I have amazing memories of my first trip through the Kimberley and a highlight is most definitely sleeping in a swag under the stars. It seems so simple yet, as I read our passenger reviews, many of them talk about how special it is to sleep under the Kimberley sky, and the Milky Way.
“It was magical to sleep under the stars every night.” – Maddie
“Just you, your swag and the most spectacular night sky you will ever see.” – Holly
“Sleeping in swags under the stars was a great experience.” - Terry & Diane
Our Kimberley truck under the Milky Way
Photo credit: Lara Endlich
What makes the Kimberley sky so magical and memorable?
For so many of us we live in cities where artificial light pollutes the sky and affects our visibility of the stars. In these urban environments we’ve become accustomed to the fact that we miss out on a spectacular natural light show every night. In the Kimberley when you throw your swag out for the first time, you gaze up at nature’s magical light show and it takes your breath way. The clarity of the Milky Way is beyond impressive and there is good reason for this.
Due to the fact that the Kimberley in Western Australia is so remote, there is no light pollution and therefore it offers some of the darkest night skies on earth. The Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley’s Purnululu National Park draws astronomers from all over the world, who want to see the Milky Way from one of the best locations on the planet.
“ …sleeping in a swag under the stars and the Milky Way is one of the highlights.” – EuniceTen
“Best part is cooking our own meals and having an open fire every night and to top it all sleeping out under the stars.” – Michael
“Sleeping under the stars in swags is an experience not to be missed.” – Pat
The Milky Way is the name of our galaxy and it is filled with 100 – 400 billion stars. The galaxy got its name because of its milky appearance and during the Roman times it was called Via Lactea meaning “The Road of Milk”.
Just like the ground beneath it, the Kimberley night sky offers breathtaking beauty that remains in the minds of all those that visit. The Milky Way is part of the Kimberley’s magic and for those that have seen it, its unforgettable.
By Lucy Periton, Kimberley Off-road Adventure Tours