Australia’s newest Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast hinterland launches stargazing packages | News
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has been confirmed as Queensland’s first Dark Sky Reserve, and only the second in Australia, making it a premier destination both day and night.
In June 2026, a Dark Sky Reserve was established across 870 square kilometers of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, making it one of the most accessible places in Australia for stargazing.
If you look up at the night sky of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you can see up to 2,000 stars with the naked eye on a clear sky. In city centers such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, on the other hand, it is rare to see more than ten stars without a telescope.
Thanks to minimal light pollution, the hinterland offers ideal views of the night sky, perfect for spotting everything from constellations to shooting stars and even the glittering arc of the Milky Way.
The Blackall Range – where much of the Dark Sky Reserve is located – naturally provides a buffer against the sky glow of surrounding coastal and urban areas. The accreditation of the Dark Sky Reserve complements the Sunshine Coast’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere.
Visitors can enjoy evening surfing in the ocean and just a 40-minute drive away they can enjoy panoramic surf views of the night sky.
The Dark Sky Reserve covers the townships of Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton, Kenilworth and Conondale, as well as local nature reserves in the Blackall Range.
New Star Gazing experience launched
Sunshine Coast Stargazing has launched a 90-minute small-group stargazing experience that combines astronomy, astrophotography, storytelling and mindfulness under some of the darkest skies in Queensland. Participants can discover distant planets, star clusters and galaxies through powerful 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 gift to take home.
More information: https://www.sunshinecoaststargazing.com.au/
The stargazing experience is also available as part of the Starstruck package offered by the award-winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, where the stargazing takes place. The package includes two nights’ accommodation for two people, daily breakfast, a bottle of sparkling wine, a local cheese plate and a gourmet barbecue basket to enjoy before embarking on the guided stargazing experience. A gourmet picnic pack is provided the following day, so couples can explore the waterfalls, rainforest walks, breathtaking landscapes and charming villages that make the Sunshine Coast Hinterland so special. Packages are available for $2,100 per couple.
More information: https://narrowsescape.com.au/
Other stargazing tours and experiences include:
Night Sky Journeys with Mystic Mountain Tours: The small-group Night Sky Journeys run seasonally through October and take place at some of the best stargazing points in the backcountry. There, guests can listen to expert astronomers share details and stories about the galaxy above. Further information: https://mysticmountaintours.com.au/tour/night-sky-journey/
The Magic 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 looking for a tranquil and intimate retreat from the daily grind. As the sun sets, couples can watch the sky transform with soft hues over the Glasshouse Mountains before settling in for an evening under the stars. The dome’s transparent design allows you to fall asleep under the night sky and wake up to stunning views of the Sunshine Coast coastline, creating a magical experience from sunset to sunrise. The dome features a plush king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning, separate private bathroom, private terrace, magnesium sunken spa and fire pit. More information: https://welcomeready.com.au/the-dome-petrichor
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 – that are ideal for stargazing.
In addition, Maleny Observatory and Mapleton Observatory offer regular public astronomy sessions throughout the year, while those interested in astrophotography can book a David Magro’s Milky Way Masterclass or a Dylan Knight Astrophotography Workshop.
Learn more about exploring 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
