Eclipse tourism in 2028: what operators in the path should plan now

Where does the path of totality go?

2028 eclipse path map for Australia

The path of totality runs from the Kimberley in Western Australia across the Northern Territory near Tennant Creek, through the far south-west corner of Queensland, then diagonally across NSW through Bourke, Dubbo and the Blue Mountains to Sydney. Inside that band the Moon covers the Sun completely for a few minutes. Outside it, everyone in Australia still gets a partial eclipse. The eclipse is on a Saturday, and totality falls in the middle of the day everywhere on the path.

The longest totality is in the central Kimberley, at 5 minutes 10 seconds. Our eclipse map shows the path and local times for any spot, and the 2028 eclipse guide covers the whole event.

What are tourism bodies expecting?

No one has published official visitor numbers for 2028, and we won't guess. But every state on the path is planning for a crowd.

• NSW. Destination NSW says the eclipse is "expected to attract many more travellers due to its accessibility". It points to the 2024 eclipse in the United States, where hotel vacancies in path cities fell "below one per cent".
• Western Australia. The WA Government says "thousands of domestic and international visitors are expected to travel to the East Kimberley", and has announced $24.6 million in funding for the eclipse.
• Northern Territory. Tourism and Events NT notes that totality crosses the Barkly Region, and a working group is managing visitation.

The closest Australian precedent is Exmouth. For the April 2023 hybrid eclipse the town drew about 20,000 visitors, and the local chamber of commerce bought just over 20,000 pairs of eclipse glasses ahead of the day. That is roughly one pair per visitor, which is a sensible planning ratio for any operator.

July is the dry season in the Kimberley. In NSW it is winter, when a clear day is likely but not guaranteed. Remind guests to pack warm clothes.

How long is totality in each path town?

Times are local on Saturday 22 July 2028: AWST in Western Australia, ACST in the Northern Territory and AEST in Queensland and NSW. "Maximum" is the middle of totality, rounded to the minute. Totality length varies a lot across a town, and is longest near the centre line, so check your own address on the eclipse map before you print anything.

The partial eclipse starts well over an hour before totality and ends well over an hour after, so guests need their glasses for about two and a half to three hours, not just a few minutes.

What about towns just outside the path?

Some towns sit just outside the path. Birdsville and Coonabarabran get about 99.9% of the Sun covered, Windorah about 99% and Halls Creek about 98%. That is a fair selling line ("almost total"), and a strong reason for guests to drive into the path for the full experience. Our guide to towns just outside the path lists more.

Be clear with guests about one thing. At 99% the eclipse is still partial, and the uncovered sliver is bright enough to burn the retina. ARPANSA warns the damage can be permanent and gives no warning, because the retina feels no pain. Glasses stay on for the whole eclipse.

What should a guest viewing package include?

Keep it simple. Most visitors will not have thought about glasses until they arrive, and in the final weeks local shops may run short.

• A certified pair per guest, plus spares. ISO 12312-2 glasses, one each, with a few extra for damaged or forgotten pairs. Our guide to how many eclipse glasses you need for an event has the maths.
• Family packs. Our family eclipse kit has four pairs and a printed viewing guide for A$19.25. Single eclipse glasses are A$5.45 a pair including GST.
• A printed viewing guide with your local times, so guests know when the partial phase starts, when totality comes and when it ends.
• Branded glasses as a souvenir. Your logo and artwork on certified glasses, from 500 units. Guests take them home, and every photo of them on the day carries your name. See custom-printed eclipse glasses for business.
• A timing and safety briefing. Five minutes at check-in or on the bus.

What the briefing should cover:

• Never look at the Sun without certified glasses, at any stage of the eclipse.
• Glasses stay on for the whole eclipse, totality included. This is our house rule, and it is stricter than some overseas advice.
• Check each pair before use, and throw out any that is scratched, torn or punctured.
• Wear eclipse glasses over prescription glasses.
• Never use eclipse glasses with cameras, binoculars or telescopes. Optics need their own solar filter fitted to the front.
• Supervise children closely.

Running a public viewing on the day? Our eclipse viewing event checklist and eclipse glasses for events cover crowds, staffing and supply.

When should operators order?

Order your base quantity in 2027, then top up in 2028 once bookings firm up. Here is why.

• Custom-branded glasses take 6 to 8 weeks from proof approval. You sign off a digital proof first, and orders over 1,000 get a printed sample before the full run. Closer to 22 July 2028 the print queue fills, so brief us early and we hold your slot.
• Online orders of up to 999 pairs are taken as pre-orders and ship by 31 May 2028.
• Wholesale orders come from stock already in NSW, quoted per order, and repeat orders come from the same certified batches.
• No returns after the day. Wholesale orders are supplied to order, with no change-of-mind returns, and unsold stock can't be returned after the eclipse. Order your confirmed numbers first and top up later, rather than over-ordering.

Should you sell glasses at the counter?

Visitor centres, roadhouses, caravan park offices and attraction shops are where travellers ask for glasses. A counter display holds 50 pairs and takes little space. Family packs of four sit beside it for groups. Our wholesale range covers both, with cartons and pallets for bigger outlets.

Only sell glasses you can trace to a maker. The American Astronomical Society says that if you can trace your filters to a manufacturer on its list, "you have nothing to worry about". Our glasses are made by Rainbow Symphony, a manufacturer on that list, and every pair carries a QR batch certificate. Our guide to where to buy safe eclipse glasses explains what to check.

What paperwork should you keep on file?

Every wholesale order comes with a compliance pack:

• ISO 12312-2:2015 certification, tested by A2LA-accredited ICS Laboratories
• CE documentation under EU PPE Regulation 2016/425 (Notified Body 2834)
• Batch-level QR tracking on every pair
• Full test reports on request

Keep it with your booking records, so staff can answer a guest who asks whether the glasses are safe. See how our glasses are certified.

FAQ

Sources

All checked 11.11.2026.

• Destination NSW, Total eclipse to bring solar tourism boom to NSW, 24 August 2026.
• WA Government, Budget set to shine a light on spectacular eclipse in the Kimberley, 10 May 2026.
• Tourism and Events NT, Total solar eclipse 2028.
• ABC News, Exmouth eclipse glasses, 26 March 2023. Exmouth visitor estimate as reported by Destination NSW.
• ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency), Solar eclipse.
• American Astronomical Society, Solar filters and viewers and Solar eclipse eye safety.
• Totality lengths, times and coverage from NASA eclipse elements, as on our eclipse map.

Aura Sight supplies schools, councils and events

Bulk cartons from NSW stock with the certification pack for your safety officer, or glasses printed with your logo from 500 units.

Get an event quoteBuying for a school?

Keep reading

Events and businessHow many eclipse glasses does an event need?Events and businessBranded eclipse glasses for businesses: how custom printing worksThe 2028 eclipseAlmost total: what 95% to 99.9% means for towns just outside the 2028 path

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