Starry Skies and Celestial Shows

Winter nights in the Hilltops Region are nothing short of magical—and this July, the skies are delivering a rare treat. Not one, but three meteor showers will dazzle stargazers, offering a breathtaking celestial display. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a fireball streaking across the sky.

The best part? You don’t have to wait until midnight. Simply step outside after dark and look toward the southern horizon. Under clear skies, you could spot several meteors an hour – especially during peak nights:

Piscis Austrinid Meteor Shower – Monday, 28 July

Southern Aquarid Meteor Shower – Wednesday, 30 July

Alpha Capricornid Meteor Shower – Wednesday, 30 July

Be sure to check the latest Aurora Australis forecasts, and have your camera ready.

For a truly immersive experience, there’s nothing quite like camping under the stars. Here are some of the region’s top spots for a meteor-watching getaway:

Jugiong Recreation Grounds – Set along the scenic Murrumbidgee River, this free camping area is ideal for riverside strolls, native wildlife spotting, and relaxed evenings by the water. Donations at the entrance.

Jarabin, Berremangra (Nanangroe Rd) – Offering sustainable glamping and riverfront camping. Bookings are essential.

Touts Lookout, Monteagle (Scenic Rd) – Known for its elevated views and wide-open skies, this free camping area is a prime spot for enjoying meteor showers.

Lions Lookout, Young (709 Olympic Hwy) and Waterworks Lookout, Jugiong (Riverside Dr) – Ideal stopover spots with excellent vantage points of the night sky.

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