Our Dream
We want every visitor to leave with a deeper connection to the wonder and wisdom of the night sky – and an understanding of why it deserves our protection. Our night sky experiences are culturally grounded and weave together astronomy, astrophotography, mindfulness, spirituality, and storytelling to create something truly memorable.
Humans have looked to the night sky since time immemorial, finding guidance and meaning in its shifting patterns and celestial phenomenon. Yet, through urbanisation and the significant increase in light pollution, much of this ancient relationship has been lost. We invite you to join us to reignite your sense of place within the cosmos and protect it for future generations.
Our Team
Nate
A childhood dream of becoming an astronaut never completely faded and after relocating to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Nate found his way back to the night sky that first inspired him. He refined his skills as a self-taught, award-winning astrophotographer before completing post-graduate studies in Astronomy. Now serving on the Committee of the Brisbane Astronomical Society, Nate is passionate about sharing the wonders of the universe with others. He gets joy from seeing eyes light up as he brings the wonder of the night sky to all – from the young to the young-at-heart.
*All deep-sky images featured on this site were captured by Nate.
Astronomer & Astrophotographer
Kavita’s relationship with the stars is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, lived experience, and personal healing journey. Her path led to further studies in Cultural Astronomy, with a desire to highlight the traditional knowledges and sky stories of the Oceania and Asia-Pacific regions, where the wisdom of the cosmos has held both practical and spiritual significance for Indigenous cultures. Kavita believes that re-awakening this ancient way of looking up inspires us to live more consciously, honour the interconnectedness of life, and remember what our ancestors inherently knew – that the night sky is integral to who we are.
Cultural Guide & Educator
Kavita
Our Southern Skies
“It is in the darkest of night
that the light is brightest”
Our tours and experiences take place beneath the star-filled skies of the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With support from Sunshine Coast Council and the wider community, an International Dark Sky Reserve designation helps preserve and protect our Southern skies from artificial light pollution. Reducing light pollution has many benefits that include supporting our wildlife and natural places, while offering important health and wellbeing benefits. Sunshine Coast Stargazing is committed to working towards improved outcomes for people, planet, and all living beings.
We acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi (Kabi Kabi) and Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians with an enduring connection to the land, waterways, and skies of this region, and we pay respect to their Elders past and present.
-
An International Dark Sky Reserve is a large area of public or private land that has exceptionally dark, star-filled night skies and a protected nocturnal environment, formally recognised under the International Dark Sky Places Program run by DarkSky International. These reserves are managed to control light pollution through careful lighting policies, education, and long-term planning, with a dark “core” where sky quality is highest and surrounding buffer areas that support and protect those conditions.
After many years of work, a large portion of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland was designated as the world’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve. This designation will safeguard the region’s night sky for astronomy, wildlife, and community enjoyment, complementing its existing global recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For more information on the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve, check out the Sunshine Coast Council’s website here.
-
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is an area recognised under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a “learning place for sustainable development,” where conservation of nature, sustainable communities, and environmental education are brought together in practice.
In June 2022 the Sunshine Coast local government area was designated as the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve, making it part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and formally recognising the region’s commitment to protecting its landscapes, waterways, and biodiversity while supporting a thriving local economy and communities. The Sunshine Coast is also unique in Australia as part of a continuous “biosphere corridor”, sitting alongside the Noosa and Great Sandy UNESCO Biosphere Reserves along the Queensland coast.
Home of Sunshine Coast Stargazing
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is an award-winning, 5-star, adults-only, romantic retreat featuring eight luxury villas nestled beside Kondalilla National Park. Find your bliss soaking in a spa bath or snuggled up by the woodfire with your love, gazing out across enchanting rainforest vistas.
Only five minutes from picturesque Montville with its charming cafés, galleries, fine-dining restaurants and boutiques – as well as breathtaking hikes, waterfalls and hidden swimming holes – this is an escape beyond enchanting.
With thoughtfully curated packages designed to elevate every stay, immerse yourself in the pristine wonderland of this little slice
of paradise.
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Nate and Kavita to offer unforgettable onsite stargazing experiences, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect, and marvel at the brilliance of the Hinterland night skies from the serenity of Narrows Escape.”
Guests staying at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat receive discounts on Sunshine Coast Stargazing experiences.
Contact Us
Phone (WhatsApp available): +61 419 780 845
Email: info@sunshinecoaststargazing.com.au
Socials: Instagram. Follow us for photos and updates on experiences.
