International Dark Sky Week 2027

Stargazing with Dave

April 2027 · Norfolk Island

Join astronomer Dave Reneke under some of the clearest, darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. One week only, this April.

Register your interest

If you thought the night sky was just stars, you've been seriously undersold

On a clear night on Norfolk Island, the Milky Way doesn't just appear. It dominates.

"It's like someone's spilled a bucket of stars across the sky. You don't just look up… you fall into it." — Dave Reneke

Norfolk Island sits far from mainland light pollution, offering some of the darkest, clearest skies accessible to Australians. This isn't a telescope in a city park. This is the universe, unfiltered.

And for one week in April 2027, during International Dark Sky Week, you're invited to see it properly.

Milky Way visible over Norfolk Island's dark night sky

A week-long immersion in the night sky

Science. Storytelling. The cosmos brought down to Earth, literally.

Expert-led stargazing

  • Guided telescope sessions with Dave Reneke
  • Naked-eye sky tours. Learn what you're actually seeing
  • Late-night sky talks under the stars
  • No jargon, no textbooks. Just the universe in plain English

Hands-on experience

  • Handle genuine meteorites
  • Touch real lunar samples. Actual Moon rock
  • Astrophotography sessions for beginners
  • No velvet ropes or museum glass

Rare location

  • Norfolk Island's pristine dark skies
  • Far from light pollution
  • Milky Way visible to the naked eye
  • One of the Southern Hemisphere's best astro-tourism destinations

Why you don't want to miss this

Astronomer Dave Reneke at the Parkes Radio Telescope

Meet Dave Reneke

An astronomer who's spent a lifetime translating the universe into language anyone can understand. No jargon, no academic papers, just someone who loves showing people what they're looking at.

"It's just looking up and knowing what you're seeing. Once that clicks, it changes you."
Pristine night sky over Norfolk Island with no light pollution

Why Norfolk Island

Far from mainland light pollution, this is one of the darkest, clearest skies accessible to Australians. The Milky Way doesn't just appear here. It dominates.

"We're losing the night sky without even noticing. Places like Norfolk Island are becoming rare treasures."
Deep-sky astronomy image

International Dark Sky Week

Held every April during the week of the New Moon, when skies are at their darkest. Dave's tour is timed alongside it for the best possible conditions.

"You can stand on that island, look up, and realise you're part of something enormous."
The Eagle Nebula

Why 2027 is the year to go

Light pollution is increasing globally, and opportunities like this, with an expert guide, in pristine conditions, don't come around often.

"You might never look at the Moon the same way again."

Your week on Norfolk Island

Tue 6 / Wed 14 April
Arrival Day
Airport transfer and welcome
Check-in to accommodation
Welcome function with canapés and drinks
Meet Dave and your fellow stargazers
Days 2–6
Stargazing & Exploration
Island Discovery Tour
2 indoor astronomy presentations with Dave
4 telescope night viewings under the stars
Group picnic and safe solar viewing
Free time to explore Norfolk Island
Tue 13 / Wed 21 April
Departure Day
Farewell scenic BBQ dinner the evening prior
Final breakfast and farewells
Airport transfer home

Travel packages

What's included

Both departures include the same full week with Dave. Choose whichever dates suit, then add anything else to your trip below.

Telescope stargazing session on Norfolk Island Brisbane Departure

7 nights · Tue 6 April – Tue 13 April 2027

  • Return economy airfares
  • 7 nights' accommodation
  • Return airport transfer
  • Car rental (1 per unit)
  • Island Discovery Tour
  • Welcome function
  • 2 astronomy presentations
  • 4 telescope night viewings
  • Farewell scenic BBQ dinner
  • Group picnic & solar viewing
From $3,150 pp twin share · $3,790 solo
Stars over Norfolk Island coastline Sydney Departure

7 nights · Wed 14 April – Wed 21 April 2027

  • Return economy airfares
  • 7 nights' accommodation
  • Return airport transfer
  • Car rental (1 per unit)
  • Island Discovery Tour
  • Welcome function
  • 2 astronomy presentations
  • 4 telescope night viewings
  • Farewell scenic BBQ dinner
  • Group picnic & solar viewing
From $3,150 pp twin share · $3,790 solo

Limited places available. Pricing per person. Stargazing activities are weather-dependent.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you book

Absolutely not. Dave designs these tours for complete beginners. If you can look up, you're qualified.

Weather is always a factor with stargazing. If cloud cover prevents evening sessions, Dave will fill time with indoor talks, meteorite handling, and astrophotography theory. Previous tours have always had multiple clear nights.

Nothing. All telescopes and equipment are provided. If you have your own binoculars or camera, bring them but they're not required.

Not very. Stargazing sessions involve standing or sitting outdoors for 1–3 hours. No hiking or strenuous activity required.

Absolutely. Dave is excellent with young astronomers. Recommended for ages 10+.

Yes! Contact Norfolk Island Travel Co to customise your package with additional nights before or after the tour.

Please contact Norfolk Island Travel Co for full booking and cancellation terms.

What Past Participants Say

★★★★★
"I thought I'd seen stars before. I was wrong. This experience was humbling in the best possible way. Dave made the universe feel accessible and deeply personal."
Sarah M.
Melbourne · Previous Stargazing Tour Participant
★★★★★
"Better than therapy but with more stars. I came to Norfolk Island for a holiday. I left with a completely different perspective on life, the universe, and my place in it."
David K.
Sydney · Previous Stargazing Tour Participant
★★★★★
"Dave doesn't just teach you astronomy. He changes the way you look at the sky forever. Now every time I look up, I see stories, not just dots."
Emma T.
Brisbane · Previous Stargazing Tour Participant

See the universe properly.

Limited places available. Register your interest now and we'll be in touch with full pricing and booking details as soon as they're confirmed.

Register your interest