Your Guide to Seeing the Southern Lights in Tasmania by Motorhome

There are so many things about travelling in Australia by motorhome that would take your breath away, but there is nothing quite like watching the night sky come alive with colours. In Tasmania, those unforgettable nights start in March (best in cooler months) with the Aurora Australis Season. Get ready for a natural light show that paints the southern horizon in bright shades of green, pink/red and purple. It’s rare and unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic.

Tasmania is one of the best places in the country (world) to witness this incredible phenomenon.  And when you’re travelling in a motorhome, you have a unique advantage: the freedom to go where the skies are clearest, you can stay out later and wake up right where the magic happened – just look through the window.

I this guide, we’ll show you the best places to see the aurora in Tasmania, along with practical tips to help you capture the moment and make the most of your adventure on the road.

Image: Howden, Tasmania, May 2024

What Are the Southern Lights?

First things first, what are they? The Auroras Australis (also know as Southern Lights) is a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of glowing light, creating those incredible soft waves of vibrant colours you see dancing in the night sky.

While auroras are often associated with places like Norway (Northern Lights), Tasmania is one of the best locations in Australia to witness this spectacle. Thanks to its far-southern latitude and low levels in pollution, Tasmania is ideal for spotting the aurora when conditions align.

Even if the lights can appear any time of the year, the best time to see the Auroras Australis in Tasmania is from March to September, where the nights are darker and longer. Remember that seeing the aurora is not guaranteed, but that’s part of the exciting experience – and if you do see them… it will take your breath away.

Image: Howden, Tasmania, May 2024

Best Places to See the Aurora Near Hobart

Once you’ve picked up your motorhome from our Hobart branch, you’re only a short drive away from some of Tasmania’s best viewing spots! Here are some of the top spots close to the city:

Howden

Only 25 minutes south of Hobart, Howden is a favourite among locals for aurora spotting. With minimal light pollution and open views towards the southern horizon, it’s perfect for a spontaneous late-night drive. Plus, the aurora reflects on the water which make it even more impressive.

📍Closest Caravan Park: Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park

Mount Nelson Signal Station

For an elevated perspective, Mount Nelson offers sweeping views over the Derwent River and beyond. While it’s slightly closer to city lights, it can still be quite impressive during strong aurora activity. Motorhomes can be parked easily before the lookout but not staying overnight.

📍Closest Caravan Park: Hobart Showground Motorhome Park

Seven Mile Beach

This long coastal beach stretches along the southern coast is know for its unspoiled sand, gentle surf and proximity to Hobart airport, and provides unobstructed views of the southern sky. It’s an excellent option for motorhome travellers with plenty of space to park and set up for an evening of stargazing.

📍Closest Caravan Park: Big4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park

Image: Howden, Tasmania, May 2024

Best Aurora Spots Around Tasmania

If you’re ready to turn your aurora hunt into a true road trip, venturing beyond Hobard opens up even more incredible viewing opportunities! With fewer crowds and darker skies, these locations are the promise of a light show in all their glory – when conditions align, of course.

Bruny Island

Hop on a short ferry ride with your motorhome and discover the beautiful Bruny Island, a favourite for Aurora chasers. With its rugged coastline and south-facing beaches, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the horizon. Spend the night in one of the free camp near Cloudy Bay then walk to the beach to stargaze.

📍Closest Caravan Park: The Pines Camp Area (no power)

Cockle Creek

As one of the southernmost points you can drive to in Australia, Cockle Creek offers some of the darkest skies in the state. With almost no light pollution at all, it’s one of the most reliable spots for aurora spotting in Tasmania. This beautiful area is also part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area with its white-sand beaches, forested hills and clear coastal waters.

📍Closest Caravan Park: Boltons Green Campground (no power)

White Beach

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, White Beach is a hidden gem for aurora spotting. Facing south with minimal surrounding light, it offers calm waters and open skies – ideal for stargazing and relaxing.

📍Closest Caravan Park: White Beach Tourist Park

Image: Bruny Island, Luke Tscharke

How to Photograph the Southern Lights

Capturing the aurora is incredibly rewarding and actually is a little easier than you think. These days, even our smartphones with night mode or long-exposure apps, so don’t worry if you don’t have professional gear. But if you’re into photography and have a camera, here are a few simple settings and tips to follow:

What You’ll Need

• A camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless works best)
• A good tripod (essential for long exposure)
• A wide-angle lens to capture more of the sky (at least 18mm lens)

Camera Settings

• Switch your focus to manual and set it to infinity
• ISO: 1600 to 3200
• Aperture: f/2.8 (or as low as your lens allows – often f/4)
• Shutter speed: 5 to 15 seconds (this is how long your camera will capture the light for)

TIP: Check your images and adjust. If the image is too bright, reduce the exposure time (e.g. if you did shutter speed of 10sec, try reducing to 7sec)

Tips for Better Shots

• Use a timer or remote shutter to avoid camera shake
• Include a foreground (like your motorhome, coastline, or trees) to add depth
• Take multiple shots: set up ‘continuous’ mode or select a number of shots to be taken

Tips for Planning Your Aurora Trip in Tasmania

Because seeing the Aurora Australis isn’t guaranteed, a little planning can significantly improve your chances! It’s all about the anticipation, the quiet moments under a star-filled sky, and the thrill when those first colours begin to appear on the horizon.

• Check cloud cover first: Clear skies are essential
• Monitor aurora forecasts: Apps and websites can alert you to increased solar activity
• Avoid bright moonlight: Darker skies make the colours more visible
• Head south and avoid light pollution: The darker your surroundings, the better
• Be flexible: Conditions can change quickly
• Join local Facebook groups dedicated to aurora alerts in Tasmania to get real-time updates and increase your chances of catching the lights: Aurora Australis Tasmania

Most importantly, be prepared for late nights. The best displays often happen between 10pm and 2am, so settle in and enjoy the experience.

Image: Travelling in a motorhome in Bay of Fire

Start Planning Your Tasmanian Road Trip!

Hire a self-contained motorhome from Cruisin’ Motorhomes and turn your holiday into the ultimate Aurora Hunting Road Trip.

Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

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