the Night Sky Secrets – Astronomy Dinner Tours experience brings you out to our dark-sky location on the 5,000-acre Kanjini property, about 1 hour from Cairns CBD, for an evening of dinner, storytelling, and guided astronomy viewing.

We run seasonal tours in Far North Queensland from April to November, timed around moonless or near moonless nights so you can get better views of nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, planets, and the southern sky. Some tours also line up with special celestial events such as planetary conjunctions, comets, and nova stars.

During the evening, we share a hot meal at sunset, talk about astronomy in a simple and engaging way, and include Aboriginal perspectives on the southern skies along with stories and ideas from the ancient world. After dark, we guide you through the sky using large aperture telescopes, usually 8-inch, 10-inch, or 12-inch reflecting telescopes.

Our tours are suited to first-time stargazers, curious travellers, and experienced astronomers alike. We keep the group small, with a maximum of 12 guests plus staff, so the evening stays personal and relaxed.

Most tours are self-drive tag-a-long experiences with a tablelands meeting point between Kuranda and Mareeba. Group transfers from Cairns may also be arranged separately, subject to availability and minimum numbers. Private tours can also be arranged for couples, families, schools, scouts, and other interest groups.

Features

• Seasonal astronomy dinner tour in Far North Queensland
• Dark-sky viewing on the Kanjini property
• Hot meal at sunset
• Aboriginal astronomy stories and perspectives
• Guided southern sky interpretation
• Deep sky viewing through large aperture telescopes
• Views of nebulae, galaxies, star clusters and planets
• Small group experience limited to 12 guests
• Self-drive tag-a-long format
• Optional transfers from Cairns by arrangement
• Private tours available by request
• Optional overnight camping on site for self-sufficient campers, subject to availability

Itinerary

Meeting on the Atherton Tablelands

We begin with a meet-up on the tablelands near Kay Road off the Kennedy Highway, between Kuranda and Mareeba. From here, guests follow us in a self-drive tag-a-long format to our viewing site on the Kanjini property. Dedicated van or coach transfers may be arranged separately for group bookings.

Arrival at Kanjini

Once on site, you will settle into our outback dark-sky location and get oriented for the evening. This setting, around 1 hour from Cairns CBD, gives us a much darker sky than the city and better viewing conditions for deep sky objects.

Sunset Dinner

As the sun sets, we share a hot meal together and begin the evening with relaxed astronomy discussion. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks. This part of the tour gives you time to enjoy the setting, ask questions, and prepare for the night sky session.

Stories of the Southern Sky

After dinner, we introduce the sky from both astronomy science and Indigenous knowledge perspectives. We share Aboriginal astronomy stories and lore, along with stories and ideas connected to the ancient world and the wider history of skywatching. This gives context to what you will see overhead during the night.

Telescope Viewing Session

Once the sky is fully dark, we guide you through the southern sky using large aperture telescopes. Depending on conditions and the time of year, we may show nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, planets, bright stars, and constellations. Tours are planned around moonless or near moonless nights where possible to make faint deep sky objects easier to see.

Special Celestial Events

On selected dates, tours may also highlight celestial events such as planetary conjunctions, comets, or nova stars. Private tours outside the darker moon phases can also be arranged, with a stronger focus on the moon, planets, constellations, and brighter star fields.

Return Travel

At the end of the evening, self-drive guests make their own way back after the tour. For arranged group transfer tours, return to Cairns is usually around 10:30pm. Self-sufficient campers may also be able to stay overnight on the property, subject to availability.

Meeting Point & Times

• Tour season: April to November each year in Far North Queensland
• Tour timing: Scheduled from 3 days after the full moon to 3 days after the new moon for darker sky conditions
• Usual operating nights: Typically Saturday nights
• Extra departures: Midweek nights may be available during periods of high demand
• Meeting format: Self-drive tag-a-long tour
• Meeting point: Near Kay Rd off the Kennedy Highway, between Kuranda and Mareeba
• Tour location: Kanjini property, about 1 hour from Cairns CBD

Return time for transfer-based group tours: Approx. 10:30pm to Cairns
Transfers: Available by arrangement for dedicated group tours

Transfer cost: Usually $50 per person, booked separately from tour cost, minimum 4 people
Private tours: Available within the season and sometimes from December to March on short notice, weather permitting

What To Bring

• Comfortable clothing for an outdoor evening
• Closed shoes suitable for a rural property
• A warm layer for cooler nights
• BYO drinks if you would like them with dinner
• Any personal medications you may need
• Camping gear if staying overnight as a self-sufficient camper

Additional Information

• Adult price: $157
• Child price: $97 for ages 6 to 15
• Family Astro package: $395
• You Both & 2 Mates package: $495
• Minimum guest numbers apply: 6 guests required for a tour night to proceed
• Maximum group size: 12 guests plus staff
• All tours are weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are unsuitable
• Private personalised tours are available for individuals, couples, schools, scout groups, and other interest groups
• Specialist telescope setups for astrophotography or very large aperture viewing may be arranged on request at additional cost
• Hand sanitisation is provided on arrival
• Hand washing is encouraged before meals
• Dining surfaces and facilities are cleaned before and after meals
• Shared telescopes are cleaned regularly
• Eco-friendly disposable plates, cups, and cutlery are used
• Accessibility information has not been specified