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17 July 2028 - 9 days from £12,999* per person
*Early Booking Extra: The first 50 guests to book will also visit Henbury meteorite craters with Dr John Mason
Witness a total solar eclipse in July 2028 from one of the best vantage points on Earth in Central Australia. This exclusive land-based adventure takes you to a carefully chosen private site right in the centre of Australia, on the line of totality, where you’ll experience the sky darken in a truly awe-inspiring setting. Along the way, explore the cultural heart of Alice Springs, uncover the hidden wonders of the outback, marvel at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and conclude your journey under the tropical skies of Darwin – all while gaining expert insights into this rare celestial phenomenon.
Journey through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, stopping at iconic landmarks including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs, exploring their rich cultural heritage. Experience the awe of the outback’s vast landscapes, gain expert insights into the science of solar eclipses and discover the geological forces and ecosystems that have shaped this ancient land. Conclude your journey under the tropical skies of Darwin, combining a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle with an unforgettable exploration of Australia’s natural and cultural wonders.
You will be joined throughout by New Scientist experts who will provide a deeper understanding of the science behind eclipses and the extraordinary landscapes you’ll visit. You’ll also explore the mechanics of solar eclipses, from the precise alignment of the Sun, the moon and Earth to the spectacular effects of totality as well as enjoying immersive stargazing opportunities, making this an experience that combines awe-inspiring natural beauty with rich scientific discovery in one of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions.
This experience has been designed for curious-minded couples, solo travellers and friends seeking a relaxed and enriching adventure. Whether you're new to solar astronomy, a seasoned eclipse chaser or simply looking to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events in an amazing part of the world, you'll be in great company with fellow sky-watchers under the southern hemisphere's skies.
MAP
Day 1: Arrive in Ayers Rock – Welcome to The Red Centre
Arrive at Ayers Rock airport and transfer to the Sails in the Desert Hotel for two nights, nestled near the majestic monolith of Uluru. This sacred site, historically known as Ayers Rock, is now referred to by its traditional name out of respect for its Indigenous heritage.
In the late afternoon, meet your fellow travellers and the New Scientist team for a welcome talk and dinner. As night falls, take a short walk to a nearby stargazing site, where local astronomers and New Scientist experts will guide you through the southern hemisphere’s night sky, sharing Indigenous stories woven into the constellations.
Day 2: Explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and evening Wintjiri Wiru experience
Join an early excursion into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Walk the base of Uluru, stopping at sacred sites such as Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kuniya Piti, and hear the stories of the Anangu people. Along the way, learn how Uluru formed around 550 million years ago from compressed sand and mud deposited in an ancient inland sea. The rock’s deep rust-coloured hue comes from the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals, while its surface patterns record the effects of wind, water and temperature changes in the arid desert environment.
Continue to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a dramatic cluster of domed rock formations. Formed by the same geological forces as Uluru, these rounded formations reveal a different story of erosion and resilience. Walk through Walpa Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and desert flora. Throughout the day, your local guide will share insights into the region’s Indigenous heritage, natural history and unique ecology. Lunch is included.
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel to freshen up before an unforgettable evening at the Wintjiri Wiru dining experience, a stunning fusion of Indigenous storytelling, drone light show and dining under the stars.
Day 3: Journey to Kings Canyon
Travel through the rugged outback to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. The drive takes about 4 hours along the scenic Luritja Road, stretching 300 kilometres through the heart of the Red Centre. Along the way, you’ll pass vast desert plains, rugged ranges and striking rock formations that hint at the region’s ancient geological history.
Upon arrival, check into the Discovery Resort - Kings Canyon. There is an option to join a spectacular rim walk, offering panoramic views of the geological wonders including Priscilla’s Crack, a narrow rock crevice which became famous after appearing in the 1994 Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by cycads and ferns.
As the sun sets, the canyon glows in rich reds and golds. Your stay here includes an evening visit to the Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro then enjoy dinner and a peaceful night in the heart of the outback.
Day 4: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
After breakfast, continue your journey to Alice Springs, a drive of approximately 5 hours covering around 330 kilometres through the heart of Central Australia. The road winds through open desert plains, rocky ridges and ancient mountain ranges, offering ever-changing vistas of red earth and blue sky. Along the way, you may spot flocks of galahs, kangaroos bounding across the plains or even a dingo in the distance. This stretch of road also provides a sense of the region’s deep geological history, with weathered cliffs and layered rock formations revealing landscapes shaped over hundreds of millions of years, making the journey as captivating as the destination itself.
The first 50 guests to book this tour will also join Dr John for detour via the Henbury Meteor Conservation Reserve today. This fascinating site contains 12 craters caused by the Henbury meteor which weighed several tonnes and hurtled to earth at 40,000km per hour before fragmenting on impact.
On arrival in Alice Springs, check into the Doubletree Hilton for two nights. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner and informal chats with the New Scientist experts and your fellow guests.
Day 5: Eclipse pre-briefing and talks
Today is all about relaxing and celestial discovery. Enjoy a series of engaging talks from New Scientist experts covering topics from southern sky phenomena to eclipse science. The day concludes with our pre-eclipse briefing, preparing you for tomorrow’s event with insights into what to expect, how to view it safely and its cultural and scientific significance.
You will have an early evening finish tonight to rest for the busy day tomorrow. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the hotel.
Day 6: Eclipse Day
Today will have an early start as you drive north from Alice Springs. The journey will take around 5 hours along the Stuart and Carpentaria Highways, a distance of about 400 kilometres. There will be comfort breaks along the way.
You will arrive at the highly scenic private viewing site ahead of first contact to allow yourself time to settle and find a good viewing location. Camping style seating, refreshments, lunch and facilities will be provided so that you can enjoy the eclipse in comfort. Eclipse glasses will also be provided. We have carefully chosen a location that is very close to the absolute centre of 100 per cent totality, allowing you the best and longest view of the eclipse.
First contact, when the moon first begins to pass across the face of the sun, begins around 11:18 and you will experience totality around 12:48, lasting for nearly 5 minutes at an elevation of 49 degrees and in a northerly direction. After the eclipse ends, there will be lunch served in the grounds of the viewing site. The accompanying New Scientist experts and team will be on hand to answer your questions throughout the experience.
After the eclipse ends, drive to Tennant Creek, a drive of approximately 110 kilometres taking around 1.5 hours along the Stuart Highway. You will then board a flight to Darwin, where you’ll check into the Hilton Darwin for three nights and unwind after a day filled with travel, wonder and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.
Day 7: Eclipse reflections and explore Darwin at leisure
Begin with a relaxed brunch and a post-eclipse debriefing from the New Scientist team, including how the eclipse manifested along the path of totality and updates from our other eclipse groups in the Kimberley and New Zealand.
Following the talk, the afternoon is free for you to explore Darwin at your own pace. Suggestions of places to visit include the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which showcases fascinating exhibits on natural history, marine biology and Indigenous culture, including rare specimens from the region’s unique ecosystems. The Darwin Botanic Gardens offer a chance to study tropical flora up close, with native and exotic plant species that thrive in the Top End’s wet-dry climate. A stroll along the waterfront provides opportunities to observe mangroves, estuarine wildlife and the dramatic tidal changes that shape Darwin’s coastal environment.
After dark there may be the opportunity to go out of town for some naked eye stargazing.
Day 8: Litchefield National Park Adventure
Venture into the lush Litchfield National Park, known for its waterfalls, swimming holes and magnetic termite mounds. Learn about the park’s ecology, geology and Indigenous heritage from your local guide, share lunch and enjoy a refreshing dip in natural pools.
In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner with the New Scientist team, celebrating your journey through Australia’s remarkable landscapes, sharing stories and reflections from the eclipse experience.
Day 9: Darwin Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or enjoy a relaxed morning in Darwin.
The journey doesn’t have to end here. New Scientist is arranging optional post-trip extensions, including:
- A curated tour of Australia’s natural and cultural highlights
- An astronomy-focused journey through New South Wales, similar to: Astronomy and radio telescopes in New South Wales: Australia
