The Backyard Universe

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The Backyard Universe

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Tour business specialising in small group tours on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, including daytime scenery & history tours, and night time stargazing tours - Southern Fleurieu minibus service - Wild South Coast Way transport.

03/10/2024

It has come time for us to hang up our cosmic boots and head off to explore new galaxies for some well-deserved R&R. 🪐🥳

We are so grateful and filled with incredible joy and memories from each and every guests who has been on tour with us over the years.

We're extremely appreciative of the many supporters, business partnerships and friends for their help and encouragement over the past 8 years.

We thank you all so very much and wish you all more wonderful nights under the southern skies and hope you continue to enjoy our favourite little corner of the world, the western Fleurieu Peninsula.

Our Fleurieu Stars tour will still be operating until the end of November, if you have been considering this one. Now is your last chance! If the tour happens to be cancelled due to weather, a refund will be issued.

Disclaimer: All tours bar Fleurieu Stars have now been closed. Any remaining vouchers will be upheld, however, we require bookings to be made before end of November 2024. We will no longer be available to provide tours after this date.

Fraser & Lorraine
The Backyard Universe

30/09/2024

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in twilight this morning. 0.5seconds ISO20000
Comet head visible to the eye, tail also visible in small binoculars.

19/09/2024

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀!

Did you know that Saturn is visible all night during September and October?

Its rings are almost edge-on too.

17/09/2024

Hiking the Southern Heysen Trail or Wild South Coast Way used to come with one big problem: "How do we get back to our car?" With limited public transport options, no direct routes, and no stops near the trailheads, hikers were left stranded.

That’s where we come in—offering the only service of its kind in the region! Instead of worrying about getting back to your car, we’ve flipped the plan: Meet us at your hike's endpoint in the morning, and we’ll transport you to your starting point.

Why is this a game-changer?

You get a set meeting time and place, making logistics a breeze.
You can hike at your own pace without worrying about transport schedules.
Every step you take brings you closer to your car!
With our trusty minibus and enclosed trailer, we can transport up to 11 hikers (and their gear) right to the heart of the trail—even down gravel roads. This is hiking freedom like never before!

Comment "HIKING" to book your adventure with us today and experience hassle-free hiking.

16/09/2024

Gotcha (at last)!! Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in this morning's dawn sky, only 5 degrees above the horizon, and with a supermoon setting behind the camera.

15/09/2024

On one of our recent Fleurieu Stars tours, we had four lucky guests join us, expecting to gaze at the magnificent winter Milky Way under a clear, moonless sky.

But what they got was something far more extraordinary — a cosmic event like no other!

Just hours before sunset, reports flooded in about a solar storm causing stunning auroras worldwide. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the southern sky wasn't its usual inky black—it was ablaze with vibrant red, green, and yellow hues, dancing curtains of light moving across the heavens.

The aurora was so bright, it completely outshone the Milky Way and blotted out our usual views of star clusters and nebulae, turning the night into an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Even with our powerful telescopes, our celestial targets were no match for the ethereal glow. But nobody was bothered one bit—our guests were completely mesmerised by the aurora, snapping photos and soaking up an experience most only dream of.

It was a rare gift from the universe, and our tour delivered it in full.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the next cosmic wonder—comment "AURORA" to book your adventure today!

13/09/2024

If you've never visited the southern Fleurieu before, your first stop should be the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre in Yankalilla. That’s exactly where we took Zubenel and Genubi, our curious extraterrestrial explorers, on our first adventure. They landed eager to map the stars—and the coast—and found themselves drawn into the warmth of local tourism.

Inside the Visitor Centre, Zubenel marvelled at the variety of local maps and brochures. Genubi? Well, they were more interested in the unique gift shop, which featured artwork from local creatives and rare books that told tales of the region. The highlight? Hiring a bicycle to explore the coast (though Genubi had a little trouble with Earth's gravity), while Zubenel eyed off the off-road wheelchair for a rugged adventure. It was quite the laugh.

Their visit didn’t end there—next stop, the Historical Museum!

But the real story unfolds as Zubenel and Genubi delve deeper into the heart of the Fleurieu, guided by, Fraser and Lorraine, the local Astro experts.

Stay tuned for more cosmic discoveries and coastal escapades with our alien duo!

12/09/2024

Many cultures around the world have traditionally interpreted the Milky Way as a celestial river.

The local Kaurna people, whose traditional lands include the Adelaide Plains and the western Fleurieu Peninsula, view the Milky Way as a river in the sky. Their interpretations are part of the rich oral traditions that connect the night sky with the land, often relating to stories of creation and the spiritual significance of the stars. The Milky Way as a river is a metaphor for the pathways of life and spirit, closely tied to water's importance in their physical environment.

In China the Milky Way is called "The Silver River" (银河, Yín Hé). It plays a central role in the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, two lovers separated by the river and only allowed to reunite once a year, symbolising the stars Vega and Altair.

In Japanese culture, similar to Chinese folklore, the Milky Way is called "The River of Heaven" (天の川, Amanogawa). The tale of the star-crossed lovers (Orihime and Hikoboshi) mirrors the Chinese legend, celebrated during the annual Tanabata festival.

In Hinduism, the Milky Way is associated with the river Ganges (or Ganga), a sacred and life-giving river in India. The Milky Way is called Akash Ganga, which is Hindi for "Ganges of the Sky." The divine river descends from the heavens to join the river, and many Hindus see it as a link between Earth and the spiritual realm.

These cultural interpretations show how humanity connects celestial phenomena with life on Earth through myths, spirituality, and storytelling.

11/09/2024

Fraser’s Top 3 Tips for Traveling with a Telescope

Carry-On for Safety:
Always carry your telescope in your carry-on. Only check it if it's in a shockproof case, and use a padded bag or original foam for extra protection. Check airline size limits and be ready to unpack at security. This ensures your telescope stays safe during travel.

Opt for Compact Telescopes:
Always choose compact telescopes like Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov, or short-tube refractors with apertures under 150mm. Some offer built-in star tracking, while others use phone apps. Practice with a planetarium app like Stellarium or Sky Map to familiarise yourself with the night sky before your trip.

Don’t Overlook Binoculars:
Binoculars, monoculars, or spotting scopes are great for travel. With 10x magnification, you can see Moon craters, and 25x reveals Jupiter’s clouds and Saturn’s rings. Apertures over 40mm offer stunning starfield views, but even pocket-sized binoculars will show more stars than the naked eye can.

Enhance your travel's stargazing experience without weighing down your luggage.

Do you still have questions? Ask them in the comments below!

28/08/2024

Can you believe the crater Tycho and its large pattern of rays are easily noticed on a full moon?

🌑🌒🌓🌔

The crater is nearly 5 kilometres deep, wide enough to engulf all of Adelaide, and was formed about 109 million years ago by the impact of an 8-10 kilometre diameter asteroid.

The crater is named after Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), an astronomer whose detailed star catalogues and decades of meticulous observations of planets helped kick-start the scientific revolutions of the Renaissance.

26/08/2024

🦘I know you can see yourself here...

Just imagine...🦘

🌑🌒🌓🌔

Enjoying the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula's breathtaking vistas while the splendour of the countryside hits you...

On a full moon evening, you're surrounded by the glory of the stunning Southern Hemisphere's starry sky and visions of the clear full moon...

Come and join us on our new night sky and day tours to get a glimpse up close and personal - bring your camera too!
You can get some photos of the extraordinary full moon or stunning views of Kangaroos grazing for yourself.

Comment LINK for our Booking link 📲

24/08/2024

✨ Did you take advantage of our Buy SA Week checkout code last week?✨

Share with us how you are going to take advantage of the Off-Peak season, share with us which tour you plan to enjoy this Winter?

23/08/2024

We highly recommend Southern Ocean Retreats 🦘🦜🌳🌅

20/08/2024

✈️ Did you know the Fleurieu Peninsula has a wind farm? ✈️

Called Starfish Hill Wind Farm, it has 22 wind turbines, eight on Starfish Hill itself and 14 on Salt Creek Hill.

The blades on the turbines are almost as long as the wingspan of a Boeing 737-800 airliner.

Nowadays these are regarded as ‘small’ wind turbines!

18/08/2024

✨Don't forget today is the last day for Buy SA For SA Week!✨

Get in while it's hot!!

Enjoy 10% OFF ALL our tours during Buy SA For SA Week! Just use the promo code BUYSA at checkout.

Embrace the off-peak season! Spoil yourself or buy a gift voucher for a Wintery night under the stars in your own backyard (see what I did there ;))!

Build memories that will last a lifetime with our astro experiences and day tours.

🔗 Book your tour now (you may need to cut and paste our link):
https://thebackyarduniverse.rezdy.com/

T&Cs:
🔭 10% off the first 10 tours booked from now until Sunday, August 18.
🔭 Travel or use by November 15, 2024.
🔭 Minimum purchase of $100.

17/08/2024

Did you know that Buy SA Week is hosted by Brand SA? Their job is to remind you to love your local businesses.

It’s Buy SA Week from 12-18 August, and its a perfect time to celebrate and shine a light on quality experiences and passionate businesses that make South Australia great!
There are many exciting events and activities planned across the state - from product samples, special offers, competitions, cooking demonstrations and an AFL Showdown match day activations

Check out our guide to get involved and learn why it’s important to buy local at (you may need to cut and paste our link):
https://www.weare.sa.gov.au/news/your-guide-to-buy-sa-week

16/08/2024

Everyone has a favourite local spot for looking at the stars, where's yours?

We’d love to hear from you!

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+61488705224

Website

https://www.thebackyarduniverse.com.au/

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Videos

Fun Astro Fact! 🌙 The moon isn't just a night owl — you can spot it during the day too! But only when it's not a new moon phase. 🌞✨ #thebackyarduniverse #southernfleurieuheritage #southernfleurieutwilightexperience #fleurieucoast #nightskytours #seesouthaustralia #aurora #tourourway

Introducing the Secret Selfie Tree! Nestled in a picturesque spot, this majestic tree, discovered by Lorraine, holds a special charm as the perfect backdrop for fun and memorable selfies. Join our guests in creating lasting memories with this unique and enchanting photo opportunity, and see why it has become a favourite highlight of our tours. #TheBackyardUniverse #SouthernFleurieuHeritage&Nature #SouthernFleurieuTwilightExperience #FleurieuCoast #fleurieupeninsulatours #fleurieupeninsulatourism #ExploreSouthAustralia #naturelovers #daytours #southaustraliancoastline #localgems #travelinspo

Did you know that Carrickalinga has just been announced as Australia’s first International Dark Sky Community? Although once a hidden gem, the Fleurieu Peninsula's night skys, are one remarkable location for star gazing, with next to no light pollution, and only 60 minutes from Adelaide's CBD, our tours are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our guests can enjoy multicultural night sky tours, blending traditional local Aboriginal storytelling and modern astronomy. With Fraser's remarkable knowledge and Lorraine's bubbly hospitality, it really is a night that will leave an impression on you for decades to come. To learn more about Carrickalinga’s Dark Sky Community, visit https://bit.ly/4e3P0Ms #TheBackyardUniverse #SouthernFleurieuHeritage&Nature #SouthernFleurieuTwilightExperience #FleurieuCoast #TravelOurWay #SeeSouthAustralia #fleurieupeninsulatours #AstroTourism #skytours #nightskytours #aurora #milkyway #travelinspo

Step into the moonlight and witness the breathtaking beauty of a full moon like never before! 🌕✨ "Lorraine & Fraser were amazing hosts. They were at the designated meeting spot when we arrived & introduced themselves in a friendly manner & welcomed us to the Twilight Tour. As we drove to the evening viewing area, they shared their knowledge & history of the local area. Upon arrival, we were spoilt with hot soup, delicious muffins, tea & coffee, plus some other yummy delights, all local produce. We did a short walk to watch the sunset over the gulf, what a show!! Then we used a night vision camera to look for nocturnal animals, but on a cold night, I think the animals didn't want to leave their warm homes! But this didn't distract from an enjoyable experience. Next, the highlight of the evening for me, viewing the full moon through Fraser's telescope. He has a special attachment so that we were able to photograph the moon with our phone cameras through the telescope. He was very patient with each of us as we had our turn. Then a short presentation on constellations and other celestial observations. Overall a very enjoyable evening, thoroughly recommended!" Join Lorraine & Fraser on this same magical full moon tour, where you'll experience the wonders of the night sky in all its glory, just like Jill did. Don't miss out on this unique adventure – reserve your spot now! 🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗 Book directly and prepare for a night of lunar wonder you won't forget! Comment LINK below for the direct booking link 📲 #TheBackyardUniverse #SouthernFleurieuHeritage&Nature #SouthernFleurieuTwilightExperience #FleurieuCoast #TravelOurWay #SeeSouthAustralia #skytours #nightskytours #daytours #localgems #ExploreSouthAustralia #testimonals #BookNow

AURORA ALERT for tonight (Jul 30-31). 'Space weather' forecasters are predicting enhanced auroral activity tonight. Not forecast to be as bright as the great auroras last May (see photo). But find somewhere with a dark southern horizon and you may be able to see it. Or at least photograph it, using your phone camera's Night Sight / Night Setting. Note: DISABLE your camera's flash otherwise your photo won't show any aurora!! If you get any great photos share them with us please. #fleurieucoast #fleurieupeninsula #auroraaustralis #aurora #darksky #thebackyarduniverse #tourourway

✨️We are live!!✨️ Comment below BACKYARD for the direct link to our tour bookings 🪐🦘

Discover the magic of local heritage & mother nature with @the_backyard_universe 🚶‍♀️‍➡️Embark on an unforgettable day tour or enchanting night sky adventure! Witness the breathtaking beauty of Winter's lush flora and fauna in all its glory. 🌲 Explore the wild 🦘 🪐 Marvel at the stars ✨️ 📆 Book Now and create mem that last a lifetime!

Ready for an adventure? 🌿🌊 🦘 Come and explore the Hidden Gems of the Fleurieu Peninsula 🦘 Join us on our brand new day tour “Southern Fleurieu Heritage” where history, nature, and wildlife comes alive in the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula! 📆 Book your tour now and become part of the legend! #TheBackyardUniverse #SouthernFleurieuHeritage #SouthernFleurieuTwilightExperience #FleurieuCoast #fleurieupeninsulatours #fleurieupeninsulatourism #ExploreSouthAustralia #naturelovers #daytours #southaustraliancoastline #localgems #travelinspo Title: Fleurieu Peninsula Region: Fleurieu Peninsula Credit: @jay.bevs

✨ Ever wondered what it feels like to be lost under the southern hemisphere stars?🌌 Our new night sky tours offer an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the universe. Experience the magic of the Milky Way like never before. Follow us for more breathtaking adventures that will last a lifetime. 🔭🌠 #TheBackyardUniverse #SouthernFleurieuHeritage #SouthernFleurieuTwilightExperience #FleurieuCoast #TravelOurWay #SeeSouthAustralia #fleurieupeninsulatours #AstroTourism #skytours #nightskytours #aurora #milkyway #travelinspo Title: Fleurieu Peninsula Region: Fleurieu Peninsula Credit: @ thebackyarduniverse

Nice day for a drive.......

Aurora Australis

Four minute time-lapse of last night's aurora at the VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party. Plus images from later that night. Colours not visible to the eye but easily detected by mobile phone cameras.

The stars do move across the sky -- very slowly. Barnard's Star is currently the quickest, travelling 0.0029° per year, but it's too faint to see without a telescope (or digital camera). This animation is two photos, taken 5 years apart and centred on Barnard's Star. #fleurieucoast #fleurieupeninsula #barnardsstar

Last night's total lunar eclipse + Uranus. A nice evening, except for the mozzies!

You'll have to be outside early to see any of the bright planets for the next few weeks. Here's Mercury Mars and (overexposed) Venus in the dawn sky, together with some stars in Sagittarius. (phone camera photos converted to gif animation)

Satellite views of some of South Australia's salt lakes, before and after the recent huge rainfalls into their catchments. Haven't seen them this full for **years**.... #southaustralia #flindersranges #eyrepeninsula #outback

Still learning how to do astrophotography with the mobile phone. And accidentally acquired this video after last night's Wirrina night sky tour.

Want to see a time-lapse of the Wirrina Cove night sky? Just grab some popcorn and settle in for some quality viewing! And after that? Feel free to book a tour via our website https://www.thebackyarduniverse.com.au/tbu.htm

The Zodiacal Light

The elusive Zodiacal Light can be seen on dark and very clear nights from places without significant light pollution. To the eye it appears as a faintly glowing patch of western sky (after sunset) or eastern sky (before sunrise); and not as bright as the Milky Way. It's produced by sunlight reflected from countless bazillions of interplanetary dust particles. And sometimes those dust particles collide with Earth's atmosphere, producing meteors. This photo was taken a few minutes before the start of last night's night sky tour. #thebackyarduniverse #zodiac #astrophotography #astronomy #fleurieupeninsula #fleurieucoast

Stars and Vines III

Last night's Stars and Vines III time lapse. 15 second exposures at 1 minute intervals.

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About us

The Backyard Universe offers multicultural stargazing tours on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Discover the stories behind the beautiful night skies with friendly and experienced local guides.

We can offer customised astronomy & geology activity and tour packages for conferences, private groups and school camps.

We also run door-to-door shuttle bus services for the southern Heysen Trail and Fleurieu Peninsula; including transfers to & from Adelaide airport and the Kangaroo Island ferries.