The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is Australia's first.
It joins an elite group of remarkable dark places around the world. The Reserve includes some 80 kilometres of the magnificent River Murray, small townships, Conservation Parks, farmland, and some of the darkest skies on the planet.
At just 90 minutes from the South Australian capital Adelaide, the Reserve is readily accessible to visitors.
Covering more than 3,200 square kilometres, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is known for its dry climate and cloudless skies. Measurements have shown exceptional darkness right across the region, and SQM readings of 21.9 are common.
The Reserve received accreditation from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in October 2019.
The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is an initiative of Mid Murray Landcare SA working closely with the Mid-Murray Council and aims to raise awareness of the problems of light pollution and its impact on Australia’s unique nocturnal wildlife.
River Murray Dark Sky Reserve is a project of Mid Murray Landcare (SA) and the Mid Murray Council.
With some 220 kms of the mighty River Murray flowing through the region, along with ancient cliffs and thriving farmland, Mid Murray Council is a diverse and picturesque landscape.
The principal office of Council is situated in Mannum.
Our collective ambition is to create a place of environmental learning where the preservation of native flora and fauna is actively encourageda
.Currently we can offer some facilities for hire. Overnight camping accommodation is available.
Mid Murray Landcare SA is a community based organisation that works collaboratively with the local community, environmental groups, Landscape South Australia Murraylands & Riverland and the Mid Murray Council to achieve on ground projects to benefit the environment and wider community.
The SkippySky website contains forecasts of useful stuff for astronomers, such as cloud cover, temperature, etc.
It's also useful for landscape photographers and farmers who want to check the wind before spraying their crops.