The 2028 Total Solar Eclipse Australia event will offer one of the most extraordinary outback travel experiences of the decade. On Saturday 22 July 2028, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across Australia, beginning in the Kimberley before crossing the Northern Territory, southwest Queensland, western New South Wales and Sydney.

While millions of people will be able to experience the eclipse from towns and cities, travellers looking for open landscapes, dramatic photography backdrops and remote camping can follow the path of totality into some of Australia’s wildest regions.

Imagine watching the sky darken above the ancient domes of Purnululu, the granite boulders of Karlu Karlu, the ranges of the Barkly or the red dunes of the Simpson Desert.

Adventure Rentals is already receiving enquiries and accepting vehicle bookings for July 2028. Flights, accommodation and most public campsites cannot yet be booked this far in advance. However, you can secure your 4WD car or fully equipped 4WD camper now and arrange the remaining parts of your trip as booking periods open.

When is the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse in Australia?

The total solar eclipse will occur on Saturday 22 July 2028.

The approximate time of totality will vary as the Moon’s shadow travels across the country:

• Kimberley region: Around 11am AWST
• Central Northern Territory: Around 12.45pm ACST
• Southwest Queensland and western New South Wales: During the early afternoon AEST
• Sydney: During the afternoon AEST

The partial phase begins well before totality and continues afterwards. Exact start times, totality times, duration and the position of the Sun will depend on your precise viewing location.

Use the Australian Astronomical Society interactive eclipse map to check whether a particular campsite, road or town is within the path of totality.

Where will the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse occur?

The path of totality will reach Australia through the northern Kimberley and travel southeast across the continent.

The eclipse corridor passes through or close to:

• Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls
• The eastern Kimberley
• Kununurra and Lake Argyle
• El Questro and the eastern Gibb River Road
• Purnululu National Park
• Duncan Road and the Buntine Highway region
• Judbarra / Gregory National Park
• The Tanami region
• Tennant Creek and Karlu Karlu
• Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park
• Tobermorey and the Plenty Highway region
• The northern Simpson Desert
• The country north of Birdsville
• Bourke and northwest New South Wales
• Central New South Wales
• Sydney

You must be inside the path of totality to see the Sun completely covered by the Moon. A location experiencing 99 per cent coverage will still only see a partial eclipse.

Always check your exact proposed campsite on an accurate eclipse map. A small change in location can affect whether you experience totality and how long it lasts.

Where will the weather be best for the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse?

When choosing the best place to see the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse in Australia, being inside the path of totality is only part of the equation. Cloud cover can make the difference between an incredible view of totality and missing the eclipse altogether.

Historical July cloud data suggests that some of the remote inland areas crossed by the eclipse path have experienced relatively low average daytime cloud cover. This includes parts of the Kimberley, Northern Territory and inland Australia.

Of course, historical averages cannot predict the weather on 22 July 2028. We recommend planning more than one possible viewing location and keeping some flexibility in your itinerary so you can respond to weather forecasts closer to eclipse day.

Where are the best places to see the 2028 eclipse in Australia?

There is no single perfect location. The best choice will depend on road access, cloud conditions, camping availability, your photography plans and how remote you want the experience to be.

The following locations offer some of the most exciting opportunities for a 4WD camping and photography adventure.

Mitchell Falls and Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell Falls, known as Punamii Unpuu, and the surrounding Mitchell Plateau are among the most spectacular potential eclipse viewing locations in Australia.

This region is close to the area where totality will be longest. Rugged sandstone, open woodland, waterfalls and escarpments could provide an extraordinary backdrop as the landscape darkens.

Mitchell Falls is located within Mitchell River National Park. Access is remote and normally involves travelling from the Gibb River Road along Kalumburu Road and Port Warrender Road.

The walk to Mitchell Falls begins near Mitchell Falls Campground. Campground access, road conditions, visitor passes and any special eclipse arrangements will need to be confirmed closer to July 2028.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Broome or Darwin.

Best suited to: Experienced remote area travellers, photographers and visitors allowing time for a longer Kimberley itinerary.

El Questro and the eastern Gibb River Road

El Questro, the Cockburn Range, the Pentecost River area and the eastern end of the Gibb River Road offer some of the Kimberley’s most recognisable landscapes.

The combination of rugged ranges, wide plains, boab trees and river crossings could create a spectacular setting for eclipse photography.

Travellers may be able to camp at El Questro, subject to availability and any eclipse arrangements introduced by the property.

Not every part of the Gibb River Road will experience totality. The eastern section is better positioned than the western end near Derby, but your exact viewing point must be checked on the eclipse map.

Because the eclipse occurs during the busiest period of the Kimberley travel season, camping and accommodation around El Questro, Kununurra and the eastern Gibb River Road are expected to be in extremely high demand.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Broome or Darwin.

Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range

World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park could be one of the most visually impressive places to experience the eclipse.

Imagine watching the landscape darken above the striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Ancient rock formations, huge skies and almost no artificial light make Purnululu a dream destination for landscape and night sky photographers.

Purnululu is reached from the Great Northern Highway via Spring Creek Track. Access requires a high clearance 4WD and conditions can be slow and challenging.

Public camping inside the park is normally available at Walardi and Kurrajong campgrounds. Bookings for July 2028 are not yet available and special arrangements may be introduced due to demand.

Travellers should also consider that only particular parts of this vast park may be within the path of totality. Check your proposed campsite and photography location carefully.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Broome or Darwin.

Duncan Road

Duncan Road travels through remote East Kimberley country between the Victoria Highway and the Halls Creek region. Sections of the route pass through or close to the totality corridor.

This may provide a quieter alternative to Kununurra, El Questro and the better known Kimberley attractions. The landscape includes ranges, rivers, cattle stations and broad areas of open country.

However, Duncan Road is long and not every section will experience totality. Much of the surrounding land is pastoral property or Aboriginal land, so travellers cannot simply pull off the road and establish a campsite.

Use approved campgrounds, station stays or locations where permission has been provided. Road conditions and closures should also be checked before travel.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Darwin or Broome.

Buntine Highway

The eclipse path crosses parts of the Buntine Highway region and surrounding remote cattle country.

This area may appeal to experienced travellers looking for open horizons, fewer visitors and a route connecting the Victoria Highway, Kalkarindji and the northern Tanami region.

Facilities are limited and many surrounding areas are private pastoral property or Aboriginal land. A confirmed legal camping location will be essential.

The latest access information should be checked using the Northern Territory Road Report closer to departure.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Darwin or Alice Springs.

Judbarra / Gregory National Park and the Broadarrow 4WD Track

Judbarra / Gregory National Park covers a vast area of the Victoria River District. Parts of the southern park and the Broadarrow 4WD Track region are well positioned in relation to the eclipse corridor.

The park offers sandstone ranges, boab country, remote campsites and challenging 4WD tracks. It could provide an excellent option for travellers starting in Darwin who want a wilderness experience away from the larger East Kimberley visitor centres.

Judbarra is a very large park, so being somewhere inside the park does not automatically mean you will experience totality. Your exact campsite must be checked against the eclipse path.

Camping must be booked before arrival. Visitors must also follow park access rules and remain on designated roads and tracks.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Darwin.

Tanami Track

The Tanami Track offers another adventurous route into the eclipse corridor.

Alice Springs is south of the path of totality. Travellers starting there will need to drive north or northwest to experience the Sun being completely covered.

The eclipse path crosses remote areas of the Tanami, but travellers must carefully investigate fuel availability, permits, community access, road conditions and legal camping locations.

The Tanami is a serious remote area journey. It should not be treated as a simple roadside camping trip. Travellers should carry sufficient food, water and fuel, along with reliable communications and recovery equipment.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Alice Springs.

Tennant Creek, the Barkly and Karlu Karlu

Tennant Creek and the surrounding Barkly region provide some of the most accessible remote viewing opportunities in the Northern Territory.

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve lies south of Tennant Creek and offers one of the most recognisable potential photography locations along the eclipse corridor.

The enormous granite boulders, open landscape and clear night skies could create unforgettable images before, during and after the eclipse.

Karlu Karlu has limited camping capacity and is likely to be extremely popular. Special access, parking, visitor or camping arrangements may be introduced for July 2028.

The Barkly covers a large area, and the entire region is not within totality. Concentrate your research around Tennant Creek, Karlu Karlu and the eclipse centre line.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Alice Springs or Darwin.

Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park

Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park is southeast of Tennant Creek and close to the eclipse corridor.

The park offers rugged ranges, waterholes, remote bush camping and challenging 4WD access. With almost no artificial light, it also provides excellent conditions for night sky photography during the days surrounding the eclipse.

Some access roads are suitable only for experienced drivers in high clearance 4WD vehicles. Roads can close after rain, and camping must be booked before arrival.

This is likely to be one of the most sought after remote camping regions in the Northern Territory during the eclipse.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Alice Springs.

Tobermorey and the Plenty Highway

Tobermorey and the eastern Plenty Highway offer another potential route toward the eclipse corridor.

This is extremely remote cattle station and desert country with wide horizons and minimal artificial light. It may suit experienced photographers wanting to continue from Central Australia toward Bedourie and western Queensland.

The exact location is important because parts of this region are close to the edge of the path. A modest change in campsite position could determine whether you experience a total or partial eclipse.

Travellers must confirm station access, accommodation, camping permission and road conditions before entering this area.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Alice Springs.

Munga Thirri and the Simpson Desert

The northern Simpson Desert offers some of the most dramatic potential eclipse photography locations in Australia.

Red dunes, broad horizons and immense isolation create an unforgettable setting. However, only particular parts of the desert are within the totality corridor, so careful location planning is essential.

Travellers approaching from Queensland should consult the official Munga Thirri National Park website.

Travellers approaching through South Australia should consult the official Munga Thirri Simpson Desert National Park website and check whether a Desert Parks Pass is required.

A Simpson Desert journey requires substantial preparation, remote area experience, communications equipment, recovery equipment and sufficient food, fuel and water.

Desert tracks can close following rain, and road conditions in July 2028 cannot be predicted this far in advance.

Best Adventure Rentals depots: Alice Springs or Adelaide.

Birdsville and Bedourie

Birdsville is an excellent base for exploring Queensland’s Channel Country and the Simpson Desert, but travellers must check whether their selected location is actually inside the path of totality.

The centre of the eclipse path passes north of Birdsville, making Bedourie and locations farther north particularly important when researching potential viewing sites.

Do not assume that being close to the eclipse line is enough. A 99 per cent partial eclipse does not provide the same experience as totality.

Birdsville will still be a valuable supply and accommodation centre, but it is likely to be extremely busy. Travellers should allow extra time for fuel, supplies and traffic.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Adelaide.

Bourke

Bourke offers one of the most accessible outback locations within the totality corridor.

The town has fuel, food, accommodation and other services, making it a practical base for visitors who do not want to travel into the most isolated parts of Australia.

Demand around Bourke is expected to be extremely high. Travellers looking for a quieter experience could use the town as a supply point before continuing into nearby national parks and designated camping areas.

Always confirm that your chosen campsite remains within the path of totality.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Adelaide.

Brindingabba National Park

Brindingabba National Park is northwest of Bourke near the Queensland border.

The park offers remote camping, open landscapes, wetlands, wildlife and scenic 4WD touring. Its position makes it a promising location for eclipse and night sky photography.

Camping capacity is very limited, so this should not be treated as a location where travellers can simply arrive without a booking. Visitor arrangements may change before 2028.

Roads in northwest New South Wales can become impassable after rain, including for 4WD vehicles.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Adelaide.

Cuttaburra National Park

Cuttaburra National Park is another remote option northwest of Bourke.

The park protects wetlands, floodplains and important bird habitat. Water, woodland and open western skies could provide a very different photographic setting from the Kimberley or Simpson Desert.

Access is by unsealed roads and conditions can change quickly after rain. Camping and visitor access must be checked through NSW National Parks before departure.

Best Adventure Rentals depot: Adelaide.

Does light pollution matter during a solar eclipse?

Light pollution does not have a major effect on viewing the eclipse itself because the event happens during the day.

The most important factors are:

• Being inside the path of totality
• Having a clear view of the Sun
• Avoiding cloud where possible
• Having an open and unobstructed viewing area
• Choosing an attractive photography foreground
• Being able to access and camp at the location legally

Low light pollution is still valuable for photographing the Milky Way, stars and night sky before and after the eclipse.

This makes remote locations such as Purnululu, Karlu Karlu, the Davenport Ranges and the Simpson Desert ideal for a broader astrophotography journey.

The best eclipse photography locations

Landscape photographers should look for locations with a recognisable foreground and an unobstructed view toward the Sun.

Potential compositions include:

• The sandstone escarpments of Mitchell Plateau
• The Cockburn Range near El Questro
• The striped domes of Purnululu
• Boab trees in the eastern Kimberley
• The granite boulders at Karlu Karlu
• The ranges of Iytwelepenty
• Red dunes in the northern Simpson Desert
• Wetlands and river country near Bourke

Remember that the position and height of the Sun will vary along the eclipse path. Use the official interactive map to check the direction and altitude of the Sun from your planned photography location.

Photography tips for the 2028 eclipse

• Use a purpose designed solar filter over the front of your camera lens during every partial phase.
• Only remove the camera filter during complete totality.
• Use a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release.
• Practise changing camera settings and removing the filter before eclipse day.
• Photograph the surrounding landscape as well as the Sun.
• Arrive at least one full day before the eclipse.
• Identify a backup location in case cloud develops.
• Protect equipment from dust, especially in desert and unsealed road environments.
• Do not spend all of totality looking at your camera screen.

Read the Australian Astronomical Society eclipse photography guide before photographing the event.

Solar eclipse eye safety

Never look directly at the Sun during the partial phases without suitable eclipse glasses or another approved solar viewing method.

Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.

Eye protection can only be removed during complete totality, when the Sun’s bright surface is entirely covered by the Moon. As soon as any part of the bright Sun reappears, eye protection must go back on.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes require a purpose designed solar filter secured over the front of the optics.

Read the full NASA eclipse viewing safety advice before the event.

Can I book my 2028 eclipse trip now?

You can already book a 4WD car or 4WD camper with Adventure Rentals for July 2028.

Most other parts of the trip cannot be confirmed this far in advance. This includes:

• Domestic and international flights
• Many hotels, lodges and station stays
• National park campsites
• Private campgrounds
• Some tours and visitor permits

Each airline, park authority and accommodation provider has its own booking period. This means you can secure your vehicle first and then book flights, campsites and accommodation as each option becomes available.

The eclipse will occur during the busiest travel season in northern Australia. Suitable remote area vehicles are limited, particularly in Broome, Darwin and Alice Springs.

Choosing your Adventure Rentals depot

Hire from Broome

Broome 4WD car and camper hire is ideal for a longer Kimberley journey covering Mitchell Falls, the Gibb River Road, El Questro, Kununurra and Purnululu.

Broome itself is outside the main eclipse corridor, so allow enough time to reach the eastern or northern Kimberley before 22 July.

Hire from Darwin

Darwin 4WD car and camper hire provides access to Judbarra / Gregory National Park, the Buntine Highway, Duncan Road, Kununurra, El Questro and Purnululu.

Darwin is a starting point rather than a totality viewing location. Allow several days to reach your selected site.

Hire from Alice Springs

Alice Springs 4WD car and camper hire is ideal for the Tanami Track, Karlu Karlu, Tennant Creek, Iytwelepenty, Tobermorey and the Plenty Highway.

Alice Springs is outside totality, so your itinerary must continue north or northeast into the eclipse corridor.

Hire from Adelaide

Adelaide 4WD car and camper hire is suited to a longer expedition through the Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta region, Simpson Desert, Birdsville, Bedourie, Bourke, Brindingabba and Cuttaburra.

Distances are considerable. Allow generous travel time before and after the eclipse rather than treating it as a quick return trip from Adelaide.

Planning your 2028 eclipse road trip

The eclipse lasts only a few minutes, but your road trip should not.

Plan a longer adventure that includes national parks, outback towns, walking trails and scenic 4WD routes. Aim to reach your chosen region several days before 22 July so you have time to assess weather, road conditions and alternative viewing locations.

When travelling with Adventure Rentals, driving before sunrise or after sunset outside towns and cities is not permitted. Plan to reach your campsite and complete your setup during daylight hours.

Your final plan should include:

• A confirmed location inside the path of totality
• A legal campsite or approved accommodation
• A backup viewing location
• Sufficient travel time before eclipse day
• Current park bookings and permits
• Current road and track information
• Fuel, food and water planning
• Reliable remote area communications
• Appropriate solar viewing equipment
• A safe photography setup that you have practised using

Remote communities, parks and pastoral properties may introduce special eclipse access rules, minimum stays, permits, parking restrictions or traffic controls. Follow official advice and never camp on private property, Aboriginal land, roadsides or closed areas without permission.

Frequently asked questions about the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse Australia

Where is the best place to see the 2028 eclipse in Australia?

The East Kimberley offers long totality and some of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes. Tennant Creek, Karlu Karlu, the Davenport Ranges, the northern Simpson Desert and Bourke also provide excellent potential viewing locations.

The best final location will depend on cloud forecasts, legal access, camping availability and road conditions.

Where will the eclipse occur?

The path of totality will enter Australia through the Kimberley and travel across the Northern Territory, southwest Queensland and New South Wales before passing through Sydney.

When is the 2028 eclipse?

The eclipse will occur on Saturday 22 July 2028.

What time will the eclipse occur?

Totality will occur at approximately 11am in the Kimberley and around 12.45pm in central parts of the Northern Territory. It will occur later in the afternoon as the shadow moves through Queensland and New South Wales.

Exact times vary by location. Check the official interactive eclipse map for your campsite.

How long will totality last?

The duration will vary depending on your position within the eclipse corridor. Locations close to the centre line generally experience longer totality than locations near the northern or southern edge.

Is Alice Springs in the path of totality?

No. Alice Springs will experience a substantial partial eclipse. Travellers must drive north or northeast to enter the path of totality.

Is Birdsville in the path of totality?

Birdsville is close to the eclipse corridor, but travellers should look toward Bedourie and locations farther north when selecting a confirmed totality site. Check the exact position on the official map before booking.

Do I need a 4WD?

A 4WD is strongly recommended for most remote viewing locations in this guide. Several routes require high clearance, all terrain tyres, recovery equipment, additional fuel planning and remote area travel experience.

Can I camp anywhere along the eclipse path?

No. Much of the eclipse corridor crosses private stations, Aboriginal land, national parks and remote communities.

Camp only in approved campgrounds or locations where the land manager has provided permission.

When should I book my vehicle?

Adventure Rentals is already accepting bookings for July 2028. Demand is expected to be particularly strong for Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide hires.

Can I book flights and campsites now?

Most flights, national park campsites and accommodation options are not available to book this far in advance. Secure your vehicle first and arrange the remaining parts of the journey as their booking periods open.

What happens if it is cloudy?

Cloud is always a risk. Choose a region with several possible viewing locations and arrive early enough to adjust your plan if the forecast changes.

Book your 2028 Total Solar Eclipse 4WD adventure

The 2028 Total Solar Eclipse will occur during the busiest travel season in northern and outback Australia. The number of suitable remote area 4WD campers is limited.

Adventure Rentals offers premium 4WD cars and fully equipped 4WD campers from Broome, Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide. Our depot network provides access to some of the most spectacular and remote eclipse viewing locations in Australia.

Book early, allow plenty of travelling time and turn a few extraordinary minutes of totality into an unforgettable Australian outback adventure.

Check vehicle availability for July 2028