It’s no secret that Queensland is absolutely gorgeous, but we’ve got some news that will really leave you starry-eyed!
As of June 9, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has officially been recognised as Queensland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, acknowledging its exceptionally low levels of light pollution that make thousands of stars and planets visible to the naked eye.
It’s the first designation of its kind in Queensland and one of only a handful worldwide: Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand, Mont-Mégantic in Canada, and River Murray here in Australia.
It’s a timely honour: Stars are becoming increasingly rare around the world, with more than 80% of the world’s population living under skyglow: light pollution that eliminates any visible stars.
In fact, city dwellers in central Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are unlikely to see more than ten stars in the night sky, even in the best conditions. So the best part of this news is that the region has an ‘open sky policy’, meaning anyone can experience it, any time and for free!
Some of the best spots to marvel at our constellations are Balmoral Ridge Lookout, Howells Knob Lookout, Isaac Moore Park near Kenilworth, Little Yabba Rest Area, Pioneer Park, and Tete Park.
Not only that, but the Sunshine Coast is giving one lucky person the chance to enjoy an all-inclusive stargazing experience… but only if they’re willing to become Australia’s first ‘Chief Star Counter’. The job’s “responsibilities” include owning the official end-to-end star-counting process, proactively identifying shooting stars and wishing on them in a timely manner, and saying “wow” at a high frequency.
The role offers return flights to and from the Sunshine Coast plus car hire, two nights accommodation at Narrows Escape Luxury Rainforest Retreat in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, guided stargazing experience at your accommodation with Sunshine Coast Stargazing, and one person of to bring along.
Applications for ‘Chief Star Counter’ are open for all Aussies 7 and up, but close on June 30.
The designation by DarkSky follows more than a decade of community and conservation work to protect the region’s night skies and is expected to further elevate the our nature and sustainable tourism credentials, as we look forward to a bright future.
