Where can you see the aurora australis in Australia?
The aurora australis, or southern lights, is best seen in Tasmania, especially in the south of the state. It can also be seen in southern Victoria, coastal South Australia and southwest Western Australia during strong solar activity.
The aurora occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere, producing glowing colors. Green and red are most common, with pink and purple sometimes visible.
Because the southern lights form around the South Magnetic Pole, the further south you are, the better the chance of seeing them.
Best places and times
Popular viewing spots in Tasmania include South Arm, Cockle Creek, Mount Wellington and the beaches near Hobart. In Victoria, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road are good options.
The best time is during the darker winter months, from March to September, on clear nights away from city lights. Viewers should look toward the southern horizon.
Space weather alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology and aurora apps help people know when activity is high. In May 2024 and October 2024, strong solar storms made the aurora visible across much of southern Australia. Cameras often capture more color than the naked eye can see.