Book this cabin to watch a meteor shower with an astrophysicist

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.

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."

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

AI Prompt

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."

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.
View profile and articles
hero media

Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.