Total Solar Eclipse 2028

On Saturday 22 July 2028, day will briefly turn to night as a total solar eclipse crosses Australia. Beneath the vast skies of the Northern Territory’s Barkly region, you could be in the best place in Australia to see it. Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime moment beneath the NT’s vast skies – through the Total Solar Eclipse 2028.

Totality is expected between approximately 12:45pm and 1pm Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), depending on your viewing location. With the Sun high overhead and July typically bringing low humidity and a strong likelihood of clear skies, the Barkly is one of Australia’s prime regions to witness the event. While weather can never be guaranteed, the region’s inland winter conditions offer favourable viewing prospects.

The eclipse may last only minutes, but the Territory’s extraordinary skies are here to experience year-round. Stay longer and experience the extraordinary skies of Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, the Northern Territory’s first accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Recognised for its exceptional night skies and commitment to protecting them. This remarkable landscape offers another reason to look up long after the eclipse has passed.

Come for a rare celestial moment and stay for the landscapes, stories, and star-filled nights of the Northern Territory.

Video : Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) becomes Northern Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Plan your stay

Frequently asked questions

The Barkly combines wide-open landscapes with favourable winter viewing conditions. July typically brings low humidity and clear skies, while the region’s inland location reduces exposure to coastal weather. Clear skies are not guaranteed, so keep an eye on forecasts closer to the event.
Tennant Creek and Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles are within the path of totality. Your exact position will affect both the timing and how long totality lasts. When choosing a viewing location, check access arrangements and look for an unobstructed view of the sky. Being within the eclipse path does not automatically mean a site is an organised viewing area.
Some locations across the Barkly will experience up to 4 minutes and 57 seconds of totality. The duration varies across the eclipse path, so this maximum should not be assumed for every location in Tennant Creek or at Karlu Karlu.
You can reach Tennant Creek by road or air.

By road: Tennant Creek is on the sealed Stuart Highway, approximately 500km north of Alice Springs and 1,000km south of Darwin. Make it part of a Territory road trip, allowing plenty of time for stops along the way. Check road conditions before travelling and plan regular rest breaks.

By air: Airnorth currently operates services connecting Tennant Creek with Darwin and Alice Springs. Check flight schedules and availability for your intended travel dates, as services may change before July 2028. Alternatively, fly into Alice Springs or Darwin, hire a vehicle and continue by road. Arrange car hire or onward transport in advance so you can explore the Barkly and reach your chosen eclipse viewing location.
Absolutely. The eclipse is a special daytime event, while the Barkly’s night skies offer a reason to visit throughout the year. Around 100km south of Tennant Creek, Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles is an accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary, recognised for the exceptional quality of its starry nights. Stargazing conditions vary with weather and the phase of the Moon, so consider both when planning your stay.
Start by exploring Tennant Creek and the Barkly region and deciding where you’d like to base yourself for the eclipse on Saturday 22 July 2028. Research accommodation, camping and transport options early, and check with providers about when bookings will open.

Allow a few extra days to explore the region and experience its extraordinary night skies, including Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, an accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Keep checking this page for updates on viewing locations, events and travel information as plans are confirmed.
The Milky Way can be seen at different times throughout the year, but the cooler, drier months generally offer excellent conditions in Central Australia. For darker skies, plan around the new moon and head away from artificial light.
Yes. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve is the Northern Territory’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, officially designated by DarkSky International in August 2026. It is only the third International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Australia.

Located around 100km south of Tennant Creek in the Barkly region, Karlu Karlu is renowned for its ancient granite boulders, vast landscapes and exceptionally dark night skies. With virtually no light pollution, visitors can experience brilliant stars and spectacular views of the Milky Way above one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic landscapes.

The 1,800-hectare reserve is also a deeply significant cultural landscape for the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Warlpiri and Alyawarra Traditional Owners. Visitors can camp overnight at Karlu Karlu, making it one of the most memorable places to experience stargazing in the Northern Territory.
Not at all. Many of the Territory’s most impressive night-sky sights can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars reveal even more, while guided experiences can help identify stars, planets and constellations.
The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s best destinations for stargazing, thanks to its vast open landscapes, low population density and minimal light pollution. From the clear desert skies of the Red Centre and the internationally recognised dark skies of Karlu Karlu in the Barkly, to the wide horizons of the Top End, there are countless places to experience brilliant stars, constellations and the Milky Way. Across the Territory, remote locations and expansive skies make it easy to escape artificial light and experience the night sky at its most spectacular.