An image of a full Mineral Moon shot from within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Stargazers peering through a telescope into the night sky.

A 100 hour image of the Trifid Nebula shot from within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Stargazing within the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve

An image of the Omega Centauri Globular Cluster shot from within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Sunshine Coast Stargazing

Sunshine Coast Stargazing offers unique night sky experiences in the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve. Join their astronomers and guides, Nate and Kavita, under the stars to reconnect with the wonder and wisdom of the cosmos - something our ancestors have done since time immemorial. Choose from the Stargazing Experience, Hands-on Astronomy, or keep an eye out for special celestial events throughout the year. Experiences are culturally grounded and weave together astronomy, astrophotography, mindfulness, spirituality, and storytelling to create something truly memorable. Looking up - even for just one evening - can change the way you see everything.

Location

Montville,Queensland,4560

Tours

Stargazing Experience

Discover the heavens of the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve through a laser-guided sky tour and cultural stories of the night sky that have connected humans to the cosmos for thousands of years. This intimate session for up to 8 stargazers will take you on a visual stargazing and astrophotography journey using a multi-telescope setup. This experience invites you to slow down and foster a deeper sense of belonging within the cosmos and the world around us. Take it all in with a hot cuppa and a few bikkies on the side.

Price

$160

Information

Family prices are available.

Hands-On Astronomy

Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what's up there? Or maybe you've seen images from Hubble or the James Webb Space Telescope and wondered what you were looking at? In this hands-on session, learn how to operate a telescope and then take the reins yourself to traverse the night sky. With a maximum group size of 4 astro-enthusiasts, this interactive experience lets you work closely with an astronomer within the pristine Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve. Learn astrophysics 101 (no maths involved, we promise!) and the basics of astrophotography with no prior experience necessary. Digital copies of images you take on the night are included. If you've ever been interested in astronomy and want a gentle starting point, this session is made for you.