Lithgow Blast Furnace Astromeet

Join Jay Evans for a rare and atmospheric night of astrophotography at one of regional NSW’s most iconic industrial heritage sites — the historic Lithgow Blast Furnace.

Located on the edge of town and surrounded by residual street lighting, this site has long been a favourite among experienced nightscape photographers. The towering ruins of Australia’s first iron and steel smelting facility create a dramatic setting for astrophotography, with the open-roof structure of the main furnace offering a unique frame for the Milky Way as it rises, sets, or arcs overhead.

This Astromeet blends creative exploration with practical field-based learning. Throughout the evening, we’ll revisit the essentials of urban night photography — including safety, etiquette, composition, and Milky Way alignment — while also exploring ways to work with and manage artificial lighting to produce clean, compelling night images.

Whether you’re new to nightscapes or looking to expand your astro portfolio with a truly distinctive location, this is an opportunity to shoot somewhere unlike anywhere else in NSW.

📍 Why Lithgow Blast Furnace?

• 🏭 A nationally significant industrial heritage site with powerful visual scale
• 🌌 Rare “through-the-roof” Milky Way compositions framed by historic architecture
• 📸 A challenging but rewarding location that blends astrophotography and urban nightscapes

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
🕔 Meet Time: 5:00 PM
🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 18:41 – 05:48
📍 Location: Blast Furnace Park Lithgow, NSW
🚗 Parking: Park along the driveway at Blast Furnace Park.
🚫 Do not park past the gates into the main car park — gates are locked by council staff at 5:00 PM.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVuyVJEW2ATQiCXb9

🌦 Weather & Conditions

• This Astromeet is weather dependent
• Heavy rain or storm activity will result in cancellation
  • Due to seasonal timing and moon phase, there is no alternate hold 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 Blast Furnace Park & Surrounding Wetlands.

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 1 – Easy

• Flat terrain throughout Blast Furnace Park
• Uneven surfaces and trip hazards are present
• A high level of situational awareness is required, especially after dark

✨ Why Join This Astromeet?

• Photograph the Milky Way in a uniquely industrial heritage setting
• Shoot alongside a small group of like-minded night photographers
• Learn practical techniques for managing artificial light in astro scenes
• Add a rare and visually striking location to your nightscape portfolio

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking fee helps cover:

✅ Council and site access permissions

✅ Commercial activity licences (where required)

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Experienced and accredited guide

✅ Administration, logistics, and event coordination

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

From towering steel ruins to glowing night skies, the Lithgow Blast Furnace offers a rare chance to blend history, architecture, and astrophotography in a single shoot.

📸 Industrial scale. Creative challenge. One unforgettable night.

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Now — Limited Places Available

• 🌌 Milky Way Photography – Capturing the galactic core in an urban-industrial environment
• 📷 Essential Night Camera Settings – Long exposures, ISO control, and noise management
• 📍 Composition & Framing – Using architecture, leading lines, and negative space creatively
• ⚡ Managing Artificial Light – Balancing street lighting with night sky exposure
• 🎥 Creative Techniques – Star trails, light painting, and experimental night compositions
• 🧭 Night Photography Safety & Etiquette – Working safely around heritage structures

• 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