Media - 2023 Solar Eclipse 

Media Release - Shire of Ashburton looks towards 2023 solar eclipse 

The Shire of Ashburton has identified the 2023 solar eclipse as a significant opportunity for continued astrotourism possibilities within the region.

Onslow, on the Pilbara coastline, lies on the edge of the path of totality for the 2023 event, making it an exciting location to experience the solar eclipse next year.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White acknowledged the event would be a significant drawcard for visitors to the region, with Onslow to experience over 99% of the sun covered by the moon during the eclipse.

“Council is very excited that Onslow and several locations within the Shire of Ashburton is positioned to take advantage of this phenomena by offering access to the path of totality for the total solar eclipse, while also offering a unique vantage point to experience a very deep partial eclipse”, said Councillor White.

“The Shire of Ashburton is working with Astrotourism WA’s Carol Redford, and Kate Russo, Founder of Being in the Shadow to implement a series of activities that will position Onslow and the Shire of Ashburton as a location to view the eclipse next year and to identify a longer-term strategy for such future events.

“It follows the Shire joining the astrotourism community last year with Onslow listed as an Astrotourism Town, with observing points at ANZAC Memorial Park and Onslow Termite Mound viewing area as well as Resilience Sculpture outside Paraburdoo being listed as an Astrotourism photography hot spot.

“Expanding our tourism offering to include a Dark Sky Trail has enabled the Shire to engage with a niche tourism market and exploring opportunities to make the most of the solar eclipse event further develops the region as a haven for Astrotourism.

“It is estimated that 50,000 people will visit Exmouth, Carnarvon and wider Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to witness the total solar eclipse, which will have a positive impact on our tourism industry, and we are also working with Shire of Exmouth and Shire of Carnarvon to explore ways in which we can support each other to maximise this event.

“We are excited for the opportunities to cultivate our dark sky experiences, work with hospitality providers, and to also showcase other tourism drawcards within our Shire including the magnificent Karijini National Park while people are in our region.

“There have already been international bookings for accommodation in Onslow and significant interest in our marine facilities and boating access from the town to the path of totality, which will be about 40km off the coast of Onslow, as well as access to the islands offshore.

“We will commence a one-year countdown to the 2023 eclipse in April this year with numerous forums and workshops currently being planned that will inform and assist the community to understand the science of the eclipse and assess the opportunities for businesses and residents to get involved”.

Founder of Being in the Shadow, Dr Kate Russo explains that the total solar eclipse is a magnificent and beautiful celestial event that draws huge international crowds, and advance planning is required.

“We have also identified that 16 years from now, the Shire of Ashburton will be one of the best places in the world and Onslow the first town in Australia to view the 2038 total solar eclipse. In the meantime, next year’s solar eclipse is an exhilarating warm up for what is to come, and celebrations will be planned across the Shire.”

For enquiries relating to the solar eclipse in Onslow, please contact [email protected] and stay tuned to www.ashburton.wa.gov.au/tour/solar-eclipse-2023 for further information.

The Shire of Ashburton has identified the 2023 solar eclipse as a significant opportunity for continued astrotourism possibilities within the region.

Onslow, on the Pilbara coastline, lies on the edge of the path of totality for the 2023 event, making it an exciting location to experience the solar eclipse next year.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White acknowledged the event would be a significant drawcard for visitors to the region, with Onslow to experience over 99% of the sun covered by the moon during the eclipse.

“Council is very excited that Onslow and several locations within the Shire of Ashburton is positioned to take advantage of this phenomena by offering access to the path of totality for the total solar eclipse, while also offering a unique vantage point to experience a very deep partial eclipse”, said Councillor White.

“The Shire of Ashburton is working with Astrotourism WA’s Carol Redford, and Kate Russo, Founder of Being in the Shadow to implement a series of activities that will position Onslow and the Shire of Ashburton as a location to view the eclipse next year and to identify a longer-term strategy for such future events.

“It follows the Shire joining the astrotourism community last year with Onslow listed as an Astrotourism Town, with observing points at ANZAC Memorial Park and Onslow Termite Mound viewing area as well as Resilience Sculpture outside Paraburdoo being listed as an Astrotourism photography hot spot.

“Expanding our tourism offering to include a Dark Sky Trail has enabled the Shire to engage with a niche tourism market and exploring opportunities to make the most of the solar eclipse event further develops the region as a haven for Astrotourism.

“It is estimated that 50,000 people will visit Exmouth, Carnarvon and wider Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to witness the total solar eclipse, which will have a positive impact on our tourism industry, and we are also working with Shire of Exmouth and Shire of Carnarvon to explore ways in which we can support each other to maximise this event.

“We are excited for the opportunities to cultivate our dark sky experiences, work with hospitality providers, and to also showcase other tourism drawcards within our Shire including the magnificent Karijini National Park while people are in our region.

“There have already been international bookings for accommodation in Onslow and significant interest in our marine facilities and boating access from the town to the path of totality, which will be about 40km off the coast of Onslow, as well as access to the islands offshore.

“We will commence a one-year countdown to the 2023 eclipse in April this year with numerous forums and workshops currently being planned that will inform and assist the community to understand the science of the eclipse and assess the opportunities for businesses and residents to get involved”.

Founder of Being in the Shadow, Dr Kate Russo explains that the total solar eclipse is a magnificent and beautiful celestial event that draws huge international crowds, and advance planning is required.

“We have also identified that 16 years from now, the Shire of Ashburton will be one of the best places in the world and Onslow the first town in Australia to view the 2038 total solar eclipse. In the meantime, next year’s solar eclipse is an exhilarating warm up for what is to come, and celebrations will be planned across the Shire.”

For enquiries relating to the solar eclipse in Onslow, please contact [email protected] and stay tuned to this page for further information.

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