Experience

The Best Places To Stargaze In The Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Stargazing, Sunshine Coast Hinterland Dark Sky Reserve — Dark Sky Reserve, Curramore | Dr. Ken Wishaw

Want to discover the best places to stargaze in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland?

The Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve is an officially approved reserve spanning 870 square kilometers of the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland. Designated through the DarkSky International Places Program, it is Queensland’s first and Australia’s second internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve.

The 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?

The approval now claims a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’. This will guarantee protection for wildlife, greater mental and physical well-being for residents, give long term reduced emissions, and provide opportunities for recreation and astro-tourism.

Discover what a Dark Sky Reserve is, what it means for the Hinterland and the some of best places to spot the stars on your next holiday to our region.

Take a stargazing experience tour!

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Stargazing, Mapleton Observatory, Ken Wishaw, Dark Emu Constellation — Dark Emu Constellation, Mary River | Dr Ken Wishaw

Heading to the Hinterland By Sam Frysteen @themilkywaychaser.com.au

Private & group night photography sessions available frysteenphotography.com.au

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 and government who have recognised the value of the natural night-time environment through regulations and long-term planning.

The Reserve is made up of the Mary River catchment and adjoining State Protected Areas located within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

At the centre of the Reserve is a core zone of 7.41 km², which includes Kirbys Road Environment Reserve and Maleny National Park (Lot 728 NPW787).

Surrounding this is the peripheral zone, where close to 40% of the Reserve is government-owned land, mostly managed as State Protected Areas.

The peripheral zone surrounds includes townships such as Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton and Conondale.

Map Information

The general area includes two existing observatories.

Heading to Montville, Gerrard’s Lookout By Sam Frysteen @themilkywaychaser.com.au

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 for the visitor to the region our parks and open spaces across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

At this stage we simply encourage you to simply look up the next time you stay.

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.

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, 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.