On 22 July 2028, a total solar eclipse will traverse across Australia. The Northern Territory is in prime position to see this rare celestial phenomenon with the “path of totality”, where the sun is blocked entirely by the moon, occurring over the Barkly Region. The Barkly will experience a peak window of 4 minutes and 57 seconds of complete solar obscuration. This path encompasses several accessible sites across the Barkly, including Tennant Creek which will experience a significant period of totality during the event.
Where to Experience the Eclipse
The path of totality: Barkly Region
The Barkly Region stands out as one of Australia’s premier locations to witness the 2028 total solar eclipse, offering a rare combination of climatic reliability and expansive viewing conditions. Positioned squarely within the path of totality, the region provides both long duration and optimal timing, with the eclipse occurring high in the sky, between 12.45pm and 1pm, when atmospheric distortion is minimal.
What truly elevates the Barkly for eclipse viewing is its winter climate. Late July is the Northern Territory’s dry season. Visitors can typically expect low humidity, stable air, and a strong likelihood of clear skies, key factors for eclipse success. Being inland the Barkly is also less likely to be impacted by coastal weather.
The Barkly Region offers what eclipse chasers seek most: clear skies, stable weather, optimal timing, and vast open horizons.
Obscuration across the Northern Territory
Beyond the Barkly, regions across the Northern Territory will experience an extraordinary partial eclipse, with significant levels of obscuration occurring all the way up to East Arnhem land.
The table below outlines what observers can expect across the regions on 22 July 2028.
NT Tourism Region | Key Location | Maximum Obscuration | Eclipse Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
Barkly | Tennant Creek | 100% | Total Eclipse |
Alice MacDonnell | Alice Springs | 95.4% | Deep Partial Eclipse |
| Uluṟu | Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa | 85.5% | Partial Eclipse |
Big Rivers | Katherine | 91.3% | Deep Partial Eclipse |
Top End | Darwin | 88.1% | Partial Eclipse |
East Arnhem | Nhulunbuy | 74.5% | Partial Eclipse |
How to get involved
The Barkly Region will provide a great opportunity for visitors and eclipse chasers; it is also a remote area with strong cultural significance, and as such managing access to the region is essential. A working group has been established to centrally manage opportunity and visitation for the eclipse and ensure that visitors to the area have a safe and enjoyable experience.
While arrangements are underway, interested agencies, travellers and businesses are encouraged to express their interest via the form below to receive up-to-date information on planning and access.
For general enquiries you can also reach out to [email protected]
Register your interest
Frequently asked questions
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun for a short period. During totality, the sky darkens dramatically and the Sun’s corona becomes visible.
Obscuration is the amount of the Sun covered by the Moon during the eclipse. The further away you are from the path of totality, the lower the percentage of obscuration. The table above indicates the percentage of coverage of the Sun by the Moon.
On 22 July 2028, with totality occurring around midday in much of the Northern Territory. Exact times vary slightly by location.
In prime locations like the Barkly region, totality is expected to last for 4 minutes and 57 seconds —long enough to fully experience the event.
Anywhere within the path of totality is good, but inland regions like the Barkly are especially favourable due to lower cloud cover and wide-open skies.
Other locations across the NT will also deliver a great experience for those looking to view the phenomenon with various levels of obscurity of the eclipse able to be viewed.
Weather & Conditions
Late July is the dry season in the NT, typically bringing clear skies, low humidity, and stable weather, ideal for eclipse viewing.
Temperatures at this time of year are typically mild and comfortable reaching highs of 25°C during the day. Evening temperatures regularly sit around 10°C but can occasionally dip close to freezing in open desert areas. If you are camping or attending the region at this time, packing high-quality layers, a warm jacket, and thermal gear will ensure you stay perfectly comfortable throughout your journey.
Travel & Logistics
Planning a Territory adventure is part of the magic, and we want to make getting here as seamless as possible. A website dedicated to all event opportunities and logistics will be available in the future, in the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to complete our Register of Interest form.
The Northern Territory is famous for its immersive, world-class experiences, and this event will be no exception. We are currently curating an incredible line up of guided tours and official side events to help you experience the region like a local. Full details will be released in the future, to ensure you don't miss out on announcements, register your details on our Register of Interest form.
We are mapping out dedicated viewing zones and camping options, including remote access parameters to ensure everyone can take in the event safely and sustainably. Exact locations and details will be publicised on our website. In the meantime you can sign up via our Register of Interest form to get notified of updates.
Business Opportunities
A Register of Interest form is available on this page. The ROI is a communication tool to seek information and facilitate the sharing about the Total Solar Eclipse 2028, and an early engagement process designed to help the Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) to understand market interest and connect parties where a common outcome exists and where these entities may wish to work together.
DTH may use the information collected through this ROI to facilitate introductions between interested parties, and for these parties to pursue independent commercial opportunities and negotiations (business to business) outside of any formal process the Department may run.
The Department's role is limited to facilitating introductions between interested parties. The Department does not endorse, assess, or select participants, nor does it have any involvement in subsequent commercial negotiations or outcomes. The Department does not guarantee to find a match between interested parties.
This opportunity is publicly promoted to ensure equitable access for all interested parties. Introductions will be facilitated using a consistent and documented approach.
All submissions will be treated equally, with introductions initially prioritised based on submission timing, registrations will be reviewed 30 days after the ROI release date to identify aligned opportunities (supply and demand) between interested parties. However, you can still register your interest afterward. The Department will attempt to facilitate introductions between interested parties.
You will have the option to consent to your contact details and relevant information being shared with other parties for the purpose of facilitating introductions.
Soon a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) will be released. The EOI will be informed by a number of elements including NT government managed land, regional capacity, operator insight, Traditional Owner consent, visitor experience, and insights gathered through the ROI and the EOI will be released after having been assessed, approved and confirmed as site-ready and suitably approved for operator use.
All EOIs will be conducted through a clear, fair and transparent process, with consistent information provided to all applicants, including site details, requirements, constraints and any evaluation criteria.
The ROI is not an offer, and participation in the ROI does not guarantee access to, or provide any advantage in, a subsequent EOI process. The ROI and EOI processes are separate and distinct, and parties will have no claim against the NT Government arising out of this ROI or the ROI process.