Chasing Tasmania’s Southern Lights: Where to Drive for the Best Views
Chasing Tasmania’s Southern Lights: Where to Drive for the Best Views
The aurora australis—also known as the southern lights—offers one of Tasmania’s most magical natural experiences. Unlike its northern cousin, the aurora borealis, the southern lights can often be spotted from Tasmania’s darker, more remote locations. With the right timing and a bit of driving, you can chase this stunning natural phenomenon across the island.
Whether you’re a night-sky enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone hoping to witness something unforgettable, this guide will help you plan a self-drive aurora adventure.
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Why Tasmania Is the Best Place in Australia for Aurora Viewing
Tasmania’s southern latitude, low light pollution, and abundance of remote coastlines make it the best place in Australia to catch the aurora australis. You don’t need a telescope—just clear skies, a dark horizon facing south, and a bit of patience.
When to See the Southern Lights
Auroras can appear year-round, but the best months are from March to September, especially around the equinoxes. Solar activity peaks unpredictably, so it’s worth following aurora forecast sites or apps like Aurora Australis Tasmania on Facebook.
Your best chance is:
On clear nights with minimal moonlight
Between 10 PM and 2 AM
After strong geomagnetic storms (Kp index of 5 or higher)
Best Drive-To Spots for Aurora Chasers
1. South Arm Peninsula (near Hobart)
Just 45 minutes from Hobart, South Arm offers wide views over the water and dark skies. Try Goat Bluff Lookout or Hope Beach. It’s a favorite among local aurora photographers.
2. Dodges Ferry and Carlton Beach
These quiet beachside communities are around an hour east of Hobart. With minimal light pollution and a clear view south over Frederick Henry Bay, it’s a fantastic location if you’re based in or near Hobart.
3. Cockle Creek
As far south as you can drive in Australia. It takes effort to get there—about 2.5 hours from Hobart—but you’ll be rewarded with a pristine, isolated viewing spot and truly dark skies.
4. Bruny Island – The Neck
Catch the ferry from Kettering, drive 30 minutes down Bruny Island, and stop at The Neck. From the lookout, you’ll get unobstructed 360-degree views, including a clear southern horizon.
5. Mount Nelson Lookout (Hobart)
If you’re staying in the city and conditions are right, Mount Nelson provides a convenient, elevated vantage point for a quick aurora watch.
6. Cradle Mountain Area
For those exploring the north or west coast, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a surprisingly good location for aurora hunting. Just avoid the bright lights of accommodation areas and find an open space or lakeside spot.
Tips for Aurora Spotting by Car
Use a red light torch to preserve your night vision.
Download aurora apps like SpaceWeatherLive or Aurora Forecast to track solar activity.
Check the moon phase—a new moon provides darker skies.
Bring a tripod if you’re planning to photograph the aurora.
Pack warm clothes—Tasmania gets cold fast at night, even in summer.
Always fuel up beforehand, especially when driving to remote areas like Cockle Creek.
Why YesDrive Is Perfect for Late-Night Adventures
Aurora chasing means being ready to go when the sky clears or solar activity spikes. With a hire car from YesDrive, you can take off when the conditions are right and reach the island’s best stargazing spots in comfort.
Our vehicles are reliable, comfortable, and available in Hobart and other convenient pickup locations. Whether you’re after a compact car for easy parking at lookouts or an SUV for tackling gravel roads, we’ve got a vehicle that suits your night-sky mission.
Book your YesDrive car today and get ready to chase Tasmania’s southern lights—on your own terms, with nothing but stars overhead
