AUSTRALIA’S ECLIPSE QUINTET: 2023-2038
If you are—or would like to be—an eclipse chaser, prepare yourself for a choice of FIVE total solar eclipses in Australia over the next 15 years.
A total solar eclipse will be visible from mainland Australia in 2023, 2028, 2030, 2037, and 2038. With an estimated two in every three Australians living near the capital cities, and each Australian city giving easy access to at least one of these eclipses, most Aussies are likely to get the chance to experience totality. That’s exciting!
Our last Australian totality experience was in 2012 in North Queensland (just up the road). It certainly doesn’t feel like a decade ago.
Australia is a massive continent and there is plenty of room to spread out along the path of totality for every eclipse, except in 2023. Here’s a quick breakdown of the eclipse quintet to come.
20 Apr 2023. Northwest Cape, WA. Max 1min 16sec
With such limited land options, visitors to the ‘Ningaloo Eclipse‘ will concentrate in the North West Cape area of Exmouth. Viewing options include the stunning World Heritage-listed Ningaloo coastline and Cape Range National Park in Western Australia (WA). Those wanting to escape the crowds are likely to head further north to Onslow and access the path of totality by boat. The iconic Australian totality experience for this eclipse is likely to be from a beach location.
22 Jul 2028. Durack, WA; Tennant Creek, NT; Thargomindah, QLD; Sydney, NSW. Max 5min 10sec
This one is definitely not to be missed with such a long duration of totality! By far the biggest crowds of people experiencing totality will be the 5.3 million lucky Sydney-siders who just have to look up. Eclipse chasers are likely to focus on the areas giving maximum time during totality in WA, and across the glorious Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (QLD) outback. This is the ideal time of year for an extended outback adventure. The iconic Australian totality experience is likely to be near the Sydney Harbour, although the Karlu Karlu (Devil’s marbles) in the NT will provide the iconic outback setting.
25 Nov 2030. Streaky Bay, SA; Packsaddle, NSW; Miles, QLD. Max 3min 44sec
With no major cities in the path, people will be traveling to the stunning Eyre Peninsula of South Australia (SA) to greet the Moon’s shadow. Those searching for clearer skies will head into the outback in SA, New South Wales (NSW), and QLD. The iconic Australian totality experience is likely to be had on the coast, or in the outback.
13 Jul 2037. Geraldton, WA; Uluru, NT; Gold Coast, QLD; Byron Bay, NSW. Max 3min 58sec
The path of totality for this eclipse sweeps elegantly across the whole Australian continent from west to east. Colourful Geraldton will be the premier location to first welcome the Moon’s shadow. The outback areas of WA, NT, and QLD will make great viewing locations, especially in QLD with the maximum duration of totality. Some may like to head to the tourist areas of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Those seeking the iconic Australian totality experience will no doubt make a beeline to Uluru (Ayres Rock).
26 Dec 2038. Onslow, WA; Whyalla, SA; Barham, NSA; Shepparton, VIC. Max 2min 18sec
Finally, this path of totality sweeps across the Australian continent from west to east, this time with Onslow in WA in the lucky position to first welcome the Moon’s shadow. To avoid the challenge of a wet season, viewers are likely to head to the outback in WA and SA. Those seeking the longest duration should consider the east of the path in Victoria (VIC). An iconic Australian totality experience can be found in the stunning Karijini National Park, WA.
It’s time to dream big and use these total solar eclipses in Australia to plan your epic outback adventure, and finally get a chance to experience our dark southern hemisphere sky.
So sorry Tasmania – you miss out. Your next one isn’t until June 2131.
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