This stargazing lodge is Australia’s only DarkSky approved stay

You’ve never seen the stars like this – or slept this well.

In a groundbreaking achievement for astrotourism, Kestrel Nest EcoHut, nestled within Highfield Farm and Woodland in New South Wales’ Riverina region, has been officially certified as Australia’s first International DarkSky Approved Lodge. This places it among just a handful of DarkSky-certified lodgings worldwide – there are only nine across the globe – and the only one in the southern hemisphere.

The prestigious certification from DarkSky International recognises accommodations that minimise light pollution and actively protect the natural night-time environment. For Kestrel Nest EcoHut, it’s yet another milestone in a long-standing commitment to sustainability and nature-led experiences.

“We’re excited to champion the importance of dark skies, both for human connection to the wonders of the universe, but also its role in protecting and enhancing the environment for wildlife," co-owner Louise Freckelton tells Australian Traveller.

“Light pollution is one of the easiest [types of] pollution to reverse. It’s a very simple way everyone can make a significant contribution to the environment."

Kestrel Nest EcoHut at night with Milky Way above — Kestrel Nest EcoHut is in NSW’s Riverina region. (Image: Grant Hardwick)

Situated amidst the rolling hills of Mount Adrah, Kestrel Nest EcoHut offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

The off-grid, solar-powered retreat is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring recycled and locally sourced materials, double-glazed panoramic windows, and an outdoor bath that invites guests to “starbathe" under the pristine night sky. Guests can also stargaze from a hammock perfectly positioned beneath the Milky Way or hire binoculars for an even closer look.

Achieving the DarkSky Approved Lodging certification involved carefully redesigning outdoor lighting across the property, ensuring it aligned with the five principles of responsible outdoor lighting. The result? A space that not only protects nocturnal wildlife but also offers guests an unfiltered celestial show.

“The absence of light pollution allows for an unforgettable and essentially free, awe-inspiring experience," says Freckelton.

“In a world filled with constant stimulation and distraction, a truly dark sky offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to be in the moment. In this way, stargazing is more than just amusement; it becomes a wellness experience."

One of Freckelton’s most memorable moments? Watching the Lyrids Meteor Shower from bed inside the EcoHut.

“The ceiling-to-floor windows allowed for a cosy and spectacular view with tens of meteors streaming across the sky," she says.

“Way better than any human-generated firework or laser display. An extraordinary display of [mother] nature doing her thing."

Looking ahead, Kestrel Nest EcoHut will focus on making the night sky more accessible. Guests are encouraged to download a stargazing app before their stay and can consult the in-hut celestial calendar to find out what will be visible during their visit, from full moon rises to planetary alignments and meteor showers.

“We aim to facilitate people’s understanding and experience," Freckelton says. “Many city dwellers have no idea, even as something as regular as the phases of the moon. For many, just experiencing the rise of a full moon over a rural landscape is breathtaking."

Kestrel Nest EcoHut outdoor bath — The outdoor bath invites guests to “starbathe" under the night sky. (Image: Stephanie Hunter)

Plans are also underway for the EcoHut to be included in a proposed inland dark sky travel route and to offer cultural stargazing experiences in collaboration with local Wiradjuri knowledge holders.

“The night sky (Sky Country) is one way to link the Dark Sky experience with First Nations peoples’ stories of the universe," says Freckelton.

“The epic tale of the Seven Sisters and the importance of understanding the Dark Emu for food gathering are just two of the easily seen interpretations we can help to highlight. We’re in discussion with local knowledge holders about providing an experience where this ancient knowledge and storytelling can be developed into a guest experience."

Freckelton and co-owner David Bray are no strangers to conservation. Two-thirds of their 390-hectare property is protected under a conservation covenant, and they were Highly Commended in the Ecotourism category at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in the Ecotourism category. Their DarkSky certification now joins an existing Ecotourism Australia Eco Certification, helping cement their mission to offer meaningful, regenerative stays.

For those seeking a serene escape that harmoniously blends luxury, sustainability and celestial wonder, Kestrel Nest EcoHut stands as a beacon of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

Need more? Explore the best places to see the Milky Way around Australia.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

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