3 places to view Southern Lights – Aurora Australis

The Northern Lights are getting increasingly difficult to spot, but don’t lose hope. There is a way for you to not only see the phenomenal auroras, but to save money and flight time too – catch the Southern Lights instead!

What’s the difference between the Northern and Southern Lights?

Nothing! Well, nothing aside from the fact that you observe the phenomenon on the opposite side of the hemisphere.

If that’s the case, why don’t people ever talk about the Southern Lights?

The Aurora Australis is known the less popular aurora “sister” because up until recently, it was a lot harder to observe. However, now that the Aurora Borealis occurrences are gradually dwindling as it enters its 11-year downward cycle, there’s not much of a difference. This is a game-changer, because we all know that it’s much cheaper to fly to places like Australia and New Zealand as opposed to Europe.

Top Places to Catch the Aurora Australis

As we step into the winter months Down Under, the season of auroras begins! Although it is generally cloudy during winters (thus affecting visibility), this season has the longest nights. Here are the most accessible and affordable places to camp at.

Victoria, Melbourne

Even if you don’t manage to catch the lights, there are tons of things to see and do at the many coastal towns along Australia’s most famous road. You can go cafe-hopping in Lorne, ziplining in Otway, and to visit the 12 Apostles formations near Port Campbell.

New Zealand, South Islands

Lake Tekapo is part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, and thanks to the minimal light pollution, it is famous spot for not just aurora-spotting, but stargazing in general. The observatory atop Mount John is where most of the tours are conducted. Another extremely popular spot is Waipapa Point Lighthouse.

Where to go: Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Stewart Island, Waipapa Point Lighthouse (The Caitlins)

Tasmania

Theoretically, if the geomagnetic storm in large enough to reach Tasmania, it should be visible all over Tasmania. However, the above-mentioned spots are popular with aurora chasers as they are scenic and easily accessible anyway.

Where to go: Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Cockle Creek, Cradle Mountain, Dodges Ferry, Howrah, Mortimer Bay, and Seven Mile Beach

For tickets and tours, visit Changi Recommends here.

Top image features Australis aurora and Milky way at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. Photo via Shutterstock.com

Chitra Kumar

Newsroom-trained, multi-platform content producer. Loves the speed of digital culture and the timelessness of long-form. When I'm not stringing together words to tell a story, I'm busy researching my next travel destination.

Recent Posts

Score 50% Off MagSafe Accessories at CASETiFY STUDiO – Limited-Time In-Store Offer

From November 15 to 20, 2024, CASETiFY STUDiO at ION Orchard is rolling out an…

1 hour ago

Oceania Cruises Reveals New 2026 Voyages Across the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and Europe

Oceania Cruises is set to launch the second wave of its 2026 Voyage Collection, available…

3 hours ago

President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2024 Celebrates Inspiring Changemakers in Singapore

The President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA) 2024, held at Raffles Hotel Singapore, honoured 13…

16 hours ago

ASUS Launches the Vivobook S 14 in Singapore: Sleek Design Meets AI-Powered Performance

ASUS launches its latest Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA) in Singapore, a powerful, ultra-slim 14-inch laptop…

17 hours ago

Far East Malls Sparkle with Festive Cheer in ‘Season of Joy’: Experience the Magic of a LINE FRIENDS minini Christmas

Far East Malls welcomes Christmas with the delightful LINE FRIENDS minini cast and an exciting…

19 hours ago

Mental Health Film Festival Singapore Announces Winners of Short Film Youth Competition

The fifth edition of the Mental Health Film Festival Singapore (MHFFS) recently concluded four days…

21 hours ago