The Off Season, with fewer crowds and clear nights, is a terrific time to be dazzled and humbled by the epic starscapes. Tasmania is fast becoming a haven for dark sky enthusiasts – with swathes of uninhabited wilderness and far less light pollution than other states, the island is one of the best places to enjoy views of the night sky.

Dark Sky Photography
Would-be astro-photographers are invited to an evening of photography with leading Tasmanian astronomer, Dr Martin George, at Table House Farm (tablehousefarm.com.au) in the north west on 11 June, as part of Permission to Trespass (northwesttasmania.com. au/permissiontotrespass). From the farm, with hopefully clear and dazzling night skies over Table Cape, Martin will demonstrate how to photograph the moon and the stars. Not intended for complex, high-tech photography, it’s an opportunity for amateur photographers to learn the basics. Bring your cameras, tripod and warm winter woollies, but the wine will be provided.

Capture the Aurora
Aurora chasers, take note – book a room at Ross Motel (rossmotel.com.au) during winter to receive a complimentary and comprehensive guide on capturing the Aurora. Written by local professional Aurora photographer Scott Bennett, the guide will give you insider tips on the best spots in Ross to view it from and detailed instructions on how to get incredible shots of this iconic light display.

See the Stars from Bed
Imagine what the sky would look like if you could just remove the roof from above your bed at night. That’s exactly what you can do at the historic Old Bishop’s Quarters (bishopsquarters. com.au) property in Sandy Bay, where the retractable roof above your head can reveal the wonders of the winter night sky. Enjoy a soak in the outdoor copper bath under the stars, all whilst sitting less than a kilometre from the Hobart CBD.

Creature Spotlighting
As darkness descends on Thornby Farm (thornbyfarmaccommodation.com.au) in the Meander Valley, rug up and venture out from the 1840s farmhouse on a guided spotlight tour in search of local wildlife. Return to the warmth of a crackling fire pit and enjoy toasting marshmallows and a hot chocolate under the open sky as this working farm rests.

Telescopic Views
On King Island, with its expansive ocean views, the dark night sky unfolds. At Yambacoona House (yambacoonahouse.com) the hosts will provide you with telescopes and other viewing equipment to really get the most out of the starry, starry night. Venture out for nighttime walks in clearly marked lanes, beside lagoons, and through the countryside, seeing nocturnal delights along the way. Then relax by the big warm fires back at the house.

Stargaze with a Guru
Take your stargazing to the next level at the remarkable and isolated The Keep (thekeeptasmania.com.au), where your luxurious northern stay includes a chat with a night sky guru via Zoom. There’s also top-notch stargazing equipment, indulgent provisions, mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Stargaze in the Bush
Head to Bay of Fires Bush Retreat (bayoffiresbushretreat.com.au) for some uninterrupted stargazing by the bell tents. Bask in the crisp, clear winter nights by the fire as you indulge in local food and wine before resting your head in their bell tents, bunkhouse or king room.

Glow Show
The inimitable Dr Lisa Gershwin, mega glow enthusiast and scientist, leads a nightly Glow Show Tasmania tour (glowshowtas.com) of the Hobart rivulet with a difference. On this tour, you’ll find animals, plants and fungi that glow in the dark beyond the city lights. You’ll never look at the well-loved track the same way again.