The Lost City Astromeet

🌌 Gardens of Stone Astromeet — Lost City Nightscape Adventure

Join Jay Evans for a spellbinding night of astrophotography among the remarkable rock pagodas of the Gardens of Stone and the Lost City. This all-night Astromeet is a standout event of the Astro calendar and a highlight of the Milky Way season.

Beginning with a short hike into the Lost City, we’ll start by looking east as the Milky Way rises above the escarpment, far from Sydney’s light pollution. As the night progresses, we’ll continue to explore, compose, and shoot as the Milky Way arcs overhead and eventually sets to the west over the iconic sandstone pagodas.

This Astromeet is about inspiration, exploration, and skill-building in the field. Together, we’ll cover the practical foundations of wilderness night photography—planning, safety, etiquette, and working with the Milky Way—before experimenting with star trails, panoramas, and timelapses. Simple lighting techniques using LED panels and phone screens will also be demonstrated to bring depth and scale to the landscape.

Whether this is your first night under the stars or another chapter in your astro portfolio, you’ll be shooting alongside a supportive group in one of NSW’s most extraordinary nightscape environments.

📍 Why the Gardens of Stone & Lost City?

• 🪨 One of Australia’s most unique geological landscapes, featuring ancient rock pagodas and sandstone formations
• 🌌 Exceptional dark-sky conditions with expansive eastern and western horizons
• 🥾 Remote, atmospheric location offering compositions unlike anywhere else in the Blue Mountains

🗓 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday 18 July 2026

🕛 Time: 5:00 PM – 4:00 AM

🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 18:38 – 05:27

📍 Location: Lost City Walking Track Car Park. Gardens of Stone Conservation Area, Lithgow NSW

🚗 Parking: Park in the designated car park. We will meet near the information signboards.

📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVuyVJEW2ATQiCXb9

⚠️ Important: All attendees must arrive on time for sign-in and the safety briefing. Due to site access and safety requirements, late arrivals cannot be admitted.

🌦 Weather & Conditions

• This Astromeet is weather dependent
• Heavy rain, storms, or unsafe conditions will result in cancellation
  • Due to moon phase and seasonal timing, there is no alternate hold date
  • In the event of cancellation, vouchers will be issued for future events
• Cloudy conditions may still allow for creative night photography and light-painting opportunities
• This Astromeet is held in a remote Blue Mountains location during winter and attendees should be prepared for cold conditions, ensuring you bring appropriate winter clothing.

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 3 – Difficult

• A good level of fitness and mobility is required
• Expect stairs, uneven surfaces, cliff-edge walking, and low-light conditions
• Careful movement and a high level of personal awareness are essential throughout the night

✨ Why Join This Astromeet?

• Photograph the Milky Way in one of NSW’s most distinctive geological landscapes
• Experience the Lost City at night with a licensed guide and small group
• Shoot alongside like-minded astrophotographers in a collaborative setting
• Pick up practical, field-based insights while actively shooting
• Spend an entire night immersed in a truly remote dark-sky environment

💡 Why Is There a Fee?

Your booking fee helps cover:

✅ National Park entry and access fees

✅ NSW National Parks Eco Pass licence

✅ Commercial activity permits (where required)

✅ Public liability insurance

✅ Experienced and accredited guide

✅ Administration, logistics, and event coordination

🌌 Join Us Under the Stars

Set among ancient pagodas and vast sandstone plateaus, this Gardens of Stone Astromeet is a rare opportunity to photograph the Milky Way in a landscape that feels truly otherworldly.

📸 Scale, atmosphere, and an unforgettable night of shooting.

🔗 Book Your Place Now — Limited Spots Available

• 🌌 Milky Way Photography – Shooting the galactic core from rise to set
• 📷 Essential Astro Camera Settings – Long exposures, ISO control, and low-light techniques
• 📍 Astro Composition – Using rock formations, pagodas, and negative space creatively
• ⚡ Night Photography Tips – Managing cold conditions, lens fog, batteries, and workflow
• 🎥 Creative Techniques – Star trails, panoramas, and timelapse opportunities
• 🧭 Wilderness Night Safety & Etiquette – Moving and shooting responsibly after dark

• MANDATORY: Headlamp or torch
• Mirrorless or DSLR camera
• Wide-angle lens (fast aperture recommended)
• Tripod with quick-release plate
• Shutter remote or intervalometer
• Comfortable camera backpack
• ESSENTIAL: Good Winter top layers (jacket, fleece, beanie, gloves and warm socks)
• ESSENTIAL: Long sleeves and long pants
• ESSENTIAL: sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Water and snacks