Group: Dark Sky Festival

Cultural Walk Tours

Join us for a daily cultural walk tour at Gwoonwardu Mia! Explore the rich Aboriginal history and culture of the Gascoyne. See traditional artifacts and learn about the local customs and traditions. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the land and its people. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind cultural experience!

Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Daily Burlganjya Wanggaya Old People Talking – Listen, Learn and Respect Tours

Join us on a unique tour experience in Gwoonwardu Mia, where you’ll listen to the fascinating stories within the Burlganjya Wanggaya – Old People Talking permanent exhibition. Immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage, learn from their wisdom and respect their traditions. Get ready to be captivated by their tales and be inspired by their resilience and strength.

Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Aboriginal Night Sky Stories

The Aboriginal Dark Sky Stories evenings at Gwoonwardu Mia promises to be a mesmerizing and captivating experience. Against the backdrop of the stunning night sky, visitors will be transported to a world of ancient tales and legends, as the indigenous guides share their rich cultural heritage through the power of storytelling. As the stars twinkle above, the stories come to life, painting a vivid picture of the significance of the night sky in the lives of the Aboriginal people. These unique and unforgettable evenings offer a rare opportunity to connect with the rich traditions of the past, while also experiencing the beauty of the night sky in a truly immersive way. Join us at Gwoonwardu Mia for a night under the stars like no other!

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Aboriginal Art Workshops

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s indigenous people through our engaging and interactive aboriginal art workshops at Gwoonwardu Mia. Experience the beauty and spiritual significance of traditional painting, storytelling, and cultural activities. Learn from local artists, connect with nature, and leave with a unique artwork that celebrates your journey. Join us now and immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Gwoonwardu Mia.

Workshop Dates:

14 April – 19 April 2023

21 April – 25 April 2023

Please note, the venue will be closed 20 April 2023

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

(g) Astronomy Dinner *SOLD OUT*

Please be advised this event has now sold out. Tickets are still available for the Fervor Dark Sky Dining Dinner on Sunday the 23rd of April at Four Mile Creek, Onslow.

There’s never quite been dinner under the stars like this before. The astronomical rarity of a solar eclipse, the canopy of the glittering WA skies, and the region’s incredible produce – with a Welcome to Country to initiate the evening. Beloved public figure and author, Broome astronomer Greg Quicke – known as Space Gandalf – will also be at the dinner to chat with guests and talk through the significance of the Dark Sky Festival.
Even the beautiful wines you’ll be drinking have been influenced by the stars. Made by Vanya Cullen of Wilyabrup’s Cullen Wines, she practises biodynamic viticulture; a method that recognises the link between plant growth and the rhythms of the cosmos. Her New Moon wine series will be served on this heavenly evening.
Bookings are essential for this spectacular event held on Thursday the 20th of April at Exmouth Yacht Club from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets are $200pp + booking fee. Please note that most dietary requirements can be accommodated and can be specified at the time of booking your ticket.

g(Astronomy) Dinner Menu

Canapés on Arrival
Half Shell Scallop, Sauce Ravigote

Chicken Rillettes, Pepper Berry & Herb Biscotti, Beetroot Relish, Smoked Horseradish
Seeded Cracker, Smoked Eggplant & Tahini Puree, Pickle Shallots, Coriander gf, df, vg

Tapas
Artisan Breads, Whipped Salted Butter & Olives
Pulled Pork Croquette, Paprika Mayo, Pickled Apple, Pork Floss, Cider Glazed Chorizo

Main Course
Brolos Western Rock Lobster, Local Snapper, Exmouth Prawns, Lemon & Dill Beurre Blanc gf

Vegetarian Option
Miso Glazed Eggplant, Grilled Halloumi, Zucchini & Eggplant Pickle, Roasted Tomato v

Shared Sides
Roasted Crushed Potatoes, gf, df, v
Whole Roast Cauliflower, Confit Garlic, Raisins, Toasted Nuts, Smoked Paprika, Manchego gf, v

Dessert
Chocolate Delice, Feuilletine, Peanut Crumble & Cherry Gel

Followed By
Gesha Coffee Co, The Queen’s Crown Plunger Coffee & T2 Loose Leaf Teas
Assam GFOP, Peppermint, Chamomile, China Green Sencha

Cullen Wines, ‘Supernatural’ Range
2022 Rose Moon sparkling on arrival
2022 Mangan Vineyard Red Moon
2022 Dancing In The Sun
2022 Dancing in the Moonlight

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program and (g) Astronomy Dinner menu is subject to change 

Fervor Dark Sky Dining *Sunday night tickets available. Friday has SOLD OUT*

This is where astronomy meets gastronomy. With chef, Paul ‘Yoda’ Iskov, and his team from Fervor, this multi-course dinner set under the night sky, will be an unforgettable dining experience. A menu focusing on locally sourced and specifically native Australian ingredients, Paul brings the excitement of the region to every dish.
An evening connecting land and sky set at Four Mile Creek (Friday) and Onslow Sun Chalets (Sunday), this is a magnificent once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. Ticket price includes matched Cullen wines and bus transfer to and from Four Mile Creek and Onslow Sun Chalets – we will be in contact with ticket holders with pick-up times and locations as parking is limited. Please note that most dietary requirements can be accommodated and can be specified at the time of booking your ticket. Fervor Dark Sky Dining is on Friday the 21st of April (SOLD OUT) and Sunday the 23rd of April from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets are $250 + booking fee

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER HAS NOW SOLD OUT. THE SUNDAY NIGHT DINNER AT ONSLOW SUN CHALETS STILL HAS TICKETS AVAILABLE*

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Fremantle Biennale’s First Light Drone Show at Town Beach

Join us for First Lights: Nyinggulu on Town Beach in Exmouth – a spectacle of light and sound that illuminates the night sky to share ancient stories of place. Guided by Baiyungu custodian Hazel Walgar of the Nyinggulu coast and Yingarrda-Wadjarri artist Sonya Edney, the spectacular Dreaming story of the great eclipse will resound across the night sky. This is the story born from silence, of Jirndarl and Willarda, the sun, the moon and their first encounter. Produced by the Fremantle Biennale, this is an epic-scale aerial choreography consisting of a fleet of 160 light drones.

Before the Drone Show, come down earlier to Town Beach to enjoy an Indigenous cultural event, with a selection of music and dance. From the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation’s Jamba Nyinayi Festival, this event will feature innovative performances from community dance projects with the Coral Spawn Dancers, The Jundaru Bulgarbi Crew and the Pundarra Guntharri Dancers showcasing both contemporary and traditional dance. Original music performances with Olive Knight and John Bennet compositions that centre around the traditional Baiyungu story of the eclipse – the meeting of Willara and Jirndarl – and the Jamba Nyinayi Band performing, featuring Raymond Edney, Wesley Mongoo and Jenaya Lawrence. Proudly presented by the State Government of Western Australia in conjunction with Lotterywest and the Shire of Exmouth, tickets are not required for this event.

Catch one of the courtesy bus shuttles down to Town Beach to secure your viewing spot.
First Lights: Nyinggulu is on from 5pm – 8:15pm on Thursday the 20th of April.

You can find out more about the Fremantle Biennale’s First Light Drone Show here

Image credit: First Lights — Moombaki (2021). Courtesy of Fremantle Biennale. Photo: Duncan Wright

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change

Solar Eclipse Street Party at Onslow Foreshore

Join us on Onslow Foreshore! In an event lasting close to three hours, the sun, the moon, and the earth will align to create a Total Solar Eclipse, a unique and fully immersive astronomical event, just off the Western Australian coast. The eclipse will be visible from Onslow and across the Shire of Ashburton which lies just outside the path of totality. The coastal areas around Onslow will experience a deep partial eclipse of over 99% of the Sun covered.

To commemorate this unique event in history, the Shire of Ashburton along with Tourism WA will be hosting a week-long celebration of events in the town of Onslow including a street party along the Onslow Foreshore on the day of the Eclipse. The day will kick off at the beginning of the solar eclipse at 10am, which will occur over a period of 3 hours. Following the eclipse, there will be live music, market stalls, food, and entertainment along the Foreshore. The party will continue into the evening with some big names on the big stage. Don’t miss it!

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change

A Symphony of Music

Get ready to experience an epic musical journey like never before at the A Symphony of Music for Solar Eclipse on the 20 April. Featuring an incredible line-up of talented musicians, this event promises to be a day to remember. The Perth Symphony Orchestra will take you on a journey through the celestial skies with their breathtaking renditions of classical masterpieces. Tura’s Narli Ensemble celebrates Indigenous icons Stephen Pigram and Mark Atkins with renowned Australian artists, taking you on an inspiring musical journey.

Caravana Sun and Murphy Brothers will keep the energy high with their electrifying performances, fusing rock and reggae with world music. The Main Street of Carnarvon will be transformed into a musical paradise as these talented musicians come together to create an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the beauty of the solar eclipse and be swept away by the sounds of some of the most talented musicians in Australia.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change 

Scitech – in the Ningaloo Centre

Scitech will inspire audiences when they deliver a selection of their awesomely educational STEM-based shows and activities for kids at the Ningaloo Centre. Scitech’s events include:
Start Here, Go Anywhere
A hands-on experience that allows visitors to explore, investigate and discover the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Packed with interactive exhibits, brain-bending challenges and awesome tech, it’s guaranteed to ignite curiosity in kids and adults alike. Open from 9am – 4pm daily. Free! Just drop on by!
Science shows
These free shows are 30 minutes each and there’s no need to book.
Under Pressure (10am and 2pm daily)
Explore just how much pressure we’re really under as we use nothing but the ocean of air around us – and a little bit of science – to turn your world inside out and upside down. Although we can’t see it, air pressure is responsible for loads of everyday phenomena – everything from how to open jars, to how our lungs work, to what happens to humans when they go into space. Join our Science Presenters to investigate, ask questions, make predictions, and test our ideas to understand some of the more surprising and unusual effects it has on the world around us
Hot vs Cold (11am and 3pm daily – please note there will be no 11am show on the day of the eclipse, Thursday 20th of April)
Two temperatures enter, one temperature leaves – and the results are sure to surprise! Our science presenters explore how the hidden properties of materials affect how heat forms, flows and feels with this astonishing demonstration of thermodynamics. Audiences will make predictions and test ideas in this ultimate showdown between hot and cold.

*Please note the Dark Sky Festival program is subject to change

Last Reviewed: 2023-04-17