When will Sydney see its first total solar eclipse in over 170 years?

Australia is set to witness a rare celestial event on Saturday, July 22, 2028, as a total solar eclipse will cast its shadow across the country, including the city of Sydney, marking the first time since 1857 that the iconic harbour will fall into total darkness, Forbes reported. The eclipse, part of a series of global total eclipses, will offer one of the most visually striking experiences from some of the world’s most scenic locations.

The Astronomical Society of Australia has launched a dedicated platform for the 2028 eclipse, featuring a countdown clock and guidance on safe viewing methods. The eclipse path will stretch across two countries and four landmasses, starting from Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, then sweeping across Western Australia, Sydney, and ending in New Zealand.

Sydney to experience rare urban eclipse


Sydney’s landmarks, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Anzac Bridge, Darling Harbour, and the Bondi to Coogee coastline, will be enveloped in complete darkness during totality. With the next opportunity not expected until 2858, this event presents a unique moment for both eclipse chasers and photographers to capture a total eclipse over an urban setting.

Maximum eclipse time in remote Western Australia

As per the Forbes report, the longest duration of totality, around 5 minutes and 10 seconds, will occur in remote areas of Western Australia, though accessible regions near Lake Argyle and Kimberley’s coastal islands will offer totality exceeding five minutes.

Cloud cover may obstruct views in Sydney

Although Sydney is expected to draw the largest crowd due to its population and prominence, the city faces a 47% chance of cloud cover during the mid-winter eclipse, according to Timeanddate.com. In contrast, remote areas in Western Australia and the Northern Territory show better chances for clear skies, at 7% and 20% respectively.

Total eclipse to conclude over New Zealand

The eclipse’s path concludes dramatically over New Zealand’s South Island, where Queenstown and Dunedin lie directly along the centerline. This will be New Zealand’s first total solar eclipse since 1965, though observers will need to prepare for low viewing angles near the horizon and up to 70% cloud cover.

As excitement builds for this long-awaited event, observers are advised to plan ahead, especially in high-demand locations like Sydney. For those seeking the best view, early preparation and flexibility in travel could make all the difference.