Dark Sky stargazing within the Scenic Rim

As described by Alex Spurway (@spurwaya on Instagram), “Anywhere around Lake Moogerah is good for star gazing, but Haigh Park is by far the most popular and easily accessible. It’s possible to get right down to the shores of the lake here, where you’ll be treated with glassy, mirror-like reflections.

This spot is good for Astro year round, as it has a wide aspect with views to the east, south and west. It is also one of the most predictable clear, still and calm spots for star gazing. There are also opportunities for camping in private campgrounds that front the lake.”

Haigh Park stands as a favourite by our Scenic Rim photographers, with Katie Dew (@katiedew_ on Instagram) summing it up as “Family friendly, where you can pack a picnic, watch the sunset and the stars come out to play.”

Lake Moogerah was a prime viewpoint of the once-in-a-lifetime Aurora Australis which visited the Scenic Rim in 2024. See Lachlan Gardiner’s amazing images of the Aurora Australis over Lake Moogerah here. (@lachlan_gardiner).

Keen to make the most of your visit with an overnight stay? Take a look at the accommodation and places to dine in Boonah and the surrounding area here.

By day, Robert Sowter Park is a picnicker’s paradise, with wide grassy lawns and a view to die for. By night, visitors can soak in a different view – one that’s best enjoyed lying flat on a rug and with binoculars handy.

To quote Alex Spurway, Robert Sowter Park is “A very accessible spot on the western escarpment of Mount Tamborine. Its elevation and western aspect reward you with expansive views over the Scenic Rim, towards Beaudesert.

There are no trees blocking the view, so you can get an incredibly open and clear view of the night sky, as well as the twinkling lights of the back roads and small farming communities at the bottom of the mountain.

The rolling grassy hill is perfect for a picnic at sunset while you wait for the night sky to darken and the stars to come out. This spot is particularly good in winter, as the Milky Way core is visible in on the western horizon.”

With views so good you won’t want to leave, we recommend spending the night on Tamborine Mountain at these accommodation options.

The shadow of our region’s mystic mountains colliding with a star-studded sky is the recipe for a jaw-dropping picture, so where better to enjoy views of our mystic mountains than Mount Barney Region?

“Southeast Queensland’s tallest mountain is the perfect backdrop for a starry night sky. The open plains and grassy fields around the base of Mount Barney provide excellent vantage points for not only the mountain itself, but an open window to the night sky.

The Mount Barney area is one of the darkest parts of the Scenic Rim, far from any artificial light sources, so this is where you’ll find the purest night sky viewing experience out here – it feels truly remote, you’ll be lucky to see the lights of a passing car. There are opportunities for camping in private campgrounds in the area (pictured), or you can venture into Mount Barney National Park itself. Just be careful to not enter private property”- Alex Spurway.

To capture the night sky at its best, take a leaf out of Katie Dew’s book and try “camping in the wonderful Mt Barney National Park where you can appreciate darker skies away from light pollution. This is a really good location for late season (Aug-Nov) to watch the entire galactic core dance across the sky.”

You’ll also find Mount Maroon in Mount Barney region, which is a favourite spot to visit for Casey Eveleigh (@casey_eveleigh in Instagram). “Whether it be Mount Maroon or Lake Maroon, watching the stars glimmer above in this spectacular scenery is just so grand. It’s truly an unforgettable moment that will make you want to stay until the sun rises.”

While the pristine wilderness of Mount Barney Region is a welcome getaway from light pollution, its trails are difficult to recognise in low light and our astrophotographers aren’t overnighting on our mountain peaks. Venture out on Mount Barney Region’s trails throughout the day, then take to our open country roads or the starlit patios of these accommodation providers to take in panoramic views of the Milky Way with Mount Barney as your backdrop.

True to its name, The Lost World is a region where it’s easy to get lost in nature’s beauty, including the night sky.

Casey Eveleigh sums up the stargazing experience perfectly; “With its seemingly endless rolling hills and long dirt roads that lead up into the mountains, the scenery here makes you feel relaxed. Watching the universe go by here makes you feel well and truly lost in a world of wonder.”

Where can you kick your feet up under a star-flecked sky? Katie Dew’s suggests “indulging in the Lost World region’s beautiful Airbnbs where you can step outside at night and be under a sky full of stars. In these places, it’s so hard to imagine you’re little over an hour’s drive away from Brisbane.”

Take a look at your new favourite Lost World places to stay for stargazing here.

Home to the Scenic Rim Astronomy Association (SRAA), the Old Laravale School is the real deal when it comes to stargazing.

To our avid astronomers, you’ll find the SRAA armed with binoculars and telescopes at the Old Laravale School on the regular, and they love to share their sightings with anyone who’s interested. This group specialises in finding your more ‘deep sky’ attractions with their 5 – 15 telescopes (with lenses up to 56cm in diameter) and its regulars are equally knowledgeable in the stories behind space’s iconic constellations.

You’re never fighting for space to roll out the rug as the group meet on the cricket pitch beside the Old Laravale School, just 80 minutes’ drive from Brisbane’s CBD. They offer plenty of public viewing nights – indulge your inner astronomer in good company on these evenings.

As it’ll be a late one learning all about the cosmos, find yourself a resting place right nearby in these places to stay.

For the ultimate stargazing experience, book yourself a celestial night of stargazing, education and indulgence at Barney Creek Vinyard Cottages.

Barney Creek Vineyard has partnered with renowned astrophysicist and TEDx speaker, Dr. Dimitri Douchin to bring you an evening of touring the cosmos, accompanied by their own produce.

Dr. Dimitri will draw on over a decade of astrology study to take you on a journey through constellations, planets, and deep-space objects, using state-of-the-art telescopes and laser-guided constellation storytelling.

While you feast your eyes, your palette will also be fed with award-winning estate-grown wine, and a mini cheese board.

It’s only so often you can sit with a renowned astrologer like Dr. Dimitri, so maximise your time spent lost in the constellations by booking accommodation at Barney Creek Vineyard’s very own delightfully renovated cottage. Watch their website and social media channels to see when they’re running their next session.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to our astrophotographers Alex Spurway, Katie Dew and Casey Eveleigh and Lachlan Gardiner for their contribution to this blog, and to our Scenic Rim social media community. We’re incredibly lucky to have such skilled photographers frequent our region, and we’re grateful for you sharing your top stargazing locations with us.

Want your Scenic Rim snaps featured on our social media? Tag us @visitscenicrim or use #scenicrim and #visitscenicrim whenever you post, for your chance to be reposted.