When to Photograph the Milky Way in Adelaide and SA

• The best months are May through August, when the galactic core is visible, rising in the southern sky.

• The Milky Way becomes visible a few hours after sunset when the sky is fully dark, around 8-11pm.

• Check moon cycles and weather - shoot a week either side of new moons and on clear nights.

The Milky Way is visible in South Australia at nearly all times of the year (weather and moon permitting). However, if like most Milky Way photographers, you are interested in shooting the classic Milky Way core, the best time for this in during the colder or winter months; May-August. Providing the weather is playing nice and you‘re not close to a full moon (few days either side), you should be confident to have opportunities to view the Milky Way core for part, or most of, the night.

Top Spots Near Adelaide for Capturing the Milky Way

An essential requirement for capturing the Milky Way is to limit as much light pollution as possible. Trying to take a Milky Way shot in the city will leave you disappointed but even an hour or so out of the city will produce far better nighttime shots. If you are wondering if a certain location will be dark enough, check out the apps I recommend below, otherwise, here are some common locations that I regular shoot at that are close or only a few hours outside of Adelaide.

• Lake Bonney - A beautiful lake with dead trees creates stunning foreground pictures.

• Flinders Ranges - Rugged mountains and national parks north of Adelaide like Mount Remarkable.

• Barossa Valley - Wine region northeast of Adelaide with rolling hills and vineyards. Mengler's Hill Lookout.

• Belair National Park - Just south of Adelaide, with views over the city lights.

• Petrel Cove - A short drive south from Adelaide and provides a gorgeous beach foreground. If you’re lucky, this is a great spot to capture the Aurora Australis too.

• Coorong National Park - Milky Way reflections in the narrow lagoon along the coast southeast of Adelaide.

• Kangaroo Island - Dark skies and beaches on an island south of Adelaide, away from light pollution.

Other Prime Milky Way Photography Locations in South Australia

• Lake Gairdner - Vast salt lake with beautifully reflective water.

• Wilpena Pound - Iconic natural amphitheatre in the Flinders Ranges.

• Coober Pedy - Opals and underground homes with Outback night skies.

• Lake Eyre - Epic salt flats perfect for astrophotography.

• Nullarbor Plain - Remote desert highway with extremely dark skies.

FAQs

When is the best time to photograph the Milky Way in South Australia?

The best months are May through August when the core is visibly rising in the southern sky during the winter. Aim to shoot a few hours after sunset when the sky is fully dark, around 8-11pm. Check moon cycles and weather - shoot during new moons on clear nights.

Where are the best places to photograph the Milky Way near Adelaide?

Some of the top spots include Flinders Ranges, Lake Bonney, Belair National Park, Barossa Valley, Coorong National Park, and Kangaroo Island. Each location offers dark skies and unique landscapes to photograph the brilliance of the Milky Way.

What gear do I need for astrophotography in South Australia?

The essential gear includes a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle fast lens like f/2.8, a sturdy tripod, and remote shutter release. You may also want to use accessories like a star tracker or star adventurer to allow for longer exposures. Check out our gear recommendations for more options.

What camera settings should I use?

Use lower f-stop lenses like f/2.8 and set your ISO to around 3200-6400 to collect enough light. Use shutter speeds between 20-30 seconds to capture sharp star trails. Shoot in RAW format for more flexibility in post-processing.

How can I compose my Milky Way photos in South Australia?

Try framing the Milky Way rising or setting vertically or diagonally over iconic land formations. Position interesting foreground elements like old gnarled trees. Shoot into the arch of the Milky Way's central bulge. Reflect the stars in still water for tranquil shots.

How can I reduce noise in my photos?

Take multiple shorter exposures instead of one long exposure. Then stack the images together in post-processing using stacking software to reduce noise while preserving detail. Enable long exposure noise reduction in your camera if available.

Are there Milky Way tours or guides available?

Yes, dedicated astrophotography tours and guides are available, especially in prime spots like the Flinders Ranges. You can also join astronomy clubs that organise group Milky Way photo outings. Workshops are another great way to learn hands-on.