Why Mount Buller?
Located high in the Victorian Alps, Mount Buller provides one of the best vantage points for stargazing in Australia. Mt Buller is lucky to be blessed with a dark sky that makes for great star viewing. To make the most of this amazing experience it’s recommended that you book a stay in one of AMS Mt Buller’s many accommodation options on the mountain. Next, bring warm layers, stock up on hot chocolate, and once your eyes adjust prepare yourself for a mystical and special evening exploring the wonders of the Milky Way and beyond. Top tip: to score extra brownie points with your fellow stargazers download a Star App – Use apps like SkyView or Star Walk to help identify constellations and planets in real-time.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or a curious traveler, Mount Buller delivers an experience that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. And this May – wow, are you in for a treat!
Celestial Spectacle – Eta Aquarids meteor shower 2025
This meteor shower is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular we’ve seen for quite a while – and it just so happens Mt Buller is one of the best spots to witness it. Known for its fast, bright meteors and links to the famous Halleys Comet this is an event not to be missed. And happily, you don’t need to be a seasoned astronomer to do it!
The Eta Aquarids are actually an annual meteor shower created by the debris left in space by Halley’s Comet. Every May the earth passes through this trail of space debris as it orbits around the sun, resulting in a spectacular light show. As these particles enter our planets atmosphere they burn up and streak across the sky – thus producing ‘shooting stars’. While the Eta Aquarid is visible in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere, its Down Under that experiences the real show. Expect to see up to 50 meteors per hour during the shower’s peak (sometimes even more – under the right conditions!)
What makes 2025 so special? It coincides with a waxing crescent moon on May 1, which means darker skies and little-no moonlight washing out the fainter meteors. It is also known for its fast meteors, which leave glowing trails behind them. Some may even fragment, creating a mini burst of light – a treat to witness and easy to spot even with no specialised equipment.
The Eta Aquarid will peak between May 4 – May 7 (the best days to view the meteors will be May 5 and 6), so now is the time to book a couple of nights on the mountain to witness this incredible event! The best time of night is pre-dawn, specifically 3-5am when the radiant point in the eastern sky is at its highest, giving the clearest view of the action. If you can’t make it then – no worries. Meteors will be visible from late April – mid-May.
Best Spots for Stargazing
While almost anywhere on Mount Buller offers a clear view of the night sky, a few spots stand out:
- Summit Nature Walk – By day, it’s a scenic trail. By night, it’s a peaceful perch to watch the stars come to life.
- Chamois Road Lookout – A quieter location with wide-open views of the sky.
- Skyline Access – Take a short walk from the village to escape light sources and immerse yourself in the celestial dome above.
Stay Under the Stars
After your stargazing adventure, there’s nothing like cozying up in one of the lodges or chalets at AMS Mt Buller. With comfort, warmth, and alpine charm, you can continue your celestial experience by dreaming under the same sky you just explored.
The Magic of the Mountains at Night
Even if you can’t make it for the meteor shower, there is no need to panic – there is a whole universe out there just waiting to be explored. And luckily, there are many other times you can do it:
May to September: These months offer the best stargazing conditions due to longer nights and clearer, crisper air.
Winter: The winter months (June to August) are particularly good for stargazing as the sun sets early and the air is often clear and cold.
Time of Night: After sunset, before sunrise. Wait for the sun to set completely and avoid the twilight period, which can interfere with stargazing.
New Moon: Plan your stargazing trip around a new moon, as the absence of moonlight will enhance the visibility of the stars and Milky Way.
AMS Mt Buller has accommodation to suit no matter when you choose to embark on your tour of the heavens!
So… next time you visit Mt Buller, look up. The night has some incredible stories to tell.