Murraylands’ amazing night sky recognised as International Dark Sky Reserve, one of just 15 in the world
Do you ever want to get away from it all and enjoy the night sky? The Mid Murray region is now officially one of the best places to do it.
SA News
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The Mid Murray region is now officially one of the best places on Earth to see the night sky, with the International Dark-Sky Association officially naming a new River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in the district.
It makes it one of only 15 internationally recognised reserves in the world – creating opportunities in astro-education and eco-tourism.
The newly accredited 3200 square kilometre reserve has a core site within the Swan Reach Conservation Park, and also incorporates the towns of Swan Reach, Cambrai, Nildottie, Bowhill, Palmer, Tungkillo, Sedan, Blanchetown, Black Hill, Walker Flat, Big Bend and Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.
Darkness is measured on a scale of 0 to 22, with 22 being total darkness. Recent measurements from the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve came in at between 21.97 and 21.99 – making it one of the darkest places on the planet.
Mid Murray Landcare SA Chairperson Chris Tugwell initiated the idea after looking out at the stars one evening from his property located nearby the well-known Big Bend lookout, located between Swan Reach and Walker Flat.
After realising the process to gain international dark sky accreditation required significant expertise and resources, he partnered with the Mid Murray Council to turn the dream into a reality.
“Being accredited by the International Dark Sky Association is a bit like World Heritage listing for the stars,” Mr Tugwell said.
“The locals are used to having unfettered access to the magic of our night skies all year round. Most people never thought they lived somewhere special, but this proves they do and I can bet that anyone with an interest in stargazing will have our backyard on their bucket list now.”
Mid Murray Council Mayor Dave Burgess said the reserve added to the already strong tourism offerings in the region such as The Bend Motorsport Park and Monarto Safari Park.
“We think there’s some great accommodation opportunities that go along with this – be it glamping, RV caravan parks or high-end five-star cabins – and we’re hoping there’s some entrepreneurial people that would be willing to cash in on what we’re doing,” he said.
Murray River Lakes and Coorong Tourism Development Manager Julie Bates said she now had a major task ahead of her to help prepare operators, towns and volunteers for the number of new visitors expected to travel to the region following the announcement.
“This news is massive for our region, and South Australia,” Mrs Bates said.
“Tourism operators already have packages in place to ensure anyone can experience our brilliant night sky – including camping under the stars, guided telescope viewings, bus tours, photography workshops, nocturnal animal tours and more.”
The River Murray International Dark Sky Committee, along with its partners, is working on a range of educational, cultural and arts programs and events to be run from the region.
Initially, an education/research centre will be set up at the Meldanda Campsite near Cambrai, offering activities for schools and the community.
