Enjoy the pristine Oxford sky with some of the best naked eye views of the Milky Way.
The Oxford Forest Conservation Area is an internationally accredited dark sky park which is accessible 365 days/year, 24 hours/day. The best skies are those of a cold, clear winter night when you can enjoy Matariki rising or peer straight into the Galactic Core.
The conservation area lies close to the Oxford township, which means you can enjoy the eateries of Oxford and enjoy dark sky viewing within minutes from the town centre.
To get you started here are a few places you can try…
West Oxford Reserve
Easily walkable from the restaurants and pub
1162 Depot Road
Directions
2.2 km from the centre of town
Car: 4 mins
Walk: 30 minutes
Facilities: Toilet
Next to the Oxford Cemetery
3117 Oxford Road
Directions
Easily walkable from restaurants and pub,
600m from centre of town
Car: 1 min
Walk: 8 mins
Before you head off get prepared, dress warmly, take at torch (to guide you where you want to go and then turn it off). Grab a thermos of your favourite hot beverage and in inspired to do so, take deck chairs and blankets. If you want to head into the Oxford Conservation Area, please take note of the information below.
View Hill Domain
Cnr Woodstock and Harmans Gorge Road
Directions
11.4km from centre of town
Car: 11mins
Facilities: Toilets
View Hill Car Park (Mt Oxford Conservation Area) 4WD
352/104 Wharfedale Track
Directions
20.1 km from centre of town
Car: 29 mins
Facilities: Toilet
If you fancy committing to going in to the park we recommend that you do so in a 4WD as there are a couple of fords to cross. Check the Department of Conservation website prior to going. Take a torch to guide you. You may come across groups and scouts who use the park in the weekend. Note there is limited cell phone coverage in the park.
Cooper Creek Car Park, Coopers Creek (Mt Oxford Conservation Area)
105 Mountain View Road, View Hill
Directions
9.7 km from centre of town
Car: 12 mins
Facilities: Toilet
Walk up from the car park, over the bridge, into the private honey farm, and past the unpowered lodge. There you will find yourself at the entrance to Mount Oxford Conservation Area. As always, check the Department of Conservation website prior to going. Take a torch to guide you. You may come across groups and scouts who use the park in the weekend. Note there is limited cell phone coverage in the park. Please note the last 800m is a shingle road.
If you are visiting between mid-April and mid-September, treat yourself to a telescopic view of the southern sky at the Oxford Observatory. Find out more and check out viewing times here.
