Barrenjoey Astromeet 5th June 2027

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for an unforgettable night of astrophotography at the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, perched high above Palm Beach within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

This exclusive Astromeet places you atop one of Sydney’s most recognisable headlands, where dramatic coastal cliffs meet dark eastern skies. Recently designated a world-class “Urban Dark Sky Reserve,” Barrenjoey offers rare low-light conditions so close to the city, making it one of the premier locations for photographing the Australian night sky.

On a long winter night just after the new moon, the skies will be at their darkest and the Milky Way core rises from early evening, giving us hours to explore creative compositions that combine lighthouse architecture, rugged terrain, and expansive coastal horizons. From managing artificial light to working with wind and elevation, this Astromeet is about adapting, refining technique, and creating powerful nightscape imagery in a demanding but deeply rewarding environment.

📍 Why Barrenjoey Lighthouse?

• 🌌 Sydney’s most iconic astrophotography location
• 🌃 Sydney’s only designated Urban Dark Sky Reserve
• 🗼 Photograph the historic lighthouse against the Milky Way
• 🌊 Elevated coastal views with strong compositional variety
• 🧭 A location that challenges and rewards thoughtful night shooting

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 5th June 2027

🕘 Time: 4:30PM - Midnight

🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 6:33PM - 5:25AM

📍 Location: Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Sydney

🚗 Parking: Governor Phillip Car Park, Palm Beach (Northernmost end on the Pittwater side, near amenities block)

📍 Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/nrtCqrCHCxwAPKfi9

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate

• Steep 1 km ascent to the lighthouse via paved pathway
• Moderate fitness and mobility required
• Low-light navigation essential
• A high level of situational awareness is required

🌦 Weather Policy

• This astromeet is weather dependent, and conditions can vary across the night
• Heavy rain or storm activity may result in the event being postponed or cancelled
• Due to time of year and moon cycle, there are no options for postponement
• Cloud cover can still allow for creative night shooting and light painting opportunities, so the event will still run if it is cloudy
• Final weather assessment will occur closer to the event date using Windy.com and BOM weather sources.

🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Bookings are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organiser
• Where the organiser cancels the event, attendees will receive a refund via their PayPal account
• If the event is postponed, new date details will be provided to registered attendees. If you are unable to attend the postponed date, you will receive a full refund via your PayPal account
• If you decide to cancel, no refunds will be provided. If there is good reason for the cancellation, a voucher may be issued to join future events. These will be considered on a case by case basis

✨ Why Join This Astromeet?

• Photograph one of Australia’s most recognisable astro landmarks
• Shoot alongside a small group of dedicated night photographers
• Refine your approach to coastal and architectural nightscapes
• Experience a truly special location under dark, open skies

🛂 Licensed & Accredited

Jay is a licensed photography tour operator operating under an NSW National Parks Eco Pass Licence – LIC20/116, with approval to conduct astrophotography events at Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking fee contributes to:

✅ National Park entry fees

✅ NSW National Parks Eco Pass licence fees

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Experienced and accredited guide

✅ Event planning, logistics, and administration

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

Always a highlight of the Nightscaping calendar, a night atop Barrenjoey Headland delivers scale, atmosphere, and unmistakable Sydney character. From lighthouse silhouettes to sweeping Milky Way skies, this Astromeet offers a rare chance to create images that define coastal astrophotography in NSW.

📸 Iconic location. Dark skies. A night worth the climb.

🔗 Places are limited — secure your spot and shoot the night sky with us.

• 🌌 Astrophotography in Coastal Environments – Milky Way positioning, star trails, and night sky timing
• 📷 Essential Night Camera Techniques – Exposure control, focus accuracy, and low-light workflows
• 📍 Composition & Scale – Framing the lighthouse, cliffs, and sky for impactful nightscapes
• ⚡ Night Shooting Skills – Managing wind, cold conditions, and lens fog
• 🗼 Balancing Artificial Light – Working creatively with the lighthouse LED system
• 🧭 Astro Safety & Etiquette – Awareness, movement, and respectful use of shared spaces

• 🔦 Headlamp or torch (mandatory)
• 📷 Mirrorless or DSLR camera
• 🌌 Wide-angle lens (fast aperture recommended)
• 🎛️ Stable tripod, with plates or brackets fitted for your camera
• 🎚️ Shutter remote or intervalometer
• 🧥 Warm layered clothing (wind exposure is common)
• 💧 Water and snacks
• 🦟 Insect repellent