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.