Book this cabin to watch a meteor shower with an astrophysicist

By Emily Murphy
hero media
This Tassie stargazing stay hosted by ex-Bachelor Dr Matt Agnew is out of this world.

If your idea of the perfect escape involves dark skies, a meteor shower and a dreamy astrophysicist who once handed out roses on national TV, then we’ve found your ultimate autumn getaway.

Booking.com has just launched the Cosmic Cabin, a once-in-a-lifetime stargazing experience hosted by none other than Dr Matt Agnew – the science-loving heartthrob from The Bachelor who is a full-time space nerd. Set on Tasmania’s wildly beautiful Tasman Peninsula, this exclusive two-night stay will let one lucky Genius member (and their guest) sleep under the Eta Aquariid meteor shower as it peaks across the southern hemisphere skies from 5–7 May.

The best part? It’ll only set you back $18.78 – a cheeky nod to the year the Eta Aquariids were first discovered. But you’ll need to be quick: bookings go live on 17 April at 12pm AEST, and it’s first in, first star-gazed.

So what’s included?

The Cosmic Cabin is the ideal spot for stargazing. (Image: Dearna Bond)

This is no regular cabin stay. Booking.com has pulled out all the cosmic stops, offering:

  • A guided tour of the galaxy with Dr Matt himself, complete with telescope time at McHenry Distillery’s private observatory.
  • Tasmanian food and wine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
  • A professional dark sky photographer to snap your stargazing memories.
  • Flights and a rental car to get you there.
  • A stay in the eco-friendly, remote Cosmic Cabin.
  • A trip to the Port Arthur Historic Site and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.

Yep, it’s basically every science-loving, star-chasing traveller’s dream holiday – and it couldn’t come at a better time. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, Aussies are looking skyward to escape the chaos of everyday life, with 57 per cent of us embracing ‘noctourism’ and planning to visit a dark sky destination this year.

“It’s no surprise that more people are travelling to witness the wonders of the universe, and this unique stay is perfect to experience ‘noctourism’ under the dazzling display of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower," Matt said.

“I was over the moon when Booking.com invited me to host this stellar stargazing experience at one of their many fantastic holiday homes."

Why Tassie?

Dr Matt Agnew telescope at Cosmic Cabin Tasmania at night

Dr Matt Agnew will personally host you during the meteor shower. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Tassie is glowing up right now when it comes to dark sky tourism. With remote wilderness, crisp autumn nights and minimal light pollution, Tasmania’s south is angling to become an internationally recognised dark sky sanctuary. Oh, and did we mention the potential for aurora australis sightings?

Tourism Tasmania chief executive officer Sarah Clark said Tasmania is the ideal spot for dark-sky tourism.

“Our long winter nights provide the perfect opportunity to rug up, look up, and take in the expansive starry sky, nocturnal wildlife and, if you’re lucky, the aurora australis," she said.

“To catch a glimpse of the upcoming Eta Aquariid meteor shower experiences like the Cosmic Cabin are a welcomed addition to Tasmania’s many stargazing offerings that allow visitors to marvel at the wonders of the universe."

How to book

Cosmic Cabin Tasmania at night

The Cosmic Cabin helps position Tassie as a world-class dark sky destination. (Image: Dearna Bond)

You’ll need to be a Booking.com Genius member (which is free to join) to be eligible to book the Cosmic Cabin. Then, be ready to click fast at 12pm AEST on 17 April to snag your $18.78 stay for 5–7 May. It’s a cosmic deal – and a limited one.

Todd Lacey, Booking.com’s regional manager for Oceania, said searches for Hobart on Booking.com have doubled in the lead up to the Easter and Anzac Day break and they expect interest in dark sky destinations to continue throughout winter.

“The Booking.com Cosmic Cabin exemplifies this growing trend amongst travellers and helps position Tassie as a world-class dark sky destination that rivals those in the northern hemisphere," he said.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to combine your love of space, nature, and reality TV science hunks – your moment has arrived.

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
See all articles
Lumiere Lodge kitchen in Hobart
Hobart

This lovingly restored Tassie cottage is a vintage design dream

Live out your vintage design dreams in this beautifully restored Tassie cottage.

Read more
The house is made of stone and has a black railing.
Hobart

A handy guide for where to stay in Hobart

Wading through all the options of where to stay in Hobart? Check out this list of the city’s best places to stay, be it a boutique hotel, a quirky campground, or a quaint little cottage.

Read more
This Tassie shack is the holiday home of our dreams, and it’s for sale
South Tasmania

This Tassie shack is the holiday home of our dreams, and it’s for sale

Tassie shacks have evolved from the higgledy-piggledy shanties on the beach that they used to be. Now, an ultra-luxurious waterfront shack in Tasmania is up for sale – and it could be the holiday home of your dreams.

Read more
Guest at Vipp Tunnel on Bruny Island looks out at the view
Bruny Island

This brutalist off-grid tunnel is Bruny Island’s most exclusive stay

Tasmania’s stunning Bruny Island is getting a new luxury offering from a Danish design brand. 

Read more

Is this sleek home Hobart’s most underrated stay?

    By Lauren de Sousa
    hero media
    Continue
    Find modern convenience and comfort in this picture-perfect holiday home.

    Hobart is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary edge. From the convict-era sandstone warehouses lining its historic wharf to the cutting-edge MONA and a thriving food and arts scene, there’s much to discover in this small but mighty waterfront capital.

    Capturing this dual aesthetic perfectly is the work of award-winning Tasmanian architectural firm Rosevear Stephenson, which has worked on four separate accommodations in the city. One of their standout projects, The Conservatory, is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary next time you visit the heart of the Apple Isle.

    the sandstone building at The Conservatory Hobart

    The Conservatory Hobart sits behind a historic sandstone building.

    Tucked just behind a beautifully restored heritage sandstone building – also available to stay in and designed by the same team – The Conservatory is a light-filled, modern holiday home that offers a striking counterpoint to its historic neighbour, both thoughtfully conceived to meet the needs of today’s travellers. 

    the exterior of The Conservatory Hobart

    The modern townhouse is designed with striking Tasmanian architecture.

    This four-person property is designed for comfort and convenience, whether you’re heading down for the Dark Mofo festivities or you’re looking for a quiet weekend enjoying the best of Tassie produce. Just a 10-minute walk from the action of the CBD, it’s perfectly positioned to access all the city’s highlights.

    an open-plan living area at The Conservatory Hobart

    The light-filled, modern holiday home is equipped with cosy amenities.

    Spacious enough for families, a group of friends or two couples, you’ll find an open-plan living area that invites you to unwind after a day of exploring, two bathrooms with walk-in showers and two stylish bedrooms with plush bedding and thoughtful finishes that make it feel like home.

    Elevated details such as under-floor heating in the bathrooms are a welcome feature on chilly Hobart days, while the terrace is an idyllic spot to relax in the sun with some local gin.

    the bedroom at The Conservatory Hobart

    Elevate your stay in Hobart with stylish bedrooms that are dressed with plush bedding.

    You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Hobart. But if you’d rather enjoy some moreish baked goods from Pigeon Whole Bakers in the comfort of your own space, or cook up a meal with fresh produce from the Salamanca Market (a short walk away), this home has you covered with a fully equipped kitchen. Here you’ll find high-end appliances, including a state-of-the-art Smeg touchscreen cooktop and a spacious dining table, making home cooking both stylish and effortless.

    the exterior of The Conservatory Hobart

    The Conservatory Hobart is classically restored into a contemporary home.

    For longer stays, the in-house washer and dryer add extra convenience, while the EV charger is a welcome feature for electric vehicle drivers. And with code-only access, check-in is a breeze – no keys to collect, just a smooth, hassle-free arrival.

    Our advice? Book early before the word gets out about this underrated gem.