscular and nocturnal, they need a dark night time environment for their well-being.
Astronomy Experiences
We run 3 different types of astronomy experiences to allow guests a variety of opportunities to take a closer look at our night sky; traditional eye-to-telescope observing, a real time, state of the art digital Astro Experience, and reclining in a camp lounge chair learning about the nights sky with astronomical binoculars.
Sleep Under the Stars
Our Ridgetop Sleepout overnight hosted experience provides a chance for visitors to camp overnight and sleep under the stars atop our most remote and best vantage positions. The perfect way to immerse yourself in our Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Contact us any time
Contact Us
+61 8 8648 4848
res@arkaroola.com.au
2948 Arkaroola Rd 5701 Arkaroola Village
