Astrophotography at Barrenjoey Lighthouse & Headland
📅 Saturday 21st June 2025
Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for an extraordinary night of astrophotography at the stunning Barrenjoey Lighthouse, perched high on the Palm Beach headland within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. This exclusive Astromeet is your chance to capture breathtaking celestial imagery from one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal locations.
Barrenjoey Headland has recently been designated as a world-class "Urban Dark Sky Reserve," making it one of the premier locations for astrophotography near Sydney. With minimal light pollution and stunning coastal views, it's no surprise that this iconic location is a highlight of our Nightscaping calendar each year.
We have tried to get here early on this year with weather hampering our efforts, so fingers crossed and good vibes, this time we will have the epic clear skies we need.
📷 Astro Planning - Planning and timing for astrophotography using phone apps
📷 Camera Setup - Setting up your camera and tripod
📷 Simple Astro Settings - Choosing the correct settings for Astro
📷 Focus in the Dark - How to achieve pinpoint star focus and sharp exposures
📷 Advanced Camera Techniques – Master long exposures, noise reduction, and lens fog.
📷 Dealing with the Lighthouse LED System – Learn to balance ambient and artificial lighting in your shots.
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday 21st June, 4PM – 11PM
📍 Location: Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach, NSW
🚗 Parking: Park at Governor Phillip Car Park, Palm Beach. This is metered parking until 7PM for non-Northern Beaches residents.
🌌 Galactic Core Visibility: 6:22PM – 5:28AM
🎒 What to Bring: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, tripod, headlamp, remote shutter, fully charged batteries, memory cards, weather-appropriate clothing, and drinking water.
🌦 Weather Policy: The event will proceed if skies are cloudy—light painting and long exposure techniques will still offer creative shooting options. In the event of storm activity or heavy rain, the session will be rescheduled or cancelled.
📍 Meeting Point: Meet at the top of the Governor Phillip Car Park on the Pittwater side. We will gather in the parking area just past the amenities block at 4PM.
⏰ Please Arrive on Time: You will be required to arrive on time to be signed in and attend a short safety briefing before we hike up to the headland.
⚠️ If you are late and do not receive the safety briefing, you will not be able to join the group.
🔹 Grade 3 – Moderate – Approx. 1km uphill hike to the lighthouse on a paved but steep incline. Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level.
Jay is a licensed photography tour operator under an NSW National Parks Eco Pass License # LIC20/116 and holds Remote Area First Aid Accreditation.
We acknowledge the Garigal Aboriginal People as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
From time to time, a selection of Sony Digital Imaging gear may be available to try. If you’re interested in trying a particular body or lens, please get in touch ahead of the event, and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
While this is a free event, a $10 donation on the night is appreciated to help cover required operational costs. Payment can be made via cash or card (Square).
Your contribution helps support:
✅ National Park and Council Entry Fees
✅ Commercial Tour Licensing (Eco Pass, Council, etc.)
✅ Public Liability Insurance
✅ Travel and maintenance costs
✅ Ongoing admin and permit logistics
Whether you're aiming to capture your first Milky Way shot or want to add an iconic location to your astro portfolio, this evening under the stars at Barrenjoey Lighthouse promises creativity, connection, and unforgettable images.
🔗 Reserve Your Spot Now – Spaces Are Limited!
