Australia’s newest Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland launches stargazing packages for starry night lovers
A Dark Sky Reserve has been established across 870 square kilometres of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has been confirmed as Queensland’s first Dark Sky Reserve, and only the second in Australia, making it now a premier destination both during the day and at night.
A Dark Sky Reserve has been established across 870 square kilometres of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, making it one of the most accessible places in Australia to stargaze.
Looking up into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland night sky, up to 2000 stars can be seen with the naked eye when skies are clear. In contrast, in city centres such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, it is rare to be able to view more than 10 stars without a telescope.
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Thanks to minimal light pollution, the Hinterland offers ideal night sky visibility perfect for spotting everything from constellations to shooting stars and even the shimmering arc of the Milky Way.
The Blackall Range – where much of the Dark Sky Reserve sits – naturally provides a buffer from the skyglow of surrounding coastal and urban areas. The Dark Sky Reserve accreditation complements the Sunshine Coast’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere.
Visitors can be surfing in the ocean in the evening and just a 40 minute drive away, they can enjoy a panoramic surf of the night sky.
The Dark Sky Reserve covers the townships of Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton, Kenilworth and Conondale, as well as local conservation areas across the Blackall Range.
New Star Gazing experience launched
Sunshine Coast Stargazing has launched a small-group 90 minute stargazing experience that blends astronomy, astrophotography, storytelling and mindfulness beneath some of the darkest skies in Queensland. Participants will be able to discover distant planets, star clusters and galaxies through high powered telescopes and a laser-guided night-sky tour led by Nate and Kavita. The experience is available for $160 per person, and includes tea, coffee and treats and a special take-home gift.
The stargazing experience is also available as part of the Starstruck package being offered by the award-winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, where the star gazing takes place. The package includes two nights accommodation for two, daily breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, a local cheese platter and a gourmet BBQ hamper to enjoy before embarking on the guided stargazing experience. The following day, a gourmet picnic pack is provided so that couples can explore the waterfalls, rainforest walks, breathtaking scenery and charming villages that make the Sunshine Coast Hinterland so special. Packages are available for $2100 per couple.
Other stargazing tours and experiences include:
Night Sky Journeys with Mystic Mountain Tours: Run seasonally until October, the small group Night Sky Journeys take place at some of the best stargazing vantage points across The Hinterland. There, guests will hear from expert astronomers as they share details and stories of the galaxy above.
The Magical Dome at Petrichor Estate: This unique clear dome – similar to a glamping tent – offers uninterrupted views of the night sky from the comfort of your own bed. Designed for an unforgettable “Sunset to Sunrise” stay, this enchanting glamping dome offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, perfect for couples seeking a peaceful and intimate retreat away from the everyday. As the sun sets, couples can watch the sky transform with soft hues over the Glasshouse Mountains before settling in for an evening beneath the stars. The dome’s transparent design allows you to fall asleep under the night sky and wake to sweeping views of the Sunshine Coast shoreline, creating a magical experience from dusk through to dawn. The dome features a plush king-size bed, reverse cycle air conditioning, a separate private bathroom, private deck, magnesium sunken spa, and firepit.
For more casual stargazing experiences, the Hinterland has a wide range of lookouts – including Balmoral Ridge Lookout, Howells Knob Lookout, Isaac Moore Park, Little Yabba Rest Area, Pioneer Park, Russell Family Park and Tete Park – which are ideal for viewing the stars.
In addition, Maleny Observatory and Mapleton Observatory offer regular public astronomy sessions during the year, while those interested in astrophotography can book a David Magro’s Milky Way Masterclass or a Dylan Knight Astrophotography Workshop.
Further information about discovering the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Dark Sky Reserve: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/guide/starry-nights-on-the-sunshine-coast-where-to-go-stargazing-in-the-hinterland
