Bents Basin Astromeet

Join Jay for a rare astrophotography Astromeet at one of Western Sydney’s most atmospheric night-shooting locations — Bents Basin, nestled along a dramatic bend of the Nepean River.

Once a favourite among night photographers, Bents Basin has been largely inaccessible after dark for several years following significant flood damage. Even our planned 2025 event was relocated due to severe weather impacts in the weeks leading up to the date. In 2026, we’re excited to return.

Thanks to special access permission from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, we’ll be gathering once again for a limited, special-access Astromeet in this unique river valley setting.

Encircled by steep sandstone cliffs carved over millennia, the Basin offers west and south-facing compositions ideal for capturing the setting Milky Way, layered nightscapes, and long-form creative sequences. Open grassy areas, river reflections, forest edges, and rugged terrain provide diverse shooting opportunities throughout the evening.

This Astromeet is about shooting, sharing ideas, and refining technique in the field. We’ll cover essential considerations such as planning, safety, exposure control, and working with light, while allowing plenty of time for creative exploration.

Bents Basin is particularly well suited for star trails, panoramas, timelapses, and stacked night sequences, offering a scale and atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in Western Sydney.

📍 Why Bents Basin?

• Rare after-dark access to a normally closed river valley location
• Dramatic sandstone cliffs and forested surrounds
• West and south-facing views ideal for late-season Milky Way shooting
• Open terrain with multiple nightscape and long-exposure opportunities

🗓 Event Details

🗓 Date: Saturday 15th August

🕔 Time: 5:00PM – 11:30PM

🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 6:38PM – 5:27AM

📍 Location: Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Wolstenholme Avenue, Greendale, NSW

🚗 Parking: Final access, gate entry, and parking instructions will be emailed prior to the event.

📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXB8WtB9hPydJVEt6

⏰ Arrival Time Is Critical: Bents Basin is a closed park at night. You must arrive on time for parking guidance, sign-in, and a short site induction and safety briefing. ⚠️ Late arrivals cannot be admitted due to access restrictions and safety requirements.

⛺ Camping Option: Participants are welcome to book a campsite at Bents Basin for the night. Bookings are managed directly via the NSW National Parks website.

🌦 Weather & Conditions

• This Astromeet is weather dependent
• Heavy rain, storms, or park closures may result in cancellation or relocation
• Due to seasonal timing and access constraints, no alternate date is available
• In the event of cancellation, vouchers will be issued for future events
• A nearby alternative location at Yarramundi Reserve (Richmond) may be used if required
• Cloudy conditions still allow for creative night shooting and light painting opportunities

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate

• Moderate fitness required
• Uneven ground, stairs, slopes, and limited lighting
• Sturdy footwear recommended
• High level of personal awareness required during night shooting

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking helps cover essential costs including:

✅ NSW National Parks entry and access fees

✅ NPWS Eco Pass commercial licensing

✅ Special-access permits and approvals

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Accredited guide and event facilitation

✅ Administration, logistics, and coordination

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

Ready to shoot the night sky from a location rarely accessed after dark?

Whether you’re capturing the Milky Way for the first time or refining your star trail craft, this special-access Bents Basin Astromeet offers space, atmosphere, and an exceptional night of shooting. ✨ River valleys. Sandstone cliffs. Rare access.

🔗 Book now — places are strictly limited.

• 📅 Astro Planning - Using mobile apps to assess Milky Way position, timing, and conditions
• 📷 Camera Setup & Exposure Control - Long exposures, stability, stacking considerations, and interval shooting
• 🌌 Milky Way & Nightscapes - Capturing the setting Galactic Core over river and escarpment landscapes
• 📍 Astro Composition - Framing foregrounds, managing scale, and building layered night images
• ✨ Creative Night Techniques - Star trails, panoramas, timelapses, and star trail stacks. Managing lens fog, cold conditions, and residual light
• ⚠️ Night & Wilderness Safety - Safe movement, situational awareness, and working in low-light terrain

• Headlamp or torch (mandatory)
• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Wide-angle lens
• Tripod
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer
• Warm layered clothing
• Good Hiking/Walking Shoes
• Water and snacks