PROTECTING OUR DARK SKY

We are incredibly proud to announce that Kestrel Nest EcoHut has been recognised as Australia’s FIRST DarkSky Approved Lodging by DarkSky International. This prestigious recognition underscores our continuing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings while still providing an unparalleled guest experience.

What does DarkSky Approved Lodging mean?

It means that Kestrel Nest EcoHut not only has exceptionally dark skies for excellent stargazing, but also and more importantly, we are doing what we can to minimise light pollution for the benefit of humans, animals and plants on Highfield Farm & Woodland.

Why is this important?

Life on Earth has depended on the predictable rhythm of day and night for billions of years. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night.

Sadly most Australians live in light pollution-affected areas. Statistics reveal that Australians are exposed to more light pollution than other G20 countries, including France, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, India, and China and light pollution exposure has increased by over a third in Australia since 2012.

Addressing light pollution is not only about being able to view the stars. It’s about protecting ecosystems, preserving human health, and fostering a more sustainable relationship with the natural world.

Experiencing our DarkSky at Kestrel Nest EcoHut

There’s nothing quite like the hush of nightfall at Highfield Farm & Woodland — no streetlights, no background glow, just a sky ablaze with stars. So when staying with us, we suggest you start your stargazing experience before you leave home!

How to do this…

Step 1 – Plan For Your Experience

• Plan your trip. The best time for stargazing is a few days after the full Moon or a few days after the New Moon. Check the Moon Plus app to see the Moon cycle dates.
• Pack a torch and warm clothes, including a beanie, if staying in cooler months.
• Download a stargazing app – Stellarium is good, but there are many. Just remember that Kestrel Nest EcoHut is totally off-grid, including no mobile connectivity, so choose an app with downloadable off-line capability.

Step 2 – Prepare before it gets dark

• Find the torch.
• Find the stargazing hammocks. They are in the alcoves beside the bunks).
• Hook them up on the wooden posts at the back of the hut. The posts have chains on them. Hook the carabiners onto the central link.
• Get your warm clothes, beanie etc ready.

Step 3 – When it is dark

• Grab the torch. Turn off all the lights at Kestrel Nest (this is a MUST!) Turn the torch off and look up. Lounge in the stargazing hammocks if you’d prefer. Give your eyes a little time to adjust. Keep that torch off unless you want to move about. The longer you linger, the more you will see.
• Look with just your eyes, or if you like to know what you are looking at, use the stargazing app.
• Bathe with the stars. Fill up the bath and starbathe. The bath viewpoint will only give you access to part of the starscape as the bath is positioned under the verandah, but it is worth it.
• A Bookish Gaze. There are books at Kestrel Nest about stars, stargazing and the immense universe.

Future Plans

We are currently working on developing more ways for you to enjoy our Dark Skies. Stay tuned for even more exciting and unique experiences at Kestrel Nest Echo Hut.

About the DarkSky International Lodging Program

Founded in 2023, the DarkSky International Lodging Program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality companies to actively participate in safeguarding the night from the damaging effects of light pollution while providing their guests with an awe-inspiring and educational experience under pristine dark skies. Find other DarkSky places in Australia here.

Find other DarkSky Approved Lodging stays via the website here.

About DarkSky International

The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the night-time environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more on the DarkSky website.