Destination Guide: Chasing the Aurora Australis on the South Coast, NSW, Australia

Welcome to a truly unforgettable experience! While typically associated with polar regions, the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) can occasionally grace the skies of the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, offering a breathtaking and rare spectacle. This guide will help you maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.

Why the South Coast, NSW?

The South Coast's latitude offers a chance to view the Aurora Australis, particularly during periods of heightened solar activity. Its relatively dark skies, especially away from major towns, provide optimal viewing conditions. The photo [OC] (1988x1326), taken in 1988, serves as a testament to the power of these displays when conditions align, showcasing the potential beauty waiting to be discovered.

Understanding the Aurora Australis:

• What is it? The Aurora Australis, like its northern counterpart, is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude (around the Arctic and Antarctic) regions. It is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
• Why so rare in NSW? Solar activity needs to be strong enough for the Aurora to extend to lower latitudes like NSW. Major geomagnetic storms are required.
• What does it look like? Auroras can appear as shimmering curtains of green, pink, red, and purple light. Sometimes, they may appear as faint glows or pulsating bands of light. In the 1988 event, the display was powerful enough to be visible with the naked eye as distinct colors and shapes. More often, a long exposure photograph will be needed to see anything other than a faint glow.

When to Go & How to Prepare:

• Timing is Everything:
  • Season: While auroras can occur year-round, the best viewing opportunities generally coincide with the equinoxes (March/April and September/October). These periods tend to have increased geomagnetic activity.
  • Time of Night: The darkest hours are crucial. Aim for viewing between midnight and 3 AM.
  • Solar Weather Forecasting: This is KEY. Monitor websites and apps that provide real-time aurora alerts and geomagnetic forecasts. These resources help you anticipate when activity is likely to peak. Recommended resources include:
    • Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC - NOAA): Provides alerts, forecasts, and real-time data on solar activity.
    • Aurora Australis NSW (Facebook Group): A community group where enthusiasts share information and photos of aurora activity in NSW.
    • Aurora Forecast (Various Apps): Several apps are available that provide aurora probability estimates based on your location.
• Check the Moon Phase: A full moon will significantly reduce visibility due to light pollution. Aim for a new moon or crescent moon phase.
• Weather Conditions: Clear skies are essential. Check the weather forecast for cloud cover before heading out.
• Gear Up:
  • Warm Clothing: Even in summer, nights on the South Coast can be cold. Dress in layers with thermal underwear, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and a scarf.
  • Red Light Torch: White light will ruin your night vision and affect the ability of others to see the Aurora. Use a red light torch for navigation and setting up your equipment.
  • Camera Equipment: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and the ability to shoot at high ISO settings is recommended. A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures.
  • Spare Batteries & Memory Cards: Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly.
  • Thermos with Hot Drink: Stay warm and comfortable while waiting for the aurora to appear.
  • Chair/Blanket: Makes the waiting process more enjoyable.

Prime Viewing Locations on the South Coast:

The further south you go, the better your chances. Here are some recommended spots:

• Beaches:
  • Murramarang National Park beaches: Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach, and Pretty Beach offer dark skies and stunning coastal backdrops.
  • Broulee: South Broulee Beach, offers views of the ocean.
  • Mystery Bay: Known for its unique rock formations and dark skies.
  • Tilba Tilba: Along the cliffs on the south side of the village.
• Headlands & Lookouts:
  • Barunguba (Montague Island): (Requires a boat trip) Offers pristine dark skies and a unique perspective. This is a great option if you are willing to spend more to see it.
  • Pigeon House Mountain Didthul: A challenging but rewarding hike. Check NPWS website for conditions and requirements.
  • Ben Boyd National Park: Several lookouts offer coastal views.
• Inland Locations: Anywhere away from town lights! Farm locations are often good but you need to seek permission.

Important Considerations:

• Safety First: Choose viewing locations that are easily accessible and safe, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards like cliffs and wildlife. Tell someone where you are going.
• Dark Sky Etiquette:
  • Minimize light pollution: Turn off car headlights and use red light torches only.
  • Be considerate of other stargazers and photographers.
  • Leave no trace: Pack out everything you pack in.
• Accessibility: Check accessibility of the site if you have any physical limitations. Some locations may require hiking.

Photography Tips for the Aurora Australis:

• Shoot in RAW format: This allows for greater flexibility in post-processing.
• Use Manual Mode (M): Set your aperture to the widest possible setting (e.g., f/2.8 or wider).
• Set your ISO: Start with a high ISO (e.g., 1600-6400) and adjust as needed to capture the aurora's light. Be aware of noise at higher ISOs.
• Use a Long Exposure: Experiment with exposure times between 5 and 30 seconds, depending on the aurora's brightness and your camera's capabilities.
• Focus: Focus on a distant star or object. Use live view and zoom in to ensure sharpness.
• Experiment! Try different settings to find what works best for the conditions.

Beyond the Aurora:

Even if the Aurora Australis doesn't appear, the South Coast of NSW offers plenty to enjoy:

• Stargazing: With its dark skies, the South Coast is an excellent location for general stargazing.
• Beaches & Coastal Walks: Explore the numerous stunning beaches and coastal trails.
• National Parks: Discover the natural beauty of Murramarang, Ben Boyd, and other national parks.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, seals, and whales (during migration season).
• Charming Towns & Villages: Visit historic towns like Tilba Tilba and explore local markets and cafes.

Disclaimer: Viewing the Aurora Australis is not guaranteed. It depends on solar activity and weather conditions. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Good luck and happy aurora hunting! Hopefully, you will get to witness an event as powerful as that witnessed in 1988.