Aussie Explorations Stargazing at Tamborine Mountain

Map View Full Details

An evening under the southern sky on Tamborine Mountain for travellers who are already up there with their own car: a guide, a powerful telescope, a picnic blanket and a glass of wine while you look at the moon's craters, the planets and distant galaxies, and take home a photo of the Milky Way shot through the telescope on your own phone.

Includes

Guided stargazing session with a professional telescope
A glass of wine or one other drink

Use of a picnic blanket and a blanket for warmth
Help taking a photo of the Milky Way on your phone through the telescope

Aussie Explorations Stargazing at Tamborine Mountain

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING: SETTLING IN ON THE MOUNTAIN

This is the stargazing session on its own, for people already on Tamborine Mountain with their own car. The mountain is a volcanic plateau about 550 metres up, high enough to leave much of the coast's haze and glow behind, and cool enough at night that a jacket is a good idea. You meet your guide, find your spot on a picnic blanket with a second blanket to wrap up in, and settle in with a glass of wine or another drink while the professional telescope is set up.

THE SOUTHERN SKY

As the sky darkens, your guide takes you around the stars. The southern hemisphere has the best view of the centre of the galaxy, and on a clear night the Milky Way runs overhead as a pale band with dark dust clouds through it. Your guide shows you how to find the Southern Cross and its two Pointers, then turns the telescope on the craters of the moon, Jupiter and its moons, and Saturn's rings when the planet is up. Distant galaxies and star clusters follow, with the stories and science behind each one.

YOUR MILKY WAY PHOTO

Before you go, your smartphone is attached to the telescope so you can photograph the Milky Way yourself and take it home on your phone. What you see on the night depends on the weather and the moon, and dark, clear nights give the best show.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: On Tamborine Mountain; you need your own transport. The exact meeting place is given when you book.
Duration: About 4 hours.
Please note: What you can see depends on the weather; clear nights with little moonlight give the best views. Saturn is only visible in some months of the year.

What to bring

A warm jacket, as it cools down on the mountain at night
Closed shoes
Your smartphone, charged, for the Milky Way photo

What is included

Guided stargazing session with a professional telescope
A glass of wine or one other drink
Use of a picnic blanket and a blanket for warmth
Help taking a photo of the Milky Way on your phone through the telescope

Not included

Transport — you make your own way on Tamborine Mountain

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.