Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the tours last?
60 minutes.
What is the best time to join a tour?
The night sky changes throughout the year as the Earth orbits the Sun, so what you see on a tour depends on the season!
At different times, you might spot different objects like the Moon, the Milky Way, or constellations like Orion.
A few tips:
Moon lovers: aim for a gibbous moon night (a few days before or after full moon).
Milky Way enthusiasts: come on a new moon or when the moon has set.
Not sure? Nights with a thin crescent moon are generally the best of both worlds.
Is the Milky Way visible to naked eye?
Yes! Absolutely.
Iron Creek Bay Estate sits under Bortle Class 3 skies, which means the Milky Way is beautifully visible to the naked eye whenever cloud cover is low. On most clear nights, you’ll see the Milky Way stretching brightly across the sky from our stargazing site.
The main factor that affects Milky Way visibility is moonlight. When the moon is close to full (about 80% or more illuminated), its brightness can wash out the fainter details of the Milky Way. Because the moon rises and sets at different times each day, we recommend checking a moon calendar for the current phase and rise/set times if you’re hoping for the darkest skies.
Even on brighter moonlit nights, there’s still plenty to enjoy — the moon itself is one of the most breathtaking objects to observe through a telescope.
Can I see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)?
You might, but only if you get really lucky! Even in southern Tasmania, the Southern Lights don’t show up very often. They usually happen only a few times a year, and you need the right mix of clear skies and strong solar activity.
The good thing is, auroras can usually be predicted a couple of days ahead. If you want to keep an eye out, check an Aurora Forecast app or website. As a tip: if the KP index is 5 or above, there is a reasonable chance of seeing the Southern Lights from our region.
We can’t ever promise an aurora, but the night sky here is always worth looking up for.
How do I know the weather conditions and what happens in case of bad weather?
Stargazing depends on clear skies, so it’s natural to check the weather!
Before your tour, you can look at the FORECAST for Sorell, YR or nearby areas to get an idea of cloud cover and wind. Keep in mind that southern Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, so it’s always good to be prepared for cooler or breezy nights.
The final decision on whether the tour goes ahead will be made by Starlit Tasmania 12pm on that day before the tour. If conditions aren’t suitable for stargazing, we’ll contact you to discuss rescheduling or other options.
In cases of severe weather, like heavy rain, storms, or hail, the tour may be cancelled earlier in the day, and we’ll update you as soon as the decision is made. please keep an eye on your inbox.
Is there walking involved during the tour?
Please note that this tour involves approximately a 5-minute return walk over grassy terrain in low-light conditions. All guests will be provided with a small red torch to help illuminate the ground.
Is it suitable for young children?
Our tours are designed with children aged 6 and above in mind.
Are the tours pet-friendly?
While we love pets, they are not permitted on our stargazing tours. As we operate in partnership with Iron Creek Bay Estate, this policy is in place due to the low-light environment, uneven grassy terrain, and to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.
Where is the meeting point?
You’ll find us at 394 Arthur Hwy, Sorell TAS 7172 (Iron Creek Bay Estate).
It’s about 25 minutes from Hobart, 52 minutes from Port Arthur, and 14 minutes from Hobart Airport, super easy to get to.
All bookings need to be made online, and we’re not able to take walk-ins. Since the stargazing site is on private land, please arrive only at your scheduled check-in time (around 10–15 minutes before your tour). The site isn’t open during the day.
We also highly recommend arriving a little earlier if you need to use the toilet. During the tour, the nearest toilet is about a 5-minute walk away, and we try to avoid leaving the group in the dark.
If you have any questions, just send us an email, happy to help!
Is there any pick-up and drop-off service available?
At this time, unfortunately we are unable to provide a pick-up or drop-off service.
However, we have ample parking onsite, including space for larger vehicles such as campervans.
We hope to offer a pick-up and drop-off service in the future and appreciate your understanding.
What should I wear or bring?
We strongly recommend dressing warmly.
Even in summer, nighttime temperatures in the Sorell region are typically around 12 °C or cooler, and in winter, they usually drop to less than 5 °C, though occasionally it can get a little colder.
A warm jacket is a must, as the weather in southern Tasmania can change quickly. Since we often gather at a lookout, it can also get windy. In winter, beanies, gloves, and scarves are highly recommended.
To protect night vision and the dark sky, we try to avoid bright white lights. Flashlights on phones aren’t recommended, but don’t worry, we provide each guest with a small red torch for the short 5-minute return walk from the starting point.
Any accommodation recommendation?
We highly recommend staying at Iron Creek Bay Estate,it’s ideal because you won’t need to drive before or after your stargazing tour and they are also offering a lot to do in daytime which you can include the activities around your stargazing tour night.
If Iron Creek Bay Accommodation isn’t available, please arrange the accommodation and transport in advance. A lot of our guests stay in the Hobart city and drive to join the tours.
I booked my tickets, can I change the date?
Sure thing! Please email us to request a change date or any change in your booking and we will assist you from there! You can request a change in your booking up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. We are open every Fridays and Saturdays and will try our best to accommodate you if the tour is sold out.
Do you have dietary options for the hot chocolate?
Our hot chocolates are made with dairy by default, but we’re happy to prepare a non-dairy alternative if requested at the start of the tour.
All of our beverages are gluten-free, so you can enjoy them worry-free under the stars.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, You’re welcome to take photos and videos to capture your night under the stars.
We’d love to see your shots! Tag us on Instagram @starlittasmania_stargazing, and we might even reshare your favourite moments.
A small request: please avoid using bright flashes or lights near other guests. This helps everyone keep their night vision and fully enjoy the dark sky experience.
Weather-Dependent Experience
Stargazing tours are highly dependent on weather and visibility conditions. For safety and quality reasons, Starlit Tasmania reserves the right to cancel or reschedule tours due to unsuitable weather.
Operator Cancellation (Weather or Safety)
If a tour is cancelled by us due to weather (e.g. heavy cloud, rain, storms, or unsafe conditions), customers will be offered:
A rescheduled booking, or
A refund of the ticket price
(booking fees and credit card surcharge are non-refundable)
Refunds will be processed within 3 business days.
Cancellation
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the tour: eligible for a refund (booking fees and credit card surcharge are non-refundable)
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour: non-refundable
No-shows or late arrivals: non-refundable
Changes & Rescheduling
Booking changes are subject to availability
We will do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests made in advance
Late Arrival Policy
Tours start promptly. Guests arriving late and will not be eligible for a refund.
Liability
Participants attend at their own risk. Please follow all safety instructions provided during the tour. Failure to follow staff instructions may result in removal from the tour without refund.