Direct answer: To see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), the best places are Tasmania (Australia) and other southern regions, with good conditions also sometimes visible from southern Victoria and parts of mainland Australia during strong solar activity. You’ll want dark skies, minimal light pollution, and a clear southern horizon. Details and practical guidance

• Best general locations
  • Tasmania: South Arm Peninsula, Bruny Island, Mount Wellington (Kunanyi), and other southern coastal areas tend to offer the clearest views due to southern latitude and low light pollution.

* Victoria (Australia): In Melbourne vicinity, southern-facing spots away from city lights can occasionally show the aurora during strong solar events; lookouts and beaches facing the south are commonly recommended, such as coastal Beaumaris areas (Rickett’s Point) and other southern coastlines.

* Other southern Australian points: Cape Schanck, Portsea, Queenscliff, and areas along the southern coastline can be good during favorable conditions; the further south you are, the higher the chance.

• When to look
  • Auroras occur during periods of strong solar activity (solar storms). They are more likely around local late-night to pre-dawn hours when the sky is darkest and weather is clear.

* Conditions to maximize visibility: very dark skies with minimal light pollution, a clear southern horizon, and a cloudless night; avoid full moon nights if possible for darker skies.

• Tips for viewing and photography
  • In Australia, long exposure photography is your best bet to capture auroras; bring a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens, and a camera capable of manual exposure control.

* Scout multiple nearby southern-facing sites to increase odds on a given night; coastal locations often provide the best unobstructed southern view.

• Notable disclaimers
  • The aurora is a rare sight in southern Australia and requires coincident solar activity and favorable weather; when it occurs, it can span large areas and be visible with the naked eye or with a camera setup.

Would you like a concise, location-specific checklist or a timeline of upcoming aurora alerts for your region? If you tell me your country or city and whether you’re willing to travel, I can tailor the best viewing spots and a simple plan for the next clear night.