Book this cabin to watch a meteor shower with an astrophysicist

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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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.

A meteor shower. A dreamy astrophysicist. And a stay that costs less than a cocktail. Booking.com has launched the Cosmic Cabin – a once-in-a-lifetime stay in Tassie with none other than Dr Matt Agnew (yes, that Bachelor).

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
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.
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5 of the best day trips from Hobart

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

    In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

    Where to stay

    Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

    For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

    For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

    A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart.
    Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

    1. Bruny Island

    Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

    Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

    Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

    Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island.
    Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

    2. Mount Wellington

    At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

    Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

    For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

    No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington
    Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

    2. Port Arthur

    Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

    The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

    Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

    The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area.
    Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

    3. Launceston

    You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

    Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

    Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

    Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

    4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

    Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

    Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

    Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart.
    Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

    Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

    Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

    Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart.
    Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

    Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .