The Southern Lights in Peterborough

There are few natural phenomena as awe-inspiring as the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights — and this year, skywatchers along the Great Ocean Road are in for a rare and beautiful treat. Thanks to increased solar activity, Peterborough is one of the few places in mainland Australia where you might catch a glimpse of this celestial spectacle.

And there's no better vantage point than the James Irvine Monument, perched on the clifftops overlooking the wild Southern Ocean.

A Coastal Front Row Seat to the Sky

Named in honour of early settler and shipbuilder James Irvine, this quiet lookout sits just west of Peterborough and offers sweeping views of the horizon with almost zero light pollution. On clear, moonless nights, the dark skies make it an ideal location for astrophotography, stargazing, and—if conditions are right—the unmistakable glow of the Southern Lights dancing low across the southern sky.

With increased auroral activity expected in the coming days, there’s a strong chance that visitors to Peterborough may witness streaks of pink, green, and violet lighting up the night.

When and How to See It

The best time to see the Aurora is during the southern winter, particularly around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. Use aurora tracking apps like Aurora Australis Forecast or SpaceWeatherLive to monitor activity levels.

Bring a camera, tripod, a blanket, and a warm drink — and prepare for one of nature’s most unforgettable light shows.

Stay Local, Stay Late

For the best chance of seeing the aurora, plan an overnight stay in Peterborough. You can base yourself at Peterborough House, just minutes from the monument, and enjoy a warm, local welcome while you wait for the southern sky to come alive.