Group: Dark Sky Festival

2022 Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition at the Ningaloo Centre

Astronomy and Art – it’s all on at the Ningaloo Centre.
Visitors are invited to see an exhibition of Western Australian astrophotography at The Ningaloo Centre Tantabiddi Travelling Gallery, curated by Roger Groom. The exhibition will be on every day of the festival – and for the entire month of April. Roger has been the curator of Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition for the last 3 years.
This is a wonderful opportunity to see incredible astrophotography produced here in WA and gain a deeper understanding of the works and astrophotography through discussion with esteemed astrophotographer Roger Groom
Free talks by Roger Groom:
He will be holding free talks at the gallery on
Sunday the 16th of April at 11am
Tuesday the 18th of April at 2pm
Then on Friday 9 am-12:00 pm join Roger for the BYO “Best of your eclipse” Event. This is designed to help enthusiasts get more from their own eclipse photography, in this workshop guests will learn from others, from Roger, and build up their astrophotography knowledge. Guests are welcome to arrive from 9 am to mingle with other astrophotographers. Roger will arrive at 10 am, encouraging all photographers to talk about their photographs, while offering his experience and suggestions on image processing and astrophotography tips. Enthusiasts can come and go at any time but Roger will be on hand until 12 pm

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

Roger Groom Astro Photography Workshops at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse *Sold Out*

Please be advised this event at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse has now sold out. There are free talks by Roger Groom at the Tantabiddi Gallery on Sunday the 16th of April at 11am and Tuesday the 18th of April at 2pm. Also, on Friday 9 am-12:00 pm you can join Roger and fellow astrophotographers for the BYO “Best of your eclipse photo” gathering. In addition, free stargazing will be available in our telescope fields on Koobooroo Oval with Astrotourism WA. Sessions run from 6.45 pm to 9.15pm, with the Green Laser Pointer Tours repeated at 7 pm, 7.45 pm and 8.30 pm nightly.

Shoot (for) the stars!
Roger Groom of Astro Photography Australia has been capturing astrophotography for over 20 years and will be leading workshops to help you enjoy astrophotography and achieve the best you can with your photography equipment. The workshops Roger will provide at Exmouth will include Astro Photography info sessions together with practical field workshops, and facilitating group discussion and sharing of your solar eclipse photography to inspire and improve your results.
Not only has Roger been active in the WA astronomy community with roles including Chairperson of the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, but Roger has been curator of the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition from 2020 to 2022 inclusive. His astrophotography workshops enable others to enjoy the night sky through photography while offering fantastic hints and hacks in this incredible art form. Enjoy mentoring on your astrophotography techniques and methods and bring your equipment and questions for a fun star-filled night.
Bookings essential and tickets are for the heavily subsidised cost of $45 + booking fee
Must bring your own camera, tripod and head torch/torch
Join him at the Dark Sky Festival for one of his workshops:
*SOLD OUT*  Sunday 16th of April, 1-3pm (Theoretical workshop – Tantabiddi Gallery, Ningaloo Centre)
*SOLD OUT*  Sunday 16th of April, 7-9pm (Practical field workshop – Vlamingh Head Lighthouse)
*SOLD OUT*  Tuesday 18th April, 7-9 pm (Practical field workshop – Vlamingh Head Lighthouse)

Roger’s practical field workshops will be held at VLAMINGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

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

Public Talk and Book Signing by Greg ‘Space Gandalf’ Quicke

Beloved public figure and author, Broome astronomer Greg Quicke, lovingly known as Space Gandalf, will present a public talk and book signing on Friday 21st of April from 11am – 12pm in the Ningaloo Centre.
Paying particular attention to the power of the Total Solar Eclipse, Space Gandalf, will present an hour-long presentation of our home planet’s position in space. He’ll explore the very real relationships within our planetary, stellar and galactic neighbourhoods.
Based on his books, ‘Earth Turning Consciousness – an Exercise in Planetary Awareness’ and ‘Is The Moon Upside Down?, and translated to television through the ABC’s multi-award winning documentary, ‘A Stargazer’s Guide to the Cosmos’, Greg’s guided journey under the magnificent Exmouth night sky will inspire all curious minds.

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

SolFest Music Festival at Talanjee Oval with The Waifs (Weds), Hot Dub Time Machine (Thurs) & Caravana Sun (Fri)

Where SOUL meets the SOLAR ECLIPSE at TALANJEE OVAL!
See below for artists’ set times

Join us for a FREE three-day festival of music, food and astronomy held on Talanjee Oval, Exmouth from Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st April, Solfest has something inspiring and fun for every member of the family. Enjoy incredible live performances that change nightly, including The Waifs (Weds), Hot Dub Time Machine (Thurs) and Caravan Sun (Fri)! No two evenings are the same. There’s also delicious food trucks and the Dark Sky Festival Astrotent for kids from 5 pm to 7 pm nightly, including fun astronomy and art projects, games, the bubble atmosphere, and more!

WEDNESDAY
5:00PM – 6:00PM DJ FLO TATION
6:00PM – 6:10PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
6:15PM – 7:00PM BELLE HARVEY
7:20PM – 8:05PM BOOX KID
8:30PM – 10:00PM THE WAIFS

THURSDAY
5:00PM – 6:00PM DJ NDORSE
6:00PM – 6:10PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
6:15PM – 7:00PM HAVE A GOOD DAY
7:20PM – 8:05PM PRISCILLA
8:30PM – 10:30PM HOT DUB TIME MACHINE

FRIDAY
5:00PM – 6:00PM DJ FLO TATION
6:00PM – 6:10PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
6:15PM – 7:00PM BLUEBONE TRIO
7:20PM – 8:05PM DREA
8:30PM – 10:00PM CARAVANA SUN

Admission is free to this alcohol-free event at Talanjee Oval. SolFest is open:
Wednesday the 19th,  4:30pm – 10pm
Thursday the 20th,  4:30pm – 10:30pm
Friday the 21st,  4:30pm – 10pm

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

Dark Sky Festival Seafood BBQ *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.

Enjoy a seaside dinner at dusk in the beautiful Exmouth Yacht Club with a seafood BBQ buffet. On the evening before the eclipse, WA’s magnificent fruits of the ocean will be showcased at this beautiful dinner.
While the final menu is still under wraps, guests can expect Exmouth BBQ Prawns, grilled line-caught grilled fish, Malaysian satay skewers, coal-roasted corn, baby cos hearts salad, potatoes, and bread, finished with a delicious whiskey & pear tart for dessert. Setting the scene, there’ll be live acoustic music playing against the backdrop of the twinkling Exmouth Gulf.
Bookings are essential for the Dark Sky Festival Seafood BBQ – and are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets are $65 + booking fee and includes food. Drinks can be purchased in addition at the bar. Please note there are two sittings for the Dark Sky Festival Seafood BBQ: 5:30pm – 7:15pm and 7:45 – 9:30pm
Please note that most dietary requirements can be accommodated and can be specified at the time of booking your ticket. A kids menu is available: Seafood Basket and Dessert $25 (13 years and younger)

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

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

Totality Brunch at Exmouth Yacht Club

The Totality Brunch at Exmouth Yacht Club is your front-row seat to the eclipse, complemented by all-inclusive food and drink showcasing the freshest flavours of WA, including Brolos Western Rock Lobster rolls, Exmouth prawns and lamb cooked over coals, matched with Cullen wines and much more.

Exmouth Yacht Club will play host to the event on Town Beach, for what is guaranteed to be a truly memorable event. There’ll be seating, shaded areas, beachside live BBQ stations, entertainment and the ultimate West Australian menu for the whole family to enjoy.

MENU
Canapés on Arrival
Gochujang Marinated Exmouth Prawn Skewers, Coriander Aioli df
Chimichurri Beef, Watermelon Radish, Horseradish Labneh, Tostada
Seeded Cracker, Smoked Eggplant & Tahini Puree, Pickle Shallots, Coriander gf, df, vg
Brolos Western Rock Lobster Roll, Poached Lobster, Paprika Aioli, Cos, Crusty Roll
Artisan Breads, Whipped Salted Butter

Shared Feast
Local Snapper, Pickled Cauliflower, Warm Pea & Fennel Salad, Celeriac Puree gf
Sous Vide Lamb Shoulder Chargrilled on Coal, Fermented Hummus, Roasted Local Eggplant, Lamb Jus gf, df

Sides
Whole Roasted Potato Salad, Gherkins, Sour Cream, Chives, Egg gf, v
Coal Roasted Corn, Fermented Onion Butter gf, v
Honey Roasted Carrots, Goats Cheese, Pepita Seed Crumb gf, v

Desserts
Pistachio & Yuzu Tart, Pistachio Sponge
Lemon Myrtle Yoghurt Cake, Lemon Curd Buttercream

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

Kids Astro Menu $40
Canapé on Arrival
Pumpkin Arancini, Red Pepper Jam, Fried Sage v
First course
Chicken Roll, Roast Chicken, Mayo, Cos, Crusty Roll
Main Course
Beer Battered Local Fish, Calamari, Chips, Tomato Sauce
Dessert
Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart, Raspberries
Fresh Solar juice

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

*Menu subject to change

Bookings are essential for this celestial brunch. The ticket price is $200 + booking fee and includes all food and drinks. Child ticket price is $40 per child. Please note that most dietary requirements can be accommodated and can be specified at the time of booking your ticket. Book here to reserve your spot today on Thursday the 20th of April, 10am – 1:30pm.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

**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

Last Reviewed: 2023-04-17