Little Bay Astromeet - 21st May 2026
🌌 Little Bay Coastal Astromeet — Sydney Nightscapes Edition
EVENT CANCELLED – Due to the extreme weather forecast, we have no choice but to cancel this event. If you are signed up to this, please check your Sony Scene emails for more information.
Join Jay Evans for an immersive night of astrophotography along Sydney’s rugged eastern coastline at the hidden gem of Little Bay.
This Astromeet takes us onto the beach and surrounding sandstone headlands, where we’ll position ourselves to capture the eastern rise of the Milky Way over the Pacific. Designed for both landscape astrophotographers and coastal seascapers, the evening blends classic nightscape techniques with dynamic ocean and cliffside compositions.
As the night unfolds, we’ll explore how to work with coastal terrain after dark — from composing with moving water and rock platforms to managing exposure, focus, and lighting in a challenging but rewarding environment. With minimal light pollution to the east, Little Bay offers one of Sydney’s most compelling coastal astro locations.
Whether you’re refining your nightscape workflow or expanding into astro–seascapes, this Astromeet offers a powerful combination of learning, exploration, and creative shooting under the stars.
📍 Why Little Bay?
- 🌊 Rugged coastal terrain with dramatic sandstone cliffs and ocean textures
- 🌌 Clear eastern horizons ideal for Milky Way rise photography
- 📸 A rare Sydney location that rewards careful composition and timing
- 🧭 Close to the city yet feels remote once night falls
🌠 What You’ll Explore on the Night
🌌 Milky Way & Night Sky Photography – Capturing the galactic core, moonrise, and star trails
📷 Essential Night Camera Techniques – Long exposures, critical focus, and low-light workflows
🔦 Astroscape Lighting – Using light to reveal sandstone textures without overpowering the scene
📍 Composition & Visual Flow – Framing coastlines, cliffs, and ocean movement at night
⚡ Coastal Night Shooting Skills – Managing lens fog, wind, cold conditions, and salt exposure
🧭 Working Safely at Night – Awareness, etiquette, and movement in coastal environments
🗓 Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 21st May 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🌌 Galactic Core Visible: 18:33 – 05:15
📍 Location: Little Bay Beach, Little Bay, Sydney
🚗 Parking: Street parking available on Murra Murra Place, Lister Avenue, and surrounding streets.
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oisd59nuA3rHPZGe6
🌦 Weather & Conditions
- This Astromeet is weather dependent
- Heavy rain or storm activity may result in cancellation or rescheduling
- Thursday 21 May is held as a backup date
- Cloud cover can still allow for creative night shooting and light painting along the headland
🥾 Fitness & Terrain
🔹 Grade 3 – Moderate
- Walking on sand, rock platforms, and uneven sandstone terrain
- Ocean-facing cliffs and rock shelves
- Good balance, mobility, and night navigation skills required
- Rock fishing boots or cleats are recommended if approaching ocean edges
- A high level of situational awareness is essential
🎒 What to Bring
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Wide-angle lens (fast aperture recommended)
- Tripod with quick-release plate
- Shutter remote or intervalometer
- Headlamp or torch (mandatory)
- Warm layered clothing
- Water and snacks
- Insect repellent
- Rock fishing boots or cleats (if shooting near ocean platforms)
✨ Why Join This Astromeet?
- Photograph the Milky Way rising over Sydney’s dramatic coastline
- Learn how to combine astrophotography with dynamic seascapes
- Shoot alongside a small group of like-minded night photographers
- Gain practical, field-tested techniques in a challenging environment
💡 Why Is There a Fee?
Your booking fee contributes to:
✅ Site access and council permissions (where required)
✅ Commercial activity licences
✅ Public liability insurance
✅ Experienced and accredited guide
✅ Event planning, logistics, and administration
🌌 Join Us Under the Stars
From glowing sandstone cliffs to starlit ocean horizons, Little Bay delivers one of Sydney’s most rewarding coastal night photography experiences.
📸 Coastal drama. Eastern skies. A night of creative exploration.
🔗 Book Now — Limited Places Available
