With 57% of Australians considering dark-sky holidays, Queensland's Scenic Rim is inviting visitors to switch off, look up and discover a whole new world after dark.
So, forget five-star hotels, how about 50 million stars?
THE SCENIC RIM IS TURNING ON THE STARS AND HERE’S WHERE TO SEE THEM!
With 57% of Australians considering dark-sky holidays, Queensland's Scenic Rim is inviting visitors to switch off, look up and discover a whole new world after dark.
So, forget five-star hotels, how about 50 million stars?
As a growing number of travellers swap bright city lights for brilliant night skies, Queensland's spectacular Scenic Rim is inviting visitors to discover one of nature's greatest shows, and the admission is absolutely free.
It's called dark-sky tourism, or astrotourism, and it's one of the travel trends turning heads around the world. Gorgeous images here
According to Booking.com's 2025 Travel Predictions research, 57 per cent of Australian travellers were considering a holiday to a dark-sky destination, with experiences including stargazing, constellation spotting and celestial events capturing their imaginations. Globally, that figure climbs to 62 per cent. With more than 80 per cent of the world's population living beneath light-polluted skies, according to DarkSky International, the opportunity to stand beneath a sky filled with thousands of stars is becoming something genuinely special. Enter the Scenic Rim.
Just an easy drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this spectacular region of ancient mountains, World Heritage-listed rainforests, rolling farmland and wide-open valleys has another extraordinary attraction that comes alive when the sun goes down: the stars.
South East Queensland Astrophotographer Katie Dew knows and loves the stars above the Scenic Rim. “You’ll often find me hiking, camping, camera in hand, waiting for the stars to dance across the sky at night. There’s something about standing beneath a sky full of stars that puts everything into perspective. It's a temporary break from the everyday pressures life throws at you. That feeling is a big part of what keeps me coming back,” she said. “The Scenic Rim offers dark skies and a wide variety of locations to capture. I hope to spark a little curiosity and encourage people to look up more often because there’s a whole lot happening after dark, and I’m very happy to lose a little sleep over it.”
On a clear night, the sky about the region can reveal the Southern Cross, bright planets, distant star clusters and the Milky Way. Summer brings its own stellar attractions, including Orion, a brighter Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds and some of the year's most anticipated meteor showers.
Here are five stellar Scenic Rim locations to discover the magic after dark, and beautiful places to stay when you're not quite ready to come back down to Earth.
1. HAIGH PARK, LAKE MOOGERAH and SEE STARS ON THE WATER
Few sights are more spectacular than a star-filled sky reflected across the still waters of Lake Moogerah, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Scenic Rim. Haigh Park is a favourite among local astrophotographers, with its open outlook across the lake and the opportunity to capture beautiful reflections when the water is calm. Pack a picnic, arrive for sunset and watch the landscape change as the first stars begin to appear.
Where to stay: Moogie House, Glamp and Pod offers three very different ways to stay close to Lake Moogerah. Choose Moogie House for a beautiful dog-friendly country escape with family or friends, Moogie Pod for a tiny-house retreat with magnificent mountain views, or Moogie Glamp for a romantic off-grid adventure complete with a luxurious safari tent, private bushland setting and optional wood-fired cedar hot tub. OR stay at Vanbery Cottage Host Farm in the renovated church or the cottage.
2. THE LOST WORLD and GET LOST IN THE UNIVERSE
If ever a place was made for stargazing, surely it's somewhere called The Lost World! Tucked beneath the towering mountains of Lamington National Park, this extraordinary valley is a patchwork of green pastures, winding country roads, grazing cattle and ancient rainforest peaks. By day, it's one of Queensland's most beautiful rural landscapes, and by night, the skies take centre stage.
Where to stay: Worendo Cottages in Darlington offers beautiful self-contained country accommodation overlooking the World Heritage-listed mountains: private cottages, magnificent views, fresh country air and evenings spent around the fire pit beneath a canopy of stars.
3. THE OLD LARAVALE SCHOOL where CLASS IS IN SESSION, AND THE SUBJECT IS THE UNIVERSE!
At the historic Old Laravale School, the most fascinating lessons happen after dark. This charming former country school is home to observing sessions hosted by the Scenic Rim Astronomy Association, whose enthusiastic members share their knowledge of the night sky with visitors. Armed with telescopes, binoculars and an extraordinary understanding of the cosmos, these passionate astronomers help visitors discover planets, star clusters, constellations and distant deep-sky objects. Public viewing evenings are held on selected dates, subject to weather and observing conditions.
Where to stay: The Old Laravale School offers accommodation in Willmann House, a restored historic farmhouse dating from 1907. Sleeping up to nine adults, it offers country charm and sweeping rural views.
4. ROBERT SOWTER PARK, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN for SUNSET FIRST, THEN STARS
Perched on the western escarpment of Tamborine Mountain, Robert Sowter Park is already famous for its extraordinary sunsets, but stay a little longer and the real show begins. With sweeping views across the Scenic Rim towards Beaudesert and the distant mountain ranges, this grassy lookout is a wonderful place to spread out a rug, enjoy a sunset picnic and watch the sky slowly transform; bring binoculars, something warm and perhaps a little local cheese, after all, this is Tamborine Mountain!
Where to stay: The Tamborine offers a beautifully reimagined boutique mountain escape and Tamborine Mountain Glades has rainforest accommodation, glamping, luxe rooms and cabins.
5. MOUNT BARNEY, it’s WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE MILKY WAY
For a truly spectacular night beneath the stars, head towards the magnificent peaks of Mount Barney. One of the Scenic Rim's most dramatic natural landmarks, Mount Barney rises above a landscape of rugged mountains, open country and precious protected wilderness and offers some of the Scenic Rim's darkest skies.
Where to stay: Barney Creek Cottages and Farm offers beautiful country accommodation at the foot of the mountains, including romantic cottages, a lakeside bungalow and the wonderfully restored Hill Station, with spectacular views in every direction, and they have miniature Highland Cows and pygmy goats as part of their farm. Alternatively, Mount Barney Lodge offers cabins, camping and nature-based accommodation.
FIVE TIPS FOR A STELLAR NIGHT OUT
- Go dark: Choose a night close to the new moon, when moonlight won't wash out the fainter stars.
- Check the forecast: Clear skies matter more than the season.
- Give your eyes time: Allow 20–30 minutes away from bright lights for your night vision to adjust.
- Pack smart: Bring a picnic rug, water, warm layers, binoculars and a red-light torch. Check park access and stay on designated public areas.
- Stay longer: Book accommodation nearby and enjoy the stars without a late-night drive home.
VISIT THE SCENIC RIM! Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au
The Scenic Rim is now one of Australia's most celebrated regional destinations. Just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic spans more than 4,200sq km of spectacular volcanic landscapes, ancient mountains, fertile farmland and charming country towns, it's where World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests meet rolling vineyards, working farms, hidden waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views. The region is home to six historic national parks, more than 30,000 hectares of protected parkland and three spectacular lakes and dams. It's also Queensland's celebrated food bowl, where generations of farmers, growers, winemakers, brewers, chefs and artisan producers are creating extraordinary paddock-to-plate experiences.
For more information contact, please contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]
Contact details:
Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]
