Barrenjoey Lighthouse Astromeet 28th March

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.

What You’ll Learn & Capture:

📷 Mastering Astrophotography – Learn how to locate and capture the Milky Way’s galactic core.
📷 Advanced Camera Techniques – Master long exposures, noise reduction, and lens fog management.
📷 Composition & Lighting – Work with both natural and artificial light to create striking nightscapes.
📷 Dealing with the Lighthouse LED System – Learn to balance ambient and artificial lighting in your shots.

Event Details:

🗓 Date & Time: Friday, 28th March 2025, 10:00 PM – Sunrise
📍 Location: Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Palm Beach, NSW
🔭 Galactic Core Visibility: 10:46 PM – 05:42 AM
🌅 Sunrise: 07:04 AM
☁ Weather Dependent: If storms or heavy rain are forecast, the event may be postponed. If cloudy, we will still run the session, incorporating light painting and creative nightscapes around the lighthouse and surrounding headland.

Fitness Level:

🔹 Grade 3 – Moderate – Approx. 1km uphill hike to the lighthouse on a paved but steep incline. Suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level.

Licensed & Accredited:

Jay is a licensed photography tour operator under an NSW National Parks Eco Pass License # LIC20/116 and holds Remote Area First Aid Accreditation.

🌿 Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Garigal Aboriginal People as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

Will Sony Equipment Be Available?

We may have Sony Digital Imaging equipment available for hands-on use, subject to availability. If you’d like to test specific gear, let me know in advance!

This Session if Free, But do consider the fees it costs to run such events!

✅ NSW National Parks Eco Pass & License Fees
✅ Public Liability Insurance (covering bushwalking & wilderness activities)
✅ National Park Entry Fees ($4.64 per person per day)
✅ An Experienced & Accredited Guide & Photography Educator
✅ Operational costs (permits, logistics, administration, etc.)

🚗 Parking Information:

Park at Governor Philip Car Park at Palm Beach, northernmost end on the Pittwater side (near the amenities block). Use this pin to navigate to the meeting spot:
📍 Google Maps Pin

📢 Limited spots available – book now!

• Night shooting safety
• Locating the Milky Way
• Quick Milky Way settings
• Focusing in the dark
• Night shooting etiquette
• Looking for the Unique
• Managing Lens Fog

• MOST IMPORTANT - Working Headlamp or torch (no mobile phone torches please!)
• A camera with Manual controls and interchangeable lenses
• Lenses suitable for astrophotography (between 12mm & 24mm preferably with f/2.8 or faster)
• Remote shutter for camera
• Sturdy Tripod
• A small towel to cover your camera
• Warm Layered clothing, beanie or other warm headwear, and warm socks/shoes or boots
• Firm and grippy footwear is strongly recommended as we will be hiking up to the lighthouse on a steep paved walking track.