Want to discover the best places to stargaze in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Our region is well-known for daytime activities such as exploring quaint townships, waterfalls, and nature walks, but have you realised that we have one of the best stargazing locations in all of SEQ? Due to our increased ability to see the night sky on the Blackall Range due to lower light pollution, a proposal has been put forward to claim the area as a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’. This will guarantee protection for wildlife, greater mental and physical well-being for residents, and more visitors to the area to explore our Astroturism sector. In this blog, discover what a Dark Sky Reserve is, what it means for the Hinterland and the best places to spot the stars on your next holiday to our region.
What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
A Dark Sky Reserve designation is across public and/or private land with an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
Reserves are formed through a partnership of multiple land managers who have recognised the value of the natural night-time environment through regulations and long-term planning.
The core zone of the proposed Reserve is the Kirbys Road Environment Reserve and Maleny National Park (Lot 728 NPW787). Together, these areas form a contiguous protected landscape of 7.41km2, offering high ecological value and minimal light pollution.
The peripheral zone surrounds the core zone, which includes townships such as Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton and Conondale.
The area includes two existing observatories.
Read More about the Dark Sky Proposal from Sunshine Coast Council, 2026.
The Best Places To Stargaze on the Sunshine Coast
The Best Places To Stargaze in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in the proposed Dark Sky Reserve area:
Mapleton Observatory
Monthly Openings and Tours | Located in Mapleton | Book Here – June 26th Next Open Night
Maleny Observatory
Open a few times a year | Located in Maleny | More Info
Balmoral Ridge Lookout
Lookout | Located in Balmoral (10 minutes from Montville) | Directions
Howells Knob Lookout
Lookout | Located in Reeseville (15 Minutes from Maleny) | Directions
Isaac Moore Park
Park | Located in Kenilworth | Directions
Little Yabba Rest Area
Park | Located in Cambroon (In-between Conondale and Kenilworth) | Directions
Pioneer Park
Park | Located in Gheerulla (5 Minutes from Kenilworth) | Directions
Russell Family Park
Park | Located in Montville Main Street | Directions
Tete Park
Park | Located in Crystal Waters (15 minutes from Conondale) | Directions
Astro-Tourism Group Tours
Explore the night skies with Mystic Mountain Tours at Mapleton Observatory with guided workshops from Sunshine Coast Stargazing. Read more about this experience in the newest edition of Head On Up.
While most astro-tourism experiences are offered in outback areas, where you need to rough it to enjoy the night sky, Mystic Mountains Tours plans for stargazers to explore the wonders of the universe from just 30 minutes the Sunshine Coast’s legendary beaches.
Astral travellers will be bused to outstanding locations to enjoy warm food and hospitality as the sky darkens over the mountains, before they meet beneath the stars for a small group guided viewing as the starry night takes control.
After an introductory presentation, guests will be able explore the heavens, on a personal tour with presenters answering questions and guiding the viewing as participants traverse the cosmos. Warming hot drinks will be offered throughout the evening.
This small group immersive experience will be available and include transfers from Montville to peaceful secluded destinations.
Find out more here.