Where to See the Aurora Australis This Year

Everyone’s heard of the Aurora Borealis, with iconic pictures captured in the faraway landscapes of Iceland, Canada, Norway and Greenland. But did you know there’s a Southern Hemisphere equivalent of the phenomenon? The Aurora Australis is, if possible, even more elusive than the northern lights. But, with the right planning, you can spot these fascinating lights, expected to appear in July this year.

Where can you expect to see the Aurora Australis in 2025? Travel agency Flight Centre UK has some ideas:

Tasmania

On Satellite Islands or Bruny Islands off Tasmania, you can witness these lights thanks to low light pollution. In fact, some tourism providers operate special flights for groups to see these lights, departing from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Patagonia

Encompassing Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a prime spot to view this dazzling display. One popular city that sometimes sees these lights is Ushuaia, Argentina. The city is also a typical departure port for Antarctic expedition cruises.

Expedition Cruises

Speaking of expedition cruises, a trip near the Antarctic Circle gives you more opportunities to see the Aurora Australis. Remote locations mean getting closer to the auroral oval, escaping light pollution and gaining insight from expert guides and scientists usually stationed onboard.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Queenstown and Stewart Island also expect to be within sight of the lights this year. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, on the southern tip of Lake Tekapo on New Zealand’s south island, is a great option for light chasers. At Mount John observatory, look through any of its six telescopes.

South Africa

The southern lights were spotted from Robertson last October for the second time that year after not appearing for more than 30 years. This means South Africa is another probable destination to see the lights again this year, particularly around Gordon’s Bay.