AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

AU NZ
Astromeet at Long Reef – Nightscape and Astrophotography

About the event

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for a night under the stars at one of Sydney’s most breathtaking coastal locations—Long Reef Headland on the Northern Beaches.

This iconic astro photography location offers expansive ocean views to the east, striking sandstone features, and tidal pools perfect for Milky Way reflections. Positioned away from city light pollution, Long Reef is a top pick for capturing dramatic night sky landscapes.

During this hands-on astrophotography workshop, we’ll explore the headland and surrounding rock shelf to scout compelling compositions and shoot the Milky Way, star trails, and long exposures in a rugged coastal setting. Whether you're new to night photography or refining your skills, you’ll walk away with new techniques, inspiration, and a portfolio of unique images.


What You’ll Learn

  • How to plan night shoots using apps like PhotoPills & Stellarium
  • Manual focus and exposure techniques for astrophotography
  • Composing compelling Milky Way and star trail images
  • Creative light painting and long exposure effects
  • Coastal night photography safety and environmental awareness
  • Tips for scouting and composing in low-light coastal terrain

Event Details

🗓 Date & Time: Friday 30th May — Meet at 7:00PM

📍 Location: Long Reef Headland Carpark, Anzac Ave, Collaroy, NSW

🚗 Parking: Free with Northern Beaches resident permit. Paid metered parking available.

📍 Google Maps Pin

🎒 What to Bring:

  • Camera with manual settings
  • Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended)
  • Sturdy tripod
  • Headlamp
  • Remote shutter/intervalometer
  • Extra batteries & memory cards
  • Warm clothing, water & snacks
  • Cleated rock fishing boots (for rockshelf access)

Astro Conditions & Itinerary

🌌 Galactic Core Visibility: 6:26PM – 5:27AM

🌦 Weather Dependent:

  • If clear: Full astrophotography session including Milky Way and star trails
  • If cloudy: Light painting and creative nightscape photography on the headland
  • If rain/storms: The event will be postponed or cancelled with notice.

Fitness Level

🧭 Grade 2: Easy to Moderate

This event includes short walks across uneven terrain and rockshelf sections. Participants should be comfortable navigating natural surfaces in low light. Rock-safe footwear (such as cleated boots) is essential.


Sony Gear Access

Want to try out Sony mirrorless cameras or lenses? From time to time, loan gear may be available for hands-on use.

Please reach out ahead of time to request specific equipment—subject to availability.


Contribute to Event Costs

These Astro Meets are community events, but commercial operations still involve fees and licensing. To support the continuation of these nights, we kindly ask participants to consider a $10 donation on the night (cash or card via Square).

Your donation supports:

  • ✅ National Park Entry Fees
  • ✅ NSW Parks Eco Pass Licensing
  • ✅ Local Council Commercial Activity Permits
  • ✅ Public Liability Insurance
  • ✅ Vehicle travel and maintenance
  • ✅ Event logistics and admin

Join Us!

Whether you’re chasing the Milky Way for the first time, expanding your nightscape photography portfolio, or just looking for a creative evening in nature—this is your chance to connect, learn, and create unforgettable images.

🌠 Spots are limited – book now to secure your place!

Techniques covered

  • How to plan night shoots using apps like PhotoPills & Stellarium
  • Manual focus and exposure techniques for astrophotography
  • Composing compelling Milky Way and star trail images
  • Creative light painting and long exposure effects
  • Coastal night photography safety and environmental awareness
  • Tips for scouting and composing in low-light coastal terrain

What to bring

  • Camera with manual settings
  • Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended)
  • Sturdy tripod
  • Headlamp
  • Remote shutter/intervalometer
  • Extra batteries & memory cards
  • Warm clothing, water & snacks
  • Cleated rock fishing boots (for rockshelf access)

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

Please wear appropriate clothing ensuring you have a warm jacket and beanie. The coastline is exposed and can become bitterly cold at night. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended to protect from mosquitos.
Park in the Long Reef Headland Car Park at the top of Anzac Avenue in Collaroy. Parking is free for Northern Beaches residents with a permit. Meter parking is available.
While we will be on hand to help photographers learn how to capture the night sky and the Milky Way, this is not a workshop, more an event to get like minded photographers in a safe group to capture the night sky.
Long Reef Headland is an accessible location, with our headland area approximately 200m on a paved walkway from the car park. Acces to the rockshelf requires a walk down and up a number of stairs. The rockshelf is uneven rocky area, so a good sense of mobility and limitations will be required.
You can catch a bus to the corner of Pittwater Road and Anzac avenue (181X or 199). The meeting point is a 1km walk to the top of Anzac Avenue.
Contact Jay at jay@jaydidphoto.com.au
2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

Celebrating its tenth year, the Alpha Awards showcase the very best of photography captured on a Sony Alpha camera and lens, giving you the chance to share in over $60,000 (AUD) worth of Sony digital imaging gear. 

Terms and conditions apply.*

Advocate

Jay Evans

Hi, I am Jay Evans. A Nightscape, Landscape, Nature and Astro Photographer based in the Blue Mountains and also a passionate Tour Guide and Educator.I love to e...

Read more

Jay is always polite and explains safety & ground rules pretty well. He kept on checking on everyone to make sure they are okay & coaching accordingly”

Ada Poon, Lithgow Blast Furnace Astromeet 17th June
GOVETTS LEAP SUNBURST
Lithgow Blast Furnace - 1st A7R4 Astro Shot

An experienced, knowledgeable, patient, safety aware and extremely personable chap. I've attended many of his events and look forward to the next one.”

David Pan, Blue Mountains Astromeet
Event capacity: 10
Book now