River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve

24/11/2024

08/11/2024

🌌 🔭 Celebrating 5 years of preserving one of the world’s darkest skies.

5 years ago, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve received its prestigious accreditation, placing our region among the world's most extraordinary nightscapes. Spanning 3,200 square kilometres with darkness levels reaching 21.9 out of 22, the reserve offers an unparalleled stargazing experience.

Our region has become a hot spot for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers, boosting tourism beyond the daylight hours. We’re incredibly proud of the ongoing dedication from our community—businesses, environmental groups, government, and passionate locals—all working together to preserve our night sky for future generations.

Protecting this incredible resource isn't just about breathtaking skies; it's about embracing the profound benefits of awe and wonder. Gazing up at the universe above can reduce stress, improve mood, and even increase generosity. 💫

Here's to many more years under our shared night sky!

📷 Big Bend Lookout, Dark Sky media launch team, November 2019.

Mid Murray Council

31/10/2024

Five years ago, something magical happened in the Mid Murray that would change the region forever. Known for the beauty [...]

24/10/2024

Voted world best by National Geographic! 🌏 The Murray River has been named one of the ‘25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025’.

As Australia’s longest river - and the third longest navigable river in the world - it stretches an impressive 2,508 kilometres across southeastern Australia.

In the Mid Murray, you’ll be greeted by dazzling constellations within the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. 🔭✨

Then you can follow the Mighty Murray to where it flows into the Great Australian Bight, in the breathtaking Coorong National Park – which is perfect for those seeking adventure in untamed wilderness. 🌊

This is your sign to start planning your next adventure! Tag your travel buddy in the comments and let the journey begin. 💬

Find out more 🔗 themurrayriver.com

Image credit: Jacob Jennings

South Australian Tourism Commission Rural City of Murray Bridge Mid Murray Council Coorong District Council

17/10/2024

This week marks five years since we received gold tier accreditation as Australia's first Dark Sky Reserve. Very proud and thankful to all the people who helped make it possible.
Happy 5th Birthday, River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve!

08/09/2024

Please Share Your Thoughts on this Magical Artwork by 🎨✨ Azeza Possum.

It is titled, “Seven Sisters (Milky Way) Dreaming” 🌌💫
Please find all details here: https://artlandish.com/apssd19301
This Stunning Painting is 150cm x 92cm and is acrylic on canvas 🎨🖼️

✨ The Story/Dreaming ✨

In the Dreamtime a group of seven Napaltjarri women were being pursued by a Jakamarra man called Jilbi. He had been sitting in a cave at irlkirdi practicing love magic by cutting off his long hair ✂️ and weaving it by hand onto a wooden spindle, then performing songs and dances which people from far off could hear 🎶💃. Often, he would entice young women to come to his cave and live with him. Jakamarra men were very proud of their successes when they practiced this magic and spent much time boasting among themselves about their prowess.

The seven women had no intention of sleeping with the Jakamarra man and ran away from him, journeying a long way across the desert 🌵 until they were too tired and hungry to go any further 😴. They sat down at Uluru to search for honey ants 🐜, then when they saw Jilbi approaching, went to a place called Kurlunyalimpa and changed themselves into seven fires 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.

With the help of spirits at Uluru 🏞️, they went up into the sky to become stars 🌟. Ever since then, they can be seen as a cluster of seven stars in the constellation Ta**us ♉, known as the Pleiades ✨. Jilbi transformed himself into the Morning Star 🌅 in Orion’s belt and continues to chase the Pleiades across the sky 🌠.

✨ The Artist’s Biography ✨

Azeza Possum was born in Kempsey, NSW in November 1995 🎂. She is the granddaughter of Clifford Possum Tjapaltjairri, AO (c. 1937 – 2002), Australia’s most celebrated Aboriginal artist 🎨🇦🇺. Clifford’s art hangs in all of the major collections and museums worldwide 🌍, he presented his art to the Queen 👑, and features in numerous important publications on the Masters of Australian Art 📚🖼️.

Azeza is the second youngest daughter of senior artist Michelle Possum Nungurrayi and Heath Tjangala. Michelle is the youngest child of Clifford, making Azeza (and her 2 sisters) the third generation of artists in her family 🎨👩‍👧‍👦. Michelle, along with her older sister Gabriella, were taught to paint by Clifford and they both carry forward the traditional stories 📖, style, and much of the iconography of Clifford Possum, albeit with stronger colour 🌈 and the addition of women’s ceremonial stories and other women’s dreamings.

Azeza learnt to paint by observing and assisting her mother 🎨👩‍👧. Her art is colourful and dramatic in style 🎨✨, depicting the dreaming stories and women’s ceremonial activities of her paternal great-grandmother Long Rose Nungala, combined with the bold and precise imaging of her grandfather, aunty, and mothers’ artworks 🎨👩‍🎨.

Along with her 2 sisters – Khatija and Chelsea – this exciting young artist is making a huge impression on the art world 🌍🎨, and we have no doubt she will have a long and successful career 🏆💫.

08/08/2024

Council delegates and representatives of the Dark Sky Committee met with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, to update her on activities being undertaken to help preserve and promote the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Governor of South Australia River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve

08/08/2024

Bookings now open on eventbrite for Mid-Muray residents!

08/07/2024

An aurora in the shape of a dragon, the Milky Way and supernova remnants are among the inspirations for the...

29/06/2024

Places still available; please join us in our International Dark Sky Reserve and find out what the fuss is all about.

Ever been to a ⭐️STAR PARTY⭐️?

This is your chance! Join Juggle House Experiences for an exclusive 1-night only party like no other.

Held within the the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (at Walker Flat Community Hall on Saturday, 6 July, 2024), this is an event for astronomy enthusiasts, nature lovers, astro photographers, science buffs and space fans.
🌟🌍🪐💫

📍You’ll enjoy a line up of interstate and local guest speakers including keynote speaker Professor Fred Watson AM – Australia’s first Astronomer at large. Listen as the speakers delve in from all angles with everything astronomy, light and dark sky reserves.
📍View the stars and night sky from high powered telescopes and virtual reality headsets.
📍Take the opportunity to mingle and browse with local business’ and exhibitors including Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Tours, Big Bend By Night, Gateway to the Galaxy and many more!
📍Tickets prices are $125 per person including a beautiful 3-course meal.
📍Use your imagination and start planning your outfit for our ‘Star Party’ dress theme.

Once the formalities are complete, step outside to gather around the bonfire and soak in some of the world's best views to the stars, only 90 minutes from Adelaide!🔥

For more information and to book your ticket 👉(bit.ly/4ciirbF)

This event will go ahead rain, hail or shine to don’t delay – grab your friends and book your tickets now!🏃‍♂️

27/06/2024

Please join us.

Ever been to a ⭐️STAR PARTY⭐️?

This is your chance! Join Juggle House Experiences for an exclusive 1-night only party like no other.

Held within the the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (at Walker Flat Community Hall on Saturday, 6 July, 2024), this is an event for astronomy enthusiasts, nature lovers, astro photographers, science buffs and space fans.
🌟🌍🪐💫

📍You’ll enjoy a line up of interstate and local guest speakers including keynote speaker Professor Fred Watson AM – Australia’s first Astronomer at large. Listen as the speakers delve in from all angles with everything astronomy, light and dark sky reserves.
📍View the stars and night sky from high powered telescopes and virtual reality headsets.
📍Take the opportunity to mingle and browse with local business’ and exhibitors including Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Tours, Big Bend By Night, Gateway to the Galaxy and many more!
📍Tickets prices are $125 per person including a beautiful 3-course meal.
📍Use your imagination and start planning your outfit for our ‘Star Party’ dress theme.

Once the formalities are complete, step outside to gather around the bonfire and soak in some of the world's best views to the stars, only 90 minutes from Adelaide!🔥

For more information and to book your ticket 👉(bit.ly/4ciirbF)

This event will go ahead rain, hail or shine to don’t delay – grab your friends and book your tickets now!🏃‍♂️

07/06/2024

Interested in finding out more behind the River Murray International dark sky reserve?

PRESENTS THE EXCLUSIVE, ONE NIGHT ONLY STAR PARTY SATURDAY 6TH JULY 2024 BOOK NOW Come for the sparkle Saturday 6 July 2024 in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve for a Star Party like no other! Join us for a community celebration as we we

31/05/2024

It has been very hard to keep quiet about this. Welcome Carrickalinga to the growing number of Australian International Dark Sky Places. And the third in South Australia.

Exciting news! We are delighted to announce that Carrickalinga is Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community!

Located along the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, Carrickalinga is famed for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and rich wildlife. The town's pristine night skies inspired locals to achieve Dark Sky Place accreditation, upgrade street lighting, and initiate educational programs on light pollution. The community hosts regular dark sky events featuring stargazing and First Nations stories.

Though once a hidden gem, Carrickalinga is gaining popularity. Visitors can enjoy multicultural night sky tours blending traditional and modern astronomy with resources provided by the District Council of Yankalilla. To learn more about Carrickalinga’s efforts to become a Dark Sky Community, visit https://bit.ly/4e3P0Ms

31/05/2024

Exciting news! We are delighted to announce that Carrickalinga is Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community!

Located along the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, Carrickalinga is famed for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and rich wildlife. The town's pristine night skies inspired locals to achieve Dark Sky Place accreditation, upgrade street lighting, and initiate educational programs on light pollution. The community hosts regular dark sky events featuring stargazing and First Nations stories.

Though once a hidden gem, Carrickalinga is gaining popularity. Visitors can enjoy multicultural night sky tours blending traditional and modern astronomy with resources provided by the District Council of Yankalilla. To learn more about Carrickalinga’s efforts to become a Dark Sky Community, visit https://bit.ly/4e3P0Ms

30/05/2024

Join Australia's Astronomer at Large, Prof Fred Watson on July 6th in the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=475188955167161

11/05/2024

There's an excellent chance of strong aurora tonight (SAT 11 May). Do your best to find a gap in the clouds, and look South!! Keep any Light Pollution behind you. And use your mobile phone to take some images - it is much more sensitive to colour than your eyes!!

06/05/2024

Every light alters the night. We encourage you to adjust your outdoor lights to help preserve nighttime environments! Reducing light pollution not only saves energy but also protects nocturnal ecosystems and creatures.

Small changes to your lights can have big impacts! By following DarkSky’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night (ROLAN) you can turn your home into a dark-sky oasis! Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/3U0zrNy