Bouddi Coastal Astromeet

Join Jay Evans for a special night of astrophotography along the dramatic coastline of Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast.

Timed to coincide with one of the most visually compelling nights of the astro season, this Astromeet offers the rare opportunity to photograph the Milky Way rising alongside a crescent moon, illuminating sandstone cliffs, coastal platforms, and secluded beaches with soft natural light.

Bouddi’s east-facing coastline provides a clean horizon, strong foregrounds, and minimal light pollution—ideal conditions for early-season Milky Way shooting. Throughout the night, we’ll move carefully along the coastal track, refining compositions and adapting to changing light as the sky evolves from moonlit blue hour into full darkness.

This Astromeet is about immersion, creativity, and shooting with intent in one of NSW’s most photogenic coastal environments.

📍 Why Bouddi National Park?

• 🌊 Rugged sandstone coastline with layered foregrounds
• 🌌 Clean eastern horizon for early Milky Way alignment
• 🌙 Rare Milky Way and crescent moon combination
• 📸 Diverse compositions across beaches, cliffs, and headlands
• 🧭 A location that rewards patience and creative exploration

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 14 March 2026
🕦 Meet Time: 11:30 PM
🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 23:42 – 05:33
🌅 Sunrise: 6:53 AM
📍 Location: Bouddi Coastal Walk, Bouddi National Park, Central Coast, NSW
🚗 Parking: End of Putty Beach Road, Bouddi National Park
📍 Google Maps Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/jdAVQztGjg49bGrAA

🌦 Weather & Conditions

• This Astromeet is weather dependent
• Heavy rain or storm activity may result in cancellation or rescheduling
  • Thursday 19 March is held as a backup date
  • If cancelled, a voucher will be issued for the value of this event to use on other Astromeets
• We will still run the Astromeet if it is cloudy. Cloud cover can still allow for creative night shooting and light painting opportunities around the cliffs and coastline

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate

• Beach access, walking tracks, and uneven rocky ground
• Ability to navigate coastal terrain in low light required
• Elevated awareness essential near cliff edges

✨ Why Join This Astromeet?

• Photograph a rare Milky Way and crescent moon alignment
• Shoot in one of NSW’s most photogenic coastal National Parks
• Share the experience with a small group of dedicated night photographers
• Refine your nightscape technique in real-world conditions

🛂 Licensed & Accredited

Jay is a licensed photography tour operator operating under an NSW National Parks Eco Pass Licence – LIC20/116, with permission to conduct photography events within Bouddi National Park.

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking fee contributes to:

✅ National Park entry fees

✅ NSW National Parks Eco Pass licence fees

✅ Council / LGA commercial activity permits (where applicable)

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Experienced and accredited guide

✅ Event planning, logistics, and administration

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

From moonlit sandstone cliffs to the first light of dawn, this night at Bouddi National Park offers a rare combination of celestial alignment and coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re refining your early-season Milky Way approach or adding a standout location to your astro portfolio, this Astromeet promises a night of focused shooting and unforgettable scenery.

📸 Moonlight. Milky Way. Coastal drama.

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

• 🌌 Astrophotography in Coastal Landscapes – Milky Way positioning, moonrise timing, star trails, and night-sky movement
• 📷 Essential Night Camera Techniques – Long exposures, accurate focus, and low-light workflows
• 🔦 Astroscape Lighting – Subtle lighting techniques to enhance sandstone and coastal textures
• 📍 Composition & Storytelling – Building strong foreground-to-sky connections
• ⚡ Night Shooting Skills – Managing lens fog, wind, and cold coastal conditions
• 🧭 Astro Safety & Etiquette – Moving responsibly through sensitive coastal environments

• MANDATORY - Headlamp or torch
• Mirrorless or DSLR camera
• Wide-angle lens (24mm or wider, f/2.8 or higher)
• Sturdy Tripod (don't forget the plate for your camera)
• Shutter remote or intervalometer
• Warm layered clothing
• Good hiking footwear with ankle support
• Water and snacks
• Insect repellent