Bioluminescence, a natural wonder that sounds romantic just by its name. Today, we’ve compiled these 7 viewing spots in Australia! If you have not heard about Bioluminescence, it’s a bioluminescence phenomenon involving marine plankton. These organisms emit a blue glow when disturbed by waves. When large numbers gather, they create the stunning spectacle of a fluorescent sea, typically visible only at night!
And for those who don’t know, the best viewing season is between May to August which is not far away! You’ve got to catch the tail end of the Bioluminescence season. If you miss it, you’ll have to wait until next year! This wonder can only be observed at night. The last time we went, it was around midnight, and the blue tears phenomenon was really clear! Make sure to check the weather before you go!
7 Best Places to See Bioluminescence in Australia
New South Wales
Jervis Bay
Jervis Bay, with its clear waters and tranquil beaches, offers glimpses of shimmering Bioluminescence as night falls. The area is vast, so it’s recommended to observe from Plantation Point, a cape where the chances of spotting are higher!
How far? About 3h drive from Sydney
Palm Beach
North of Sydney, Palm Beach is an excellent location for observing Bioluminescence and also the Milky Way!
How far? About 1h drive from Sydney
Tasmania
Lauderdale Beach
In Tasmania, Lauderdale Beach offers broad and fine sandy shores where you can sit and see this magical natural phenomenon.
How far? About 20min drive from Hobart
Preservation Bay
Located at the northern tip of Tasmania, close to the state’s second-largest city, Launceston, featuring a 700-meter long beach.
How far? About 3.5h drive from Hobart
Victoria
Lake Entrance
At the eastern outlet of Victoria, a prime spot for crabbing by day transforms into the Bioluminescence chasing hotspot at night.
How far? About 4.5h drive from Melbourne
Gippsland Lakes
Gippsland Lakes, an inland treasure of Victoria, glows with a blue radiance like it’s filled with blue fluorescent dye!
How far? About 3.5h drive from Melbourne
South Australia
Port Lincoln
Proper Bay in Port Lincoln is rich in marine life and a regular spot for Bioluminescence, and don’t miss the seafood here!
How far? About 7.5h drive from Adelaide
Bioluminescence viewing tips
- Follow bioluminescence on Facebook for real-time updates on conditions.
- After several days of rain followed by a sunny day, and if the sea is red during the day, the chances of spotting Bioluminescence increase significantly.
- For better photos, use night mode on your phone, reduce exposure slightly, set camera aperture around f/2.8-3.2, exposure over 30s, and ISO between 200-1600.
- It can be chilly by the sea at night, so remember to bring extra clothing!