Arabic version: باركلي تستعد لكسوف شمسي كلي في 2028

According to ABC News, the Barkly region in the Northern Territory is preparing for about 10,000 visitors expected to travel there for a total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028. Tennant Creek and the Devils Marbles are considered among the best places in Australia to view the event.

The Northern Territory Department of Tourism has called for expressions of interest to identify spaces and facilities that could accommodate eclipse visitors. Deputy chief executive Valerie Smith said tour operators had already begun selling products for the event and that overseas travellers required early planning.

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Sid Vashist said the eclipse would be Tennant Creek’s biggest calendar event, while stressing the need for suitable camping infrastructure. He said work was under way on site selections and opportunities along the Stuart Highway, and he encouraged the government and department to declare the eclipse a major event to unlock more resources.

Mr Vashist said there had been enquiries from Michelin-star chefs interested in working in the Barkly, as well as people willing to charter flights into Tennant Creek. Aboriginal tourism operators had also expressed interest in opening land and offering additional cultural experiences.

The Devils Marbles Hotel, about an hour south of Tennant Creek on the Stuart Highway, sits directly under the eclipse path. Co-manager Jo Oldham said the hotel, which can accommodate about 60 people, would be fully booked during the eclipse. Management is considering additional portaloos, fuel, food, security and safety measures as caravans and campers are expected near the roadhouse reserve.

Melbourne Planetarium senior curator of astronomy Tanya Hill said total solar eclipses occur about every 18 months globally, though not always in accessible locations. Totality occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, creating a shadowed path about 200 kilometres wide.