Queensland's First Dark Sky Reserve Sets Hard Lighting Limits

“The Sunshine Coast hinterland has been officially recognised as Queensland’s first international dark sky reserve, protecting star-filled views across about 870 square kilometres.”

“In June 2026, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland officially secured this prestigious global title, marking it as Queensland’s first Dark Sky Reserve and only the second in Australia, following South Australia’s River Murray.”

“About 103km north of Brisbane, near Montville, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.”

“All outdoor lighting fixtures emitting greater than 500 initial lumens must be fully shielded.”

“Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core.”

“A certified **Dark Sky Park** is land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.”

“A Dark Sky Reserve is one of the six designation types offered under the International Dark Sky Places Program”

“The minimum area of a Dark Sky Reserve is 700 km2.”

“At the centre of the Reserve is a core zone of 7.41 km², which includes Kirbys Road Environment Reserve and Maleny National Park (Lot 728 NPW787).”

“The Reserve is made up of the Mary River catchment and adjoining State Protected Areas located within the Sunshine Coast local government area.”

“The peripheral zone encompasses a number of State Protected Areas including the Conondale, Mapleton, Maleny and Kondalilla National Parks.”

“Around 13,500 residents live within the Reserve across hinterland towns such as Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Kenilworth, Flaxton and Conondale.”

“The Blackall Range acts as a natural barrier, shielding the Reserve, creating exceptional night sky conditions with minimal artificial light intrusion, from more populated urban areas.”

“The Blackall Range – where much of the Dark Sky Reserve sits - naturally provides a buffer from the skyglow of surrounding coastal and urban areas.”

“Elevated along the Blackall Range and largely free from light pollution, it’s long been one of the country’s best stargazing spots”

“The Reserve is the last place in coastal South East Queensland that has starry night skies free of light pollution.”

“visitors can be in the surf by evening and under the Milky Way less than 40 minutes later.”

“The correlated colour temperature (CCT) of the light source must not exceed 3000K.”

“the curfew within the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve should be interpreted as between the hours of 11:00PM and 6:00AM.”

“warm coloured (blue light creates more light pollution, so choose lights that are warm in colour).”

“Council developed a lighting management plan and worked in partnership with Energex, Queensland Government agencies and others managing public lighting across the reserve area”

“The work needed to develop and adopt the thorough lighting management plan was well noted by the Dark Sky Committee, and we hope it will serve as an inspiration for others to follow.”

“The Dark Sky Reserve is also easily accessible from the state’s capital Brisbane, making it the perfect spot for a weekend with the stars.”

“The Mapleton Observatory, located at the Mapleton School and has been operating since 2002.”

“Maleny and Mapleton observatories host regular astronomy sessions throughout the year, alongside workshops and masterclasses.”

“Priced at $160 per person, the experience includes refreshments and a take-home gift.”

“It now joins South Australia’s River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, which received accreditation back in 2019.”

“The region joins reserves including Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand), Mont-Megantic (Canada) and River Murray (Australia).”

“more than 80% of the world’s population living under skyglow: light pollution that eliminates any visible stars.”