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Bathe in the cosmos on this Sunshine Coast tour led by astronomers

Credit: Nathan Eikenbary

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
No need to head into the outback, the Sunshine Coast has the stargazing experience you’ve been waiting for.

When we think of Australia’s incredible night sky experiences, we may assume the need to head inland – away from the crowds and excessive light pollution. Well, think again. Tour operator Mystic Mountain Tours has launched astronomy tours on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the region’s plans to become a Dark Sky Reserve.

“The 2026 Stargazing Season in the Sunshine Coast proposed Dark Sky Reserve runs from May to October," co-founder Lynn Fallon told Australian Traveller. “There are different Night Sky Journeys set in locations filled with outstanding nature, fascinating knowledge and captivating moments we can hardly wait to share."

view of Glass House Mountains at King Ludwig’s Bavarian restaurant and bar on the outskirts of Maleny village
Take in the view from King Ludwig’s.

One such place will be enjoying sunset views from a viewing platform overlooking the stunning Glass House Mountains at King Ludwig’s Bavarian restaurant and bar on the outskirts of Maleny village. That is, before the stars come out to play and the night turns to stargazing. The best part? It’s only 30 minutes from the heart of the Sunshine Coast, with all those incredible restaurants and eateries.

During the small group of guests on the Night Sky Journey: Astronomy Tour, make use of state-of-the-art telescopes while being guided by professional astronomers to answer guest questions and help direct on how and which parts of the cosmos are worth focusing on that night. All the while, stay warm with hot drinks that will be served throughout the viewing period. It doesn’t get more cosy.

Guests will even receive a keepsake to take home: digital images of night sky events they spot on the night.

Looking to the skies

Mineral Moon seen on astronomy tours on the Sunshine Coast
Take home digital images of the night sky. (Credit: Nathan Eikenbary)

Increasingly, we’re seeing people choose to travel specifically for stargazing opportunities. It’s about slowing down and taking the much-needed chance for a deep breath and being truly be present. Australian Traveller spoke to to Marnie Ogg, Dark Sky Strategist and Travel Specialist, who believes this growing trend can trace its roots back to two things.

“I think it probably kicked off with Covid when telescope sales went up 400 per cent…it was something that people could do in their own backyard. It was a way of connecting to nature," she said.

“The other thing is that the aurora borealis has been at its peak over the last couple of years (it has an 11-year cycle) and people have started to connect to celestial bodies again."

Speaking of celestial bodies, beyond the aurora, 2026 is expected to also bring a total solar eclipse in August, and this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower coincides with a new moon, meaning the shooting stars have the sky to themselves and should be more visible. Plenty of reasons to book a trip to the likes of Winton to enjoy an unpolluted night sky.

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

AI Prompt

The details:

Triffid seen on astronomy tours on the Sunshine Coast
Be walked through the cosmos by astronomers. (Credit: Nathan Eikenbary)

Cost: $120, including (optional) transfers from specific locations on the Sunshine Coast and Montville.
Date: Friday 15 August
Book at: mysticmountaintours.com.au

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.