Crazy Astrophotographers Astromeet - Bouddi National Park

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans and the Crazy Astrophotographers for a special night of astrophotography along the dramatic coastline of Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast. Why Crazy? Because we get up at absurd times of the night to come and capture the Milky Way all through the year.

Timed for the early Milky Way season, this Astromeet offers the chance to photograph the Milky Way rising over sandstone cliffs, coastal platforms, and secluded beaches. Bouddi’s east-facing coastline provides a clean horizon, strong foregrounds, and minimal light pollution—ideal conditions for early-season Milky Way shooting. A waning crescent moon rises late in the night, leaving the early hours dark and adding soft light to the coastline before dawn.

Throughout the night, we’ll move carefully along the coastal track, refining compositions and adapting to changing light as the sky evolves from 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
• 🌙 Dark skies, with a waning crescent moon rising late in the night
• 📸 Diverse compositions across beaches, cliffs, and headlands
• 🧭 A location that rewards patience and creative exploration

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 3 April 2027

🕦 Time: 9:30PM - 2:30AM

🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 10:24PM - 4:46AM

⏰ Daylight Saving: Daylight saving ends overnight, with clocks going back one hour at 3:00 AM on Sunday 4 April

📍 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

🥾 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

🌦 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 10th April 2027 is being held in the event of postponement.
• Cloud cover can still allow for creative night shooting and light painting opportunities, 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 above Bouddi’s rugged sandstone coastline
• 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 sandstone cliffs to the first light of dawn, this night at Bouddi National Park offers a rare combination of coastal drama and early-season Milky Way 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.

📸 Sandstone. 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

• 🔦 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