Region: Exmouth

Free Public Astronomy Talks in Federation Park

Come along to Federation Park on Wednesday the 19th of April and Friday the 21st of April from 10am to 12pm for our free Public Astronomy Talks the whole family will love. The talks will start at 10am and go for 30 minutes each, with the final talk of the day on at 11:30am. Guest speakers and topics include:

Wednesday at 10am
Professor Jingbo Wang, Head of Physics at UWA
Quantum Computing for Radio Astronomy and Other Data Intensive Simulations

Wednesday at 11am
April and Geoff from Astrotourism WA
‘What is a Total Solar Eclipse?’
Discover more about Total Solar Eclipses with a brief talk and Q&A. This is a short informal talk where you can ask lots of questions to find out more

Wednesday at 11:30am
Kryss Katsiavriades, Eclipse Chaser
‘Stories From 18 Eclipses Around The Globe’
Hear tales from a Umbraphile who has seen an enviable amount of eclipses!

Friday at 11am
April and Geoff from Astrotourism WA
‘Astronomy 101’
Discover more about Astronomy with a brief talk and Q&A. This is a short informal talk where you can ask lots of questions to find out more

Plus more!
There’s no need to book – just come along, grab a chair and learn even more about the fascinating world of eclipses

Free Morning Yoga in Federation Park

Join us for Dark Sky Festival Morning Yoga and increase your connection to the eclipse. There are five free classes over Wednesday the 19th, Thursday the 20th (eclipse day) and Friday the 21st of April in Federation Park.

Join yoga teachers Maria, Cass, Meg and Lien from Inhala Yoga Studio, and Kylie from Journey Into Yoga, who have tailored a variety of classes held before and after the eclipse to support and enhance the best of yourself over this rare phenomenon. With your choice of Slow Flow, Hatha, and Vinyasa with a live DJ set, and acro-yoga, you can choose one to suit your mood – or join in on them all! BYO mat or towel and all classes are beginner friendly. While all classes are free, registration is required. Please see below all information and booking links

Wednesday the 19th of April

07:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Slow Flow Yoga with Kylie Scott
Explore Expansion With Ease
An enlivening practice, where Sun meets Moon, combining Solar and Lunar qualities leaving you feeling inspired and grounded. The practice will be moderately paced focussing on mindful movement and breath awareness.
Free – but bookings are required
Book Here

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM AWST
Vinyasa & Music with Maria Jose Buzeta
A cosmic flow
A beginner-friendly practice dedicated to the eclipse. An invigorating experience with a dynamic sequence, releasing tension and stress while celebrating music, movement and freedom. Leave the class with positive vibrations
Free – but bookings are required
Book Here

Thursday the 20th of April – Eclipse Day

07:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Vinyasa by Meg accompanied by Music by Stoney
A rhythmic cleanse
Experience the profound power of combined music, breath and movement in this hour of vinyasa. This beginner-friendly class will start with a gentle warm-up before gradually transitioning into a rhythmic flow that will leave you feeling energised and empowered. Join us for a cleansing sunrise practice!
Free – but bookings are required
Book Here

Friday the 21st of April

07:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Traditional Hatha Flow with Cassandra Pickel
Bright as the Sun
Rise with the sun with an energising and vitalising traditional Hatha Flow practice. Using both dynamic and static postures to create a sense of internal brightness and vibrancy, then finishing off with pranayama (breath work) and meditation to leave you ready to explore this wonderful region of the world
Free – but bookings are required
Book Here

08:30 AM – 09:30 AM AWST
Acro-yoga with Lien Temmerman
Intergalactic connection
In this fun-filled class, explore the foundations of acro-yoga. Together we will go on a journey of connection and trust while sharing the basic elements of basing, flying and spotting. Bring a friend, or come by yourself – fun and laughs are guaranteed
Free – but bookings are required
Book Here

 

*Please note that all class bookings are made via the Mind Body app and you will need to create a profile. All classes are 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

Federation Park – Live Music, Yoga, Public Astronomy Talks, Giant String Puppet, Food Trucks, Market Stalls & More!

An all day & evening Picnic Zone for the whole family!
See below for Federation Park’s activity timetable

Federation Park is a ‘space’ for friends and family to chill out and engage with solar eclipse-themed activities during the Dark Sky Festival. Join us at Federation Park from 7 am on Wednesday the 19th, Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st of April for plenty of FREE events. There’s also delicious food trucks and live music all under the cloak of the magical Exmouth sky. Situated next to Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool (open until 6 pm), gravitate to the lively atmosphere at Federation Park to refuel, refresh, and reinvigorate for your stargazing night ahead.

In the mornings we have free yoga sessions, Public Astronomy Talks and the incredible String Symphony – a large-scale, twinkling, interactive hand-woven puppet that’s brought to life by 12 audience members. Thank you to Lotterywest for being a supporter of this wonderful event. Then from 4:30pm, the buzz amps up with food trucks, live music, and market stalls! Check out everything on offer at Federation Park below:

Mornings
Free Morning Yoga 7am – 10am (free, but bookings are required)
Increase your connection to the eclipse. There are five free classes over Wednesday the 19th, Thursday the 20th (eclipse day) and Friday the 21st of April
Learn more here

Free Public Astronomy Talks 10am – 12pm (no bookings required)
We’ve invited guest speakers to chat about all things Solar Eclipse including topics ‘What is a Total Solar Eclipse?’, ‘Astronomy 101’, and ‘Stories From 18 Eclipses Around The Globe’. Join us on Wednesday the 19th of April and Friday the 21st of April – talks will start at 10am and go for 30 minutes each, with the final talk of the day on at 11:30am. There’s no need to book – just come along, grab a chair and learn even more about the fascinating world of eclipses
Learn more here

String Symphony Giant Illuminated Interactive Puppet 9-10am, 12-1pm, 6-7pm, & 8-9pm
String Symphony is a large-scale, twinkling, interactive hand-woven puppet that’s brought to life by 12 audience members. Participants manipulate the giant interactive installation so onlookers marvel at the beauty of this magnificent creation! String Symphony is for adults and kids alike to enjoy. We would like to thank Lotterywest as a Major Supporter of this wonderful.

Afternoons
Then from 4:30pm, join us for our live music festival, delicious food trucks and local market stalls!

Join us from 7am – 9:30pm daily at Federation Park on Wednesday the 19th until Friday the 21st of April for this fabulous FREE event. Federation Park is an alcohol-free space.

WEDNESDAY
7 AM – 9:30 AM ECLIPSE YOGA
9 AM – 10 AM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
10 AM – 12 PM PUBLIC ASTRONOMY TALKS
12 PM – 1 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM DJ NDORSE
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
5:40 PM – 6:20 PM BLUEBONE SOLO
6 PM – 7 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
6:40 PM – 7:20 PM MISS MAX
7:40 PM – 8:30 PM PRISCILLA
8 PM – 9 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
8:30PM – 9:30PM DJ NDORSE

THURSDAY
7 AM- 8 AM ECLIPSE YOGA
9 AM – 10 AM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM DJ FLO TATION
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
5:40 PM – 6:20 PM JIMMY MCGRATH
6:40 PM – 7:20 PM MISS MAX
6 PM – 7 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
7:40PM – 8:30PM BLUEBONE TRIO
8 PM – 9PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
8:30PM – 9:30PM DJ FLO TATION

FRIDAY
7 AM – 9:30 AM ECLIPSE YOGA
9 AM – 10 AM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
10 AM – 12 PM PUBLIC ASTRONOMY TALKS
12 PM – 1 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
11 AM – 4:30 PM BREAK
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM DJ NDORSE
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM WELCOME TO COUNTRY
5:40 PM – 6:20 PM JIMMY MCGRATH
6:40 PM – 7:20 PM HAVE A GOOD DAY
6 PM – 7 PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET
7:40 PM – 8:30 PM BOOX KID
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM DJ NDORSE
8 PM – 9PM STRING SYMPHONY GIANT ILLUMINATED PUPPET

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

Stargazing Sessions – with Astrotourism WA Astronomy Guides in Koobooroo Oval

What’s up in the night sky? The spectacular stars in the Milky Way Galaxy are waiting for you to see in these incredible stargazing sessions on our telescope fields at Koobooroo Oval.
Explore the night sky with Astrotourism WA Astronomy Guides and volunteers. See an amazing green laser pointer tour of the southern hemisphere night sky constellations. Everything you need will be supplied for you to view the incredible stellar objects, including Venus, the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, star clusters, nebulae and much more.
This is a rare opportunity for this kind of stargazing in the glow of a solar eclipse – so don’t miss out! Bookings are not necessary. 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 in Koobooroo Oval – just next to Federation Park.

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

The Wallal Experiment and Einsteinian Physics – in the Ningaloo Centre

Emeritus Professor David Blair, Australian physicist and professor at the University of Western Australia and Director of the Australian International Gravitational Research Centre, will host a fun and exciting talk about the Wallal Experiment and Einsteinian Physics at the Ningaloo Centre.
The Wallal Experiment was a momentous event that proved Einstein’s theory of relativity – right here in WA! A family-friendly show, these talks delight everyone from primary school kids to grandparents, science enthusiasts to those starting out on their scientific understanding. Everyone is encouraged to bring friends – and questions!
Einsteinian Physics is an exhibition and a series of engaging, mind-bending, and intriguing STEM activities for children and families. See first-hand the Einstein First Team do live eclipse simulations and show you earth-moon orbital dynamics on the spacetime simulator!
No need to book – just come along!

*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 

(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 

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