UPDATE 5 Nov 2024: The Backyard Universe is closing down on 30 November 2024 because the owners/operators are retiring. You can still book places on the remaining Fleurieu Stars tours this month. But no new bookings are being accepted for private group night sky tours, nor for passenger transport. Thank you to our many tour guests and supporters for the last eight years.
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Discover the wonders of the South Australian night sky with our multicultural night sky tour, nestled in the rural hills above Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community — Carrickalinga. Immerse yourself in a 90-minute guided tour under the stars, blending traditional stargazing and modern astronomy. Join our small group tour led by an experienced local guide. Explore a night sky almost as dark as the Outback, but within an easy drive from Adelaide, McLaren Vale and Victor Harbor.
What sets us apart?
- Multicultural insights. This is a unique astronomy tour that includes night sky interpretations from multiple non-Western and southern hemisphere cultures. Experience a celestial journey that transcends textbooks and cultural boundaries.
- Accessible location. Located at The Forktree Project re-wilding property in the rural hills above Carrickalinga, our tour site is accessible to all cars and just a short drive from Normanville, Myponga, Second Valley, the Kangaroo Island ferries, McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, and Adelaide.
- Interactive experience. Discover the universe with our laser pointer and large telescope, in a small group, outdoors on a hill top under the actual night sky.
Practical details
- This tour is WEATHER PERMITTING and Cloud Forecasting is not reliable until your actual tour day. We will text a weather update to your mobile phone on your tour day.
- In case of cancellation we offer full refunds.
- Please dress like you’re going to the South Pole regardless of the weather forecast. It’s easy to remove layers to cool down if you’re too hot. It’s impossible to warm up using any clothing that you left at home.
- We have bench seating for you, but you can bring your own portable chair to sit in if you want. Or a picnic blanket.
- You can also bring your own binoculars.
- The tour happens on a flat compacted gravel area, with easy access from the car parking area for baby prams, walkers & wheelchairs.
- There is a “long-drop” toilet nearby but it’s not wheelchair friendly (yet).
- Assistance Dogs are welcome, but for everyone’s safety all other animals are prohibited during tours. Please leave them at home, or inside your car.
- Please tell your kids to leave any light-emitting shoes/clothes/jewellery, toys and gadgets at home. The light from these things destroys everyone’s night vision.
Plan your visit
We do NOT provide transport to this tour. You will need your own vehicle.
- Location map and Google Maps link. The location is accessible to any car or minibus.
- Dinner options nearby include the Forktree Brewery, the Normanville or Yankalilla hotels, or one of several cafes and take-aways in Normanville. There’s also the Victory Hotel at Sellicks Hill if you’re coming from Adelaide or McLaren Vale.
- Accommodation nearby includes caravan parks, motels, Bed & Breakfasts, and dozens of holiday rentals. See the Visit Fleurieu Coast website for details. If you’re staying overnight nearby then explore our region during the daytime too.
- We do not offer this tour during bright moon evenings because we’re trying to show you a dark starry sky.
- Please also read our Accessibility notes.
A percentage of your tour fee is donated to The Forktree Project to support their work.
Some recent improvements to this tour were sponsored by the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Experience Nature Tourism Fund