Final Blue Mountains Astro Meet 2025 – Cahills Lookout 🌌
Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for the final astrophotography gathering of the year in the Blue Mountains! This twilight-to-midnight adventure at the iconic Cahills Lookout in Katoomba is the perfect farewell to the Milky Way season.
As the Galactic Core makes its last dip over the western horizon, Cahills provides a commanding view across the Megalong Valley, Narrowneck Plateau, and the endless ridgelines of the Blue Mountains, giving us front-row seats to the stars.
This Astromeet is all about inspiration and skill-building. Together, we’ll focus on the essentials of night photography—planning, safety, etiquette, and working with the Milky Way—before moving into more advanced techniques like star trails, panoramas, and timelapses. We’ll also cover simple lighting methods using LED panels and phone screens to bring life to your landscapes.
Whether it’s your first attempt at shooting the night sky or you’re adding another masterpiece to your astro portfolio, this is a chance to learn, experiment, and shoot alongside a supportive community.
🌟 Sony Scene Festival Bonus
As part of the Sony Scene Festival, your ticket includes automatic entry into the Scene Fest competition to win the ultimate photography experience in Rome with Sony! For every ticket purchased, you’ll receive one entry into the draw—but don’t forget: your entry is only valid once you check in with your event host on arrival, as attendance must be recorded.
What You’ll Learn
📷 Astro Planning – How to plan for the Milky Way using mobile apps
📷 Camera Setup – Tripod positioning and camera configuration
📷 Simple Astro Settings – Fast-track settings for clean, sharp results
📷 Nailing Focus in the Dark – Pinpoint stars and tack-sharp frames
📷 Advanced Techniques – Long exposures, star stacking, noise control, and anti-fog tips
📷 Night Safety on the Escarpment – Staying safe on stairs, rocks, and cliff edges after dark
Event Details
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday 18th October, 7:30PM – Midnight
📍 Location: Cahills Lookout, Cliff Drive, Katoomba
🚗 Parking: Cahills Lookout carpark (fees until 8PM). Free street parking nearby—please respect signage and residents.
📍 Meeting Point: Cahills Lookout carpark
⚠️ Safety Briefing: All attendees must arrive on time for sign-in and the safety briefing. Late arrivals will not be able to join the group.
Astro Conditions & Itinerary
🌌 Galactic Core Visibility: 20:42 - 00:26
🎒 What to Bring: DSLR/mirrorless camera, wide lens, sturdy tripod, remote shutter, headlamp, spare batteries, memory cards, warm clothing, water.
🌦 Weather Policy: Clear skies aren’t guaranteed! If it’s cloudy, we’ll explore creative long-exposure and light-painting options. In the event of storms or heavy rain, the event will be cancelled.
Fitness Level
🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate: Paved access with a ramp and some stairs at the main lookout. Optional extension to Boars Head involves stairs, uneven rock, and an unfenced 150m cliff—requiring extra care and awareness.
Touch & Try Sony Gear
From time to time, demo Sony cameras and lenses may be available to try on-site. If there’s a specific body or lens you’d like to test, please reach out ahead of time and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
Why is there a Fee?
In previous years these Astromeets were free, but repeated no-shows have made them unsustainable. A small booking fee helps ensure attendance and covers:
✅ National Park & Council permits
✅ Commercial Tour Licensing (Eco Pass, Council etc.)
✅ Insurance & compliance
✅ Travel, logistics & admin costs
Your support helps keep these events running into the future.
Join Us Under the Stars ✨
Ready to capture the Milky Way’s final farewell for 2025? From first-timers to seasoned nightscape shooters, this evening at Cahills Lookout will offer inspiration, education, and breathtaking skies.
📸 Unforgettable views. Hands-on guidance. A night to remember.
🔗 Book Your Place Today – Spots Are Limited!
