Total Solar Eclipse in Sydney

Event · Sydney Harbour · 22 July 2028

Darkness at 2pm over Sydney Harbour

On Saturday 22 July 2028 the moon slides fully across the sun directly above Sydney, for the first time since 1857. Watch it from the decks of IMPULSIVE, as part of a five-night charter.

The eclipseSat 22 July 2028Totality just before 2pm AEST
The charter20 to 25 July 2028Five nights, Thursday to Tuesday
Enquire about the eclipseAll events

Countdown to totality

Until the sun goes out

—Days
—Hours
—Minutes
—Seconds

To 1:59pm AEST, Saturday 22 July 2028

12:40The moon takes its first bite
1:59Totality begins
2:01Maximum eclipse
2:03The sun returns
3:14Eclipse ends
IMPULSIVE under way, seen from above

Your viewing platform

IMPULSIVE

A 40-metre Italian superyacht with open decks from bow to sundeck, so every guest has a clear view of the sky as the moon crosses the sun.

Length40 metres
BuilderMondomarine, Italy
GuestsUp to 10 overnight
CrewCaptain and seven crew
Meet the yacht

Watched from the harbour

Why it’s best on board

The eclipse unfolds over almost three hours before totality: close to four minutes of twilight in the middle of the day.

While the city crowds the foreshore, your guests watch from IMPULSIVE’s decks, in open water with clear sightlines and no jostling for position. The yacht can be under way as the eclipse moves across the sky.

The charter · 2028

DatesThu 20 to Tue 25 July 2028
LengthFive nights
The eclipseSat 22 July, from 12:40pm
CruisingSydney Harbour, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury
PriceFrom AUD $545,000

All-inclusive, including GST, relocation to Sydney Harbour, and a guest astronomer and telescope on board. Offered on a first-confirmed basis.

Enquire now

Eclipse facts

Things worth knowing

1857The last time a total eclipse darkened Sydney. Nobody alive has seen one from the city.
2858When Sydney sees its next one. This is the only total eclipse over the city for more than eight centuries.
3m 49sOf totality over Sydney, from about 1:59pm. Long enough to take it in, short enough to never forget.
400×The sun is about 400 times wider than the moon, and about 400 times further away. That coincidence is why they fit so perfectly.
5m 10sThe longest totality anywhere on the path, near Kununurra in the Kimberley. The shadow crosses Australia from west to east.
Near perigeeThe moon is close to its nearest point to Earth, so it looks slightly larger, helping it cover the sun completely.

During totality the sky darkens, bright planets and stars can appear, the air cools and the sun’s corona glows around the moon.

On the day

What to look for

Shadow bandsFaint ripples of light that race across the deck in the minutes either side of totality.
Baily’s beadsBeads of sunlight shining through valleys on the edge of the moon, just before and after totality.
The diamond ringThe last bead blazes like a jewel on a ring. The signal that totality is seconds away.
The coronaThe sun’s outer atmosphere, only visible during totality, glowing silver around the moon.
A 360° sunsetThe horizon glows orange in every direction, with the harbour in twilight at 2pm.
Midday starsBright planets and stars appear in the darkened sky while the air cools.

The path of totality

Where the shadow travels

Christmas IslandIndian Ocean
KununurraLongest totality, 5m 10s
Tennant CreekNorthern Territory
BirdsvilleQueensland
Bourke and DubboNew South Wales
SydneyIMPULSIVE on the harbour
Queenstown and DunedinNew Zealand

The moon’s shadow crosses Australia from west to east before heading on to New Zealand.

The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water

A five-night itinerary

Winter Sydney at its finest

Thursday 20 to Tuesday 25 July 2028. The days either side of the eclipse are crisp, clear and quiet, with the chef cooking throughout.

Thu 20Board on Sydney Harbour
Fri 21Pittwater and the Hawkesbury
Sat 22Eclipse day, astronomer on board
Sun 23 to Mon 24Long lunches at anchor
Tue 25Disembark

A sample only. A full itinerary is available on request.

Eclipse day

Saturday 22 July

The astronomer comes aboardA briefing on what to look for, and certified solar viewing glasses for every guest.

First contactThe moon starts to cross the sun. Telescope set up on deck.

TotalityClose to four minutes of twilight in the middle of the day, from open water.

The sun returnsLunch, and a toast to something no one will see here again.

City lightsDinner with the harbour lit up around you.

On board

What’s included

  • Five nights aboard IMPULSIVE, all-inclusive
  • Captain and crew of eight
  • The chef cooking throughout
  • Relocation to Sydney Harbour
  • Guest astronomer and telescope on board
  • Certified solar viewing glasses for every guest

The setting

Sydney Harbour in winter

Sydney Harbour from the air
The harbour from above
The Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise
Sunrise under the Bridge
The Opera House and Harbour Bridge
The Opera House

Life on board

Five nights aboard IMPULSIVE

Lunch on the aft deck of IMPULSIVE

The aft deckLong lunches and sunset drinks in the open air, with the chef cooking throughout.

The main saloon aboard IMPULSIVE

The saloonA vast saloon behind a semi-circular glass entrance, with panoramic views.

The full-beam master suite aboard IMPULSIVE

The master suiteA full-beam master with a twin rain shower. One of five cabins on board.

A plated dish served by the crew aboard IMPULSIVE

The dining roomSeated dinners for up to 20, served by the crew with a menu from the chef.

The upper deck lounge aboard IMPULSIVE

The upper deckSun loungers, a bar and the Japanese soaker tub, with the best views on board.

IMPULSIVE at anchor with the waterslide out

The water toysWaterslide, paddleboards and snorkel gear, plus jetski, eFoils and Fliteboards on overnight charters.

40mMondomarine, Italy
5Cabins
10 + 2Adults and children
21 knTop speed
8Crew
5GAnd Starlink

Meet the yacht · See the gallery

IMPULSIVE lit up at dusk

A rare window

One yacht. One date.

This is the second of five total eclipses crossing Australia between 2023 and 2038, and the only one that passes over Sydney.

Enquire now

Questions

Before you book

How rare is this eclipse?

It is Sydney’s first total solar eclipse since 26 March 1857, and the city will not see another until 3 June 2858. It is the second of five total eclipses crossing Australia between 2023 and 2038, and the only one that passes over Sydney.

What time does it happen?

On Saturday 22 July 2028. Over Sydney the partial eclipse begins at about 12:40pm, totality runs from about 1:59pm to 2:03pm, and the partial phase ends at about 3:14pm.

Is it safe to watch?

Every guest receives certified solar viewing glasses for the partial phases, and our guest astronomer guides everyone through each phase on the day.

What is included?

Five nights aboard IMPULSIVE, all-inclusive, with GST, the yacht’s relocation to Sydney Harbour, and a guest astronomer and telescope on board.

How do we secure it?

There is one yacht and one date, offered on a first-confirmed basis. Full specifications and a sample itinerary are available on request.

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Enquire

Hold IMPULSIVE for the eclipse

Ask for the full specifications and a sample itinerary, and we will confirm availability.

Enquire nowAll events

Prefer to talk? Call 1300 424 278.

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