Bombo Astromeet 1st May 2027

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for our annual Astromeet at Bombo Quarry, one of the most visually striking astrophotography locations on the NSW South Coast.

This year, with the moon cycle lining up with the weekend, our Bombo Astromeet falls later in the season, so we meet at 5PM and settle in before the Milky Way rises off the coast. As it climbs above the eastern horizon, the quarry’s towering basalt columns create an almost otherworldly foreground—rewarding careful composition, patience, and creative exploration. With the new moon only days away on 6 May, dark skies make it an ideal night for the Milky Way.

📍 Why Bombo Quarry?

• 🪨 Iconic basalt columns and rugged coastal formations
• 🌌 Clear eastern horizon for Milky Way alignment
• 🌊 Coastal atmosphere with minimal light pollution
• 📸 Strong foregrounds that invite creative nightscape compositions

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 1st May 2027

🕦 Time: 5PM - Midnight

🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 7:32PM - 5:07AM

📍 Location: Bombo Quarry, NSW

🚗 Parking: Bombo Beach Car Park

📍 Google Maps Pin: Bombo Beach Car Park

NOTE: If car park gates are locked, please park outside the entrance.

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate

• Uneven rocky and quarry ground
• Ability to navigate low-light terrain required
• A high level of personal awareness is essential

🌦 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
• The organiser may opt to postpone the event for poor weather where a suitable alternative date can be found
• A reserve date of 8th May 2027 is being held in the event of postponement.
• Cloud cover can still allow for creative night shooting and light painting opportunities around the quarry, 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 the Milky Way from a truly unconventional coastal location
• Shoot alongside a small group of dedicated night photographers
• Refine your nightscape approach in real-world conditions
• Experience one of NSW’s most visually distinctive astro environments

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking fee contributes to:

✅ Council / LGA commercial activity permits

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Experienced and accredited guide

✅ Event planning, logistics, and administration

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

As waves break beyond the quarry walls and the Milky Way climbs above the sea, Bombo Quarry offers a night of scale, texture, and atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the coast. Whether you’re chasing your first Milky Way or adding a bold new location to your astro portfolio, this Astromeet promises a night of focused shooting and unforgettable surroundings.

📸 Basalt columns. Coastal skies. One extraordinary night.

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

• 🌌 Astrophotography Fundamentals in the Field – Milky Way positioning, star trails, and night-sky movement
• 📷 Essential Night Camera Techniques – Long exposures, accurate focus, and low-light workflows
• 🔦 Astroscape Lighting – Using subtle, low-level light to shape quarry textures
• 📍 Composition & Perspective – Finding compelling angles among repeating rock forms
• ⚡ Night Shooting Skills – Managing lens fog, cold coastal air, and overnight conditions
• 🧭 Astro Safety & Etiquette – Moving responsibly through a rugged coastal site

• 🔦 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
• 🥾 Good hiking footwear with ankle support
• 💧 Water and snacks
• 🦟 Insect repellent