📅 Saturday 20th September 2025
Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for a stellar night of astrophotography at one of Western Sydney’s hidden gems—Bents Basin, perched along the Nepean River.
Once a favourite among astrophotographers, Bents Basin has been off-limits for years following major flood damage—but it’s finally open again. Thanks to special access permissions from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, we’re returning to this stunning site for a rare and exclusive Astromeet.
Surrounded by high sandstone cliffs carved over millennia, the Basin itself offers striking west and south-facing compositions—perfect for shooting the setting Milky Way and creating dynamic star trails. With open space, forested areas, and dramatic terrain, you’ll have endless creative opportunities to explore and shoot.
Throughout the night, we’ll refine our core astro skills—covering safety, celestial alignment, compositions, exposure settings, and astro lighting using low-level LEDs and mobile phone screens. You’ll also learn how to manage residual lighting from nearby areas and enhance shadow play in your shots.
This location is perfect for experimenting with timelapses, panoramas, or star trail stacks, offering a truly atmospheric scene you won’t find anywhere else.
📷 Astro Planning – Using mobile apps to plan your Milky Way shoot
📷 Camera Setup – Tripod positioning, remote triggers, and stability tips
📷 Essential Astro Settings – Dialing in the best shutter, aperture, and ISO combos
📷 Focusing in the Dark – Achieving tack-sharp stars every time
📷 Advanced Techniques – Long exposures, star trail prep, lens fog solutions, and more
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday 20th September – 5:00PM to 11:30PM
📍 Location: Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Wolstenholme Avenue, Greendale
🚗 Parking: Final access and parking instructions will be emailed prior to the event.
Note: Night entry is via Wolstenholme Avenue, not Bents Basin Road.
⏰ Please Arrive on Time
You’ll need to arrive promptly for parking guidance, sign-in, and a short site induction and safety briefing.
⚠️ Late arrivals cannot be admitted due to access restrictions and safety protocols.
🌌 Galactic Core Visibility: 7:16PM – 1:15AM
🎒 What to Bring:
🌦 Weather Policy:
The event will continue if skies are cloudy—we’ll focus on light painting, creative exposures, and composition. If heavy rain or storms are forecast, we’ll reschedule or cancel with notice.
🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate
Expect uneven ground, stairs, slopes, and limited lighting. Use caution when moving around and wear sturdy footwear.
Subject to availability, Sony Digital Imaging gear may be on hand to test. Interested in trying a specific body or lens?
📩 Contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to have it ready for you on the night.
This is a free event, but we kindly ask for a $10 donation on the night (cash or card via Square) to help cover required operational costs.
Your support contributes to:
✅ National Park & Council Access Fees
✅ Commercial Activity Permits (Eco Pass, Council etc.)
✅ Public Liability Insurance
✅ Fuel, travel, and vehicle expenses
✅ Admin and permit coordination
Ready to shoot the stars in a rarely accessible, visually striking location?
Whether it’s your first Milky Way or your hundredth star trail, this special-access Astromeet at Bents Basin blends creativity, community, and incredible skies.
✨ Epic views. Expert guidance. One unforgettable night.
🔗 Book Your Spot Now – Limited Places Available!
