Witness one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena from one of Australia’s most iconic outback landscapes. On 22 July 2028, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across Central Australia, plunging parts of the Northern Territory into near-total darkness for almost five extraordinary minutes. A total solar eclipse is one of the rarest and most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth — and the vast, clear skies of the Red Centre provide one of the best places in Australia to experience it.

Join Emu Run Experience as we travel north from Alice Springs along the legendary Stuart Highway, journeying through the ancient landscapes of Central Australia. Our destination awaits in an outback paradise of the Lower Barkly Region. We will have a dedicated area within the zone for optimal eclipse viewing. Here, under some of the clearest winter skies in the country, we will witness totality at 12:48 pm.

With average cloud cover in this region typically below 10% in July, the odds of clear viewing conditions are strongly in our favour.

Travel in comfort with our friendly, accredited local guides, who will bring the science of the eclipse, the stories of the landscape, and the spirit of the Australian outback to life throughout the day.

INCLUSIONS:

• Professional and experienced tour guide

• Comfortable air-conditioned coach transport from Alice Springs Hotels

• Solar eclipse safety viewing glasses

• Lunch included. 

TOUR ITINERARY - Please note departure and return times are subject to change.

5.30 AM — Departure from Alice Springs
Your eclipse adventure begins before sunrise as we depart Alice Springs at 6:00 am. Your guide will pick you up from your Alice Springs accommodation and settle you into our comfortable, air-conditioned coach. As the first light of a winter outback morning colours the horizon, we head north along the legendary Stuart Highway — the great road that bisects Australia from Adelaide to Darwin.

7:45 AM — Morning Tea Stop at Ti Tree
Around two hours into our journey we arrive at Ti Tree for a relaxing morning tea break. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee or tea, and enjoy the wide-open skies of the outback — the perfect lead-in to today’s celestial event.
Ti Tree lies within Anmatjere Country, and your guide will share stories about the land and its people as you take a moment to relax before continuing north.

11:15 AM — Arrive at our Viewing Site
Most land in this region is privately owned or part of a Conservation Reserve. Emu Run have secured access to a site reserved for our groups to enjoy the experience. Immerse yourself in the desert landscape, surrounded by rich red soil and spinifex grass. Observe the endemic wildlife such as Zebra Finches, Painted Finches and the Sand Goanna as the moon begins to move in front of the sun.

Lunch will be provided upon arrival. 

Your guide will position the group for the best possible viewing experience. Set up a chair, relax on a blanket or position your camera for the experience.

The partial phase of the eclipse begins at 11:18 am, and by the time we arrive you will already notice the sky beginning to take on a subtle, eerie quality as the Moon slowly encroaches on the Sun. Your solar eclipse glasses will be handed out and your guide will walk you through what to expect, what to look for, and how to photograph the event safely.

12:48 PM — TOTALITY
The moment arrives. At 12:48 pm, the Moon will slip fully across the face of the Sun, plunging the sky into an otherworldly twilight for nearly 5 magnificent minutes.

The temperature will drop. The stars will emerge in the middle of the day.  Planets will become visible. Birds may fall silent. It is, by every account, one of the most profound natural experiences a human being can have.

Eclipse Totality: 12:48 pm — 12:53 pm (approx.) 

Duration of totality: 4 minutes, 50 seconds 

1:30 PM — Depart for Alice Springs
After the adrenaline of totality and a chance to reflect and share the experience together, we depart at 1:30 pm for the return journey south along the Stuart Highway.

As the afternoon unfolds across the outback landscape, your guide will be on hand to share reflections on the day and answer any questions. It’s the perfect time to sit back, review your photos, and simply absorb the magnitude of what you’ve just witnessed.

6:00 PM — Return to Alice Springs
We arrive back in Alice Springs at approximately 6:00 pm, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation — tired, exhilarated, and carrying memories that will last a lifetime.