Feel a deep sense of awe as you journey into the South Australian River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, where ancient cliffs meet celestial wonder. Whether you’re seeking cosmic perspective, cultural connection, or a moment of stillness, book now to reconnect with the universe and take the moment that will stay with you long after the star light has faded.

Our Sunset Tour introduces you to one of the darkest places on earth within a close range of a capital city. Recordings of the Reserve regularly measure an average of 21.9 on a scale of 0 to 22.  About 300 stars can typically be seen in Southern Hemisphere urban areas, where an estimated 5000 can be seen here, including a better view of the centre of the galaxy (the Milky Way) !

Cross the 3rd longest navigable River in the world on a ferry.  Marvel at ancient cliffs, and take in the sights from incredible vantage points.  This region has the tallest cliffs and the longest single bend along the entire length of the Murray River.  Your tour meanders along the roadside path parallel to the River, amongst rolling hills and flat plains of a farming district with it’s own story to tell.  You’ll see popular nesting grounds for cockatoos, and plentiful wildlife.  We’ll introduce you to the human stars of the region, explain the fabric of the society, and why it’s so dark here. 

Tour includes *

·      1.5 hr non stop commentary and laser pointer tour of the night sky by an astronomer

·      Use of provided telescope under red light to view the night sky with access to a private location

·      Pull up stools for seating and Yoga Mats to lie on looking at the stars

·      Traditional Australian BBQ at Walker Flat, or indoors at Pretoria Hotel, Mannum Community Club or Swan Reach Hotel

·      MV Dragonfly Murray River Boat Eco-Cruise on board 16 seat flat bottomed boat

·      Luxury travel in small group tour vehicle/s from Mannum to the Reserve area and return

·      Insightful and light-hearted commentary by a local tour guide about locations enroute

·      Fully enclosed trailer for transporting equipment and luggage upon request

* Itineraries are subject to change dependent on availability, minimum numbers and weather.

Murray River Eco Cruise  Discover the beauty of Australia’s longest river. Relax and soak-up the serenity as you gently cruise away from your normal life. Your slow journey allows you to discover this unique Australian landscape. Enjoy expert commentary about the abundant birdlife and nature at its best on board the MV Dragonfly.

Dinner  our chosen venues are very peaceful locations perched with sweeping views of the mighty Murray River. Especially during summer a traditional Australian BBQ at Walker Flat is a highlight of the tour and allows your tour host to introduce you to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve and it’s local fare.  Alternatively, indoors the Pretoria Hotel or Mannum Community Club specialise in hearty Aussie meals.  Dietary requirements are catered for, and the venues chosen are based on availability and touring path for the evening. 

Stargazing Session  – you will have use of a provided powerful telescope under red light to view the night sky at a private location away from traffic interruptions.  Our astronomers will guide you through the night sky with an impressive green laser pointer, providing constant commentary about stars, constellations, planets, clusters and galaxies. We provide pull up stools for seating and yoga mats to lie on looking at the stars. The views are sure take your breath away.

Tag-along Option – join us on the tour in your own vehicle from Mannum to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve area and return.  At checkout, please specify the reason for choosing Tag-along so that we can communicate availability and locations.  Please note: our tour vehicle must have reached a minimum of 6 people to depart before the Tag-along option is available.  This option is mostly designed for those with accessibility requirements.

*IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE BOOKING:  

PRIOR TO BOOKING PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND YOUR GAMBLE, AND OUR PROCEDURES – PLEASE (CLICK HERE) TO THOROUGHLY READ OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

In particular please note:

WEATHER:  is vital as telescopes are affected by wind, clouds and rain.  Weather forecasts change daily and are unreliable until the day of the tour.  Ultimately, Mother Nature is in charge! We certainly understand this experience is a bit of gamble and requires commitment.  Once you book, you will be asked to continue with your plans to attend this tour until you are contacted on the day of your tour via SMS/ text message with confirmation or cancellation. Our team holds a conference at 10am and the majority of the time we are in touch with you immediately after this decision.  However, very infrequently we are undecided, and wait until the 1pm forecasting from BOM.

MOON PHASE CALENDAR: this experience does not operate everyday of the year.  We avoid holding viewing nights when the moon is very bright because you cannot look through a telescope during this time, and we want you to see a Dark Sky. Selected dates are generally based on dark dates of the moon phase calendar.  If you can’t see a date on our calendar that you prefer to book, please review an online moon phase calendar before contacting us.  

PENDING: once you book, if your order is returned as Pending, this means the tour has not reached minimum numbers. Once others book, our system will automatically send you an email with confirmation. Please wait for this before booking accommodation.  If you do not receive confirmation 1 week prior to your tour, please contact our office preferrably via Email: bookings@jugglehouse.com.au or Ph: 0480 043 778 to seek the possibility of an alternate date or refund. 

PAYMENT AND REFUNDING TERMS: Just like booking a seat on a flight, your payment upfront is required to secure the date for your Dark Sky experience. If the tour is cancelled and you are unable to reschedule to another date, you will be refunded. Funds may take between 1-3 business days to arrive to your bank. If the tour is cancelled and you can make it another time, your booking will remain ‘On Hold’ and your money in credit. Additional booking fees and credit card fees are paid to external parties and are non-refundable.

PRICE / AGES DESCRIPTION / CHILDREN: We love children! Please note however, this Dark Sky Experience is quite a duration, and a late night return.  Children of young ages may find the tour difficult to follow. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, mindful of the enjoyment of other guests during the tour. Child 3-16 years, Adult 16 & over, Infant: 2 years and under (travel free but must be advised at time of booking and your own car seat must be supplied)  No concession price.

WINTER HOURS: during the darkness of winter the astronomy start time is often earlier.  This depends on the Gold Stars Sunset Dinner Tour coinciding with meeting up for this Astronomy only session.

SMOKING / ALCOHOL / DRUGS: Our private astronomy site is a smoking, alcohol and illicit drug free zone and these are not permitted at any time while onsite.  Anyone found in possession, or under the influence of illicit drugs will be removed from the venue. It is against the law in South Australia to smoke in Public Transport Vehicles, no smoking of any type is permitted on our vehicles.  Be aware that there are also other non-smoking venues on our tour – if this may be an issue for any of your group, please check before arranging the tour.

THIRD PARTY BOOKING PLATFORMS: itineraries and details listed here on Juggle House Experiences River Murray Dark Sky Tours supercedes any documentation listed on third party platforms such as Red Balloon, Klook, Viator / Tripadvisor, Class Bento etc.

GIFT CARDS: please inform your gifted recipient to book as soon as possible without delay.

Photo credits: Ben Goode (Cover Photo & Big Bend Cliffs Photo) & Dave Hartley Photography, Mannum