If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the night sky come alive with shimmering curtains of colour, 2025 might be your year. The Aurora Australis—or Southern Lights—is set to put on its most dazzling display in two decades, and Australians are in the prime position to enjoy the show.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, here’s everything you need to know about catching this rare celestial spectacle.
Often described as nature’s light show, the Aurora Australis is the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to the famous Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
These ethereal waves of green, pink, red and violet ripple across the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle that has inspired awe for centuries.
But what causes this magical phenomenon? In simple terms, it results from charged particles from the sun, known as solar wind, colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
Dr Andrew Cole, head of Physics at the University of Tasmania and director of Greenhill Observatory, explained: ‘The colours of the Aurora are controlled by the energy of the electrons and the type of gas molecules in the air (red and green from oxygen, violet from nitrogen).’
‘They typically are only visible near the north and south poles, because that’s where the Earth’s magnetic field comes down into the atmosphere, where the oxygen and nitrogen are.’
You may have noticed more chatter about the Southern Lights lately. The sun goes through an 11-year activity cycle, and we’re currently at the peak, known as the solar maximum. This means more solar storms, more charged particles, and, you guessed it, more spectacular auroras.
‘The auroral displays in May 2024 were bigger than any since 2003, but we could potentially see equally good ones any time between now and the end of 2025,’ he said.
‘The sun is predicted to stay fairly active all the way until the end of 2025, or maybe into the middle of 2026. After that, it will decline to its quiet phase until about 2030 to 2031.’
Where are the best places to see the southern lights?
While the Aurora Australis can occasionally be spotted from the southern mainland, your best bet is to head as far south as possible. Here are some top viewing locations:
- Tasmania
- South Arm Peninsula and Bruny Island: Both offer dark skies and unobstructed southern horizons.
- Mount Wellington (kunanyi): Just outside Hobart, this mountain provides panoramic views and minimal light pollution.
- Cockle Creek: The southernmost point you can drive to in Australia.
- Victoria
- Wilsons Promontory: The southern tip of mainland Australia, with pristine skies.
- Cape Schanck and Phillip Island: Both offer good southern views, especially on clear winter nights.
- South Australia (SA) & Western Australia (WA)
- Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula in SA and the south coast of WA can also offer glimpses during strong auroral events.
Pro tip: The further south you go, the better your chances. But during powerful solar storms, the lights can sometimes be seen as far north as Victoria, and on rare occasions, even southern New South Wales.
When is the best time to go Aurora chasing?
Timing is everything. While auroras can technically occur at any time of year, your odds improve during the winter months (May to August) when nights are longer and skies are darker.
The equinoxes—late March and late September—are also prime times, as geomagnetic activity tends to spike at these times.
The best displays usually happen around midnight, but it’s worth keeping an eye on aurora alerts and forecasts, as the lights can appear with little warning and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
To maximise your chances, check the Aurora Australis Tasmania website and Space Weather Live forecast, which provide real-time alerts and predictions.
Have you ever seen the Southern Lights? Are you planning a trip to catch the 2025 display? We’d love to hear your tips, photos, and stories in the comments below.
