Stars do Shine – Milky Way from Tasmania, Australia
This adventure marked my second trip to Tasmania, firmly dedicated to capturing the breathtaking Aurora Australis. My journey led me to the Maingon Bay lookout, driven more by snagging a budget-friendly Jetstar flight from Sydney than by the weather forecast. The trip was strategically planned during the new moon phase, a crucial timing as I aimed to photograph both the Aurora Australis and the dazzling Milky Way—a double treat for my camera and soul.
As some of you might know, I’m originally not from Australia. I live and work in Bali, but Australia has become one of my favorite countries to visit, especially for indulging my passion for photography. There’s a particular thrill in capturing astrophotography here. Australia offers countless locations with zero light pollution, making it a paradise for observing stunning celestial events.
Tasmania, in my opinion, has so much to offer. The pristine beaches, rich history, and fantastic photography spots—from landscapes and wildlife to astro shots—are just a few reasons I keep coming back. And let’s not forget, I absolutely adore the weather.
Last year, I visited Tasmania in March and stayed around the South Arm area. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much luck witnessing the Aurora Australis, but I did manage to capture the incredible Milky Way from the Goat Bluff lookout. This year, in 2024, I decided to visit in May and chose to stay in White Beach, Port Arthur.
Returning to my pursuit of the Aurora Australis, once again I fell short of capturing the full auroral display from the Maingon Bay lookout. However, I did manage to photograph a green and red background in the sky. I’m unsure if this qualifies as part of the aurora, but what should I call the green and red hues in the sky?
The photos in my post were taken between 11 PM and 3:20 AM. I spent those hours in the chilly Tasmanian weather, feeling cold, hungry, and sleepy.
I’m so fortunate to have a friend like Swan. She generously accompanied me on this trip, providing both companionship and support during those long, cold hours.