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Celebrate Lord Howe’s Pristine Night Skies
The Dark Sky Festival on Lord Howe Island has been developed with the support of Destination NSW, in response to the growing popularity of Dark Sky Tourism across regional New South Wales. Renowned for its pristine waters and unspoiled skies, Lord Howe Island provides an exceptional setting for a variety of astronomical experiences, from stargazing and astrophotography to innovative new forms of nocturnal tourism. We welcome you to join our community in celebrating the wonders of the night sky!
Here’s our 2026 Festival Event Line Up
Stargrazer
Tastes & Tunes
Join us for our official opening night with live performances by Australian country music legend James Blundell and other special guests!
Dark Dining
Lord Howe Island
Back by popular demand! Join us for a unique culinary experience at Driftwood Bar and Restaurant where diners rely solely on their senses of taste and smell
The
Science Talks
A engaging discussion with science, astronomy and environmental experts, including Fred Watson AM and Ian Hutton OAM at the Lord Howe Island Bowling Club.
Twilight Botanica
Dining Experience
An unforgettable dining experience featuring the natural bounty of Lord Howe Island, prepared by chef David Chlumsky.
Dark Sky Stargazing
Sessions
A unique ‘deep space’ stargazing experience led by Michael Andre Phillips of Siding Spring Observatory.
The Inaugural
Lord Howe Island 'Chef-Off'
Watch the island’s top chefs go head-to-head in a thrilling live cooking competition for the ultimate prize.
The
Light Walk
Join us for an evening walk along the Steven’s Reserve track to celebrate local light art, crafted with love by our Island residents.
Bowls & Black Holes
'Fish Fry' Space Trivia
Know a thing or two about science and space? Join us for a fun trivia evening, complemented by a traditional Lord Howe Island ‘Fish Fry’.
Stargazing Yoga &
Wellbeing Experience
Led by Nikki Belliveau, Immerse yourself in a wellness journey beneath the stunning night sky of Lord Howe Island.
Nocturnal Walk
with Ian Hutton
Join naturalist Ian Hutton for a guided nocturnal walk, seeking out creatures such as endemic bugs, bats and butterflies.
View Spectacular
Balls Pyramid at Sunrise
Join Reef N Beyond for their early morning voyage to watch the sunrise over the world’s largest sea stack.
DSLR Astrophotography:
Mastering the night sky
Join our exclusive small group DSLR astrophotography session, guided by expert astrophotographer Mark Iscaro.
iPhone Astrophotography:
The universe in your pocket
Capture the cosmos using just your iPhone! Join our small group iPhone astrophotography sessions.
Android Astrophotography:
The Galaxy in your pocket
Unlock the power of your Android camera to capture the stars! Join our intimate Android astrophotography sessions.
Dive into Lord Howe's
'Hidden world of light'
Would you like to see our beautiful reef like never before? Join us for our amazing biofluorescence dive!
Kids
Science Workshop
An educational program designed to spark imagination at the Lord Howe Island Brewery.
Experience our vibrant
underwater world at night
Explore Lord Howe’s reef after dark on our speciality night snorkel, where vibrant colours await.
Dancing
Under The Stars
Our festival closing event in the CBD, featuring live music from Island based musicians and performers.
The Future of
Lord Howe's Starry Nights
Marnie Ogg lifts the lid on light pollution and what it means for Lord Howe’s stars. Don’t miss this illuminating lecture.
Threatened skies...
satellite mega-constellations
Learn how 100,000 orbiting spacecraft could reshape astronomy, stargazing and our cultural connection to the heavens.
New Events
Coming Soon!
Watch this space….. more Dark Sky Festival events will be listed over the coming months!
Introducing our special guests…..
Fred Watson AM
Astronomer At Large
Fred Watson says he’s spent so many years working in large telescope domes that he has started to look like one…
James Blundell
Country Music Icon
James Blundell’s heartfelt lyrics and storytelling have shaped modern country, inspiring audiences nationwide….
Marnie Ogg
Dark Sky Alliance
Marnie Ogg is a passionate advocate for the preservation of dark skies, dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of light pollution…
Ian Hutton
OAM
Lord Howe’s own
‘David Attenborough’
Ian Hutton often says that “living on Lord Howe Island is like living inside a David Attenborough documentary”…
The original 'Astropunk'
Mark Iscaro
Astrophotographer and Science Communicator
Mark Iscaro is an innovative astrophotographer, who loves to capture breathtaking images of distant galaxies……
Michael Andre Phillips
Siding Spring Observatory
Deep Space Stargazer and
Science Communicator
Michael Andre Phillips fled to Sydney in 1981, immediately before a police raid on his Christchurch hideout….
WHAT’S ON
Other Offerings Available (TBC)
Island Weddings
Lord Howe Island is the perfect place to have a beautiful, stylish and relaxed wedding day that both you and your guests will love.
Picnics & Platters
The perfect way to spend the afternoon on Lord Howe Island, especially paired with a cheeky bottle of champagne!
Event Bookings
Planning an Event? Enjoy a beautiful, stylish and relaxed outdoor dining experience that you and your guests will love.
Receptions
Looking for the perfect Venue? The Lord Howe Island Golf Club is Lord Howe’s premium venue with views to match.
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