Lincolns Rock Astromeet 23rd August 2025

Astrophotography at Lincolns Rock, Wentworth Falls

📅 Saturday 23rd August 2025

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for a stellar evening of astrophotography atop one of the most iconic locations in the Blue Mountains—Lincoln’s Rock in Wentworth Falls.

Perched on the sandstone edge of the Jamison Valley, this wide rocky plateau offers breathtaking views stretching toward the Three Sisters, Narrow Neck Plateau, and the western Blue Mountains. With its elevated position and minimal light pollution, it’s an ideal spot to photograph the Milky Way as it gradually sets in the western sky.

We'll explore a variety of compositions around the plateau—think sandstone caves, cliff-edge silhouettes, and open sky panoramas. As darkness deepens, you'll have the chance to refine your astro techniques in a spectacular natural setting.

During the session, we’ll revisit key nightscape skills including safety, night shooting etiquette, Milky Way alignment, creative compositions, and long-exposure techniques. We’ll also cover astro lighting methods using low-intensity LEDs or mobile phone screens, and explore how to manage shadows and depth in your images.

This location is also ideal for setting up timelapses, astro panoramas, or star trails, with uninterrupted horizons and dramatic terrain to anchor your shots.

Whether you're a seasoned night shooter or just stepping into the world of astrophotography, this immersive experience promises stunning skies and the opportunity to elevate your skills.

What You’ll Learn

📷 Astro Planning - Planning and timing for astrophotography using phone apps

📷 Camera Setup - Setting up your camera and tripod

📷 Simple Astro Settings - Choosing the correct settings for Astro

📷 Focus in the Dark - How to achieve pinpoint star focus and sharp exposures

📷 Advanced Camera Techniques – Master long exposures, noise reduction, and lens fog.

📷 Wilderness & Escarpment Safety at Night – Learn to stay safe at the edges of the cliffs for your night time photography.

Event Details:

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday 23rd August, 8PM – Sunday 24th August, 1AM

📍 Location: Lincolns Rock, Little Switzerland Drive, Wentworth Falls

🚗 Parking: Details on parking will be sent to attendees closer to the event. Lincolns Rock is currently a no parking zone between 8PM and 6AM to prevent illegal camping and destruction of the area by those who do not respect it’s World Heritage, and Natural Values. Consequently, there will be some specific parking instructions for the evening. There will be no legal parking here on the night!

📍 Meeting Point: Meet in the Parking area at the end of Hordern Road. (There will be no legal parking here on the night!)

📍 Google Maps Location

⏰ Please Arrive on Time: You will be required to arrive on time to be signed in and attend a short safety briefing before we walk down to to Lincolns Rock.

⚠️ If you are late and do not receive the safety briefing, you will not be able to join the group.

Astro Conditions & Itinerary

🌌 Galactic Core Visibility: 18:57PM – 03:09AM

🎒 What to Bring: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, tripod, headlamp, remote shutter, fully charged batteries, memory cards, weather-appropriate clothing, and drinking water.

🌦 Weather Policy: The event will proceed if skies are cloudy—light painting and long exposure techniques will still offer creative shooting options. In the event of storm activity or heavy rain, the session will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Fitness Level:

🔹 Grade 2 – Moderate – Although Lincolns Rock is flat, there are many trip hazards, and a high cliff edge. Although accessible to most fitness levels, a high degree of personal awareness is required here

Touch & Try Sony Camera Equipment

From time to time, a selection of Sony Digital Imaging gear may be available for testing. If you’re interested in trying a particular body or lens, please get in touch ahead of the event, and we’ll do our best to arrange it.

Please Contribute

While this is a free event, a $10 donation on the night is appreciated to help cover required operational costs. Payment can be made via cash or card (Square).

Your contribution helps support:

✅ National Park and Council Entry Fees

✅ Commercial Tour Licensing (Eco Pass, Council, etc.)

✅ Public Liability Insurance

✅ Travel and maintenance costs

✅ Ongoing admin and permit logistics

Join Us Under the Stars

Ready to elevate your night photography game in one of Australia's most iconic astro locations?

Whether you're chasing your very first Milky Way frame or looking to craft a next-level image with jaw-dropping foregrounds, this hands-on nightscape session at Lincoln’s Rock offers the perfect blend of inspiration, education, and community.

✨ Epic views. Expert guidance. One unforgettable night.

🔗 Secure Your Spot Now – Places Are Limited and These Nights Fill Fast!

• Astro Planning
• Camera Setup
• Simple Astro Settings
• Focus in the Dark
• Advanced Camera Techniques
• Wilderness & Escarpment Safety at Night 

• MOST IMPORTANT - Working Headlamp or torch (no mobile phone torches please!)
• A camera with Manual controls and interchangeable lenses
• Lenses suitable for astrophotography (between 12mm & 24mm preferably with f/2.8 or faster)
• Remote shutter for camera
• Sturdy Tripod
• A small towel to cover your camera
• Warm Layered clothing, beanie or other warm headwear, and warm socks/shoes or boots
• Firm and grippy footwear is strongly recommended as there are a number of trip hazards around the clifftop at night
• Due to the potential for sudden wind gusts at Lincolns Rock we ask that you don't bring anything you will leave on the ground (ie camp chairs, or blankets) as it may blow off the edge of the cliff.