This hidden adults-only cabin offers NSW’s best stargazing – and it’s 3.5 hours from Sydney

One of the rare things most of us can agree on is the sheer magic of sleeping under a true starry night sky. For millennia, humans have been captivated by the vastness of the cosmos, with night-sky enthusiasts travelling to some of Australia’s most remote corners for a glimpse of what lies beyond our atmosphere.

As cities continue to grow, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find genuine dark skies where stars can be seen in all their sparkling glory. But we’ve found a secret spot in New South Wales offering some of the best stargazing in Australia – and it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney.

Set amid the peaceful landscapes of the Abercrombie River, Starscape Australia is the wildly remote, adults-only escape in question. The biggest drawcard of this rustic yet luxe 100-acre property is its total seclusion. The night skies here boast a number two rating on the Bortle Scale – the global standard for measuring darkness and light pollution – which means you’re under some of the clearest skies in the world, free from virtually any light (and noise, for that matter).

There’s plenty to love about Starscape – from the sun-drenched verandah with its sunken open-air bathtub to the large daybed tucked next to a tiny fireplace, and the cosy wellness room with yoga mats and weights. But it’s the tiny, thoughtful touches that truly help you unwind: a stack of board games and books to encourage being offline, simple recipes for mindful cooking, and a record player to set the mood for slow evenings and conversation.

The real showstopper, though, is the StarDome – a private observatory for uninterrupted stargazing, complete with a fold-out bed. At night, it offers front-row seats to one of the darkest night skies in Australia, revealing a galaxy of stars simply not visible anywhere near the city.

Save this stay for your very first stargazing adventure, your next weekend getaway out of Sydney, or just any time you’re craving a proper digital detox. You can find out more about Starscape Australia here. 

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