Feel like a night of stargazing? The luxurious Kangaroo Ridge Retreat in the Yarra Valley has launched a private stargazing experience, so you can spend a quiet night marvelling at the universe. They’ve teamed up with Yarra Valley Stargazing to help guide guests on their celestial journey. Spend your day relaxing at this tranquil escape in Healesville, then, when darkness falls, experience uninterrupted views and twinkling clear skies.
Stargazing at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
Treat yourself to a mid-week escape or a weekend getaway, and leave behind the bright lights of the city. Then, instead of finding a nice, dark spot out in the wild, simply turn up to your own, private perch for a 90-minute stargazing session.
“Our landscape offers a sheltered pocket where the Melbourne city glow recedes,” said Rebecca Ritte, owner of Kangaroo Ridge Retreat. “Usually, stargazing involves a late-night drive to a remote lookout. Here, we’ll have you back in your robe with a glass of local Pinot in hand within minutes. It’s dark-sky luxury without the travel.”
You will be joined by an experienced guide, who will help you on your stellar journey with a high-powered telescope and laser pointer. Observe cool things like the craters of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, deep-sky nebulae and seasonal planetary alignments.
“We are currently in a solar system sweet spot,” said stargazing guide Jessie. “Not only is Jupiter at its biggest and brightest, but we are witnessing Saturn in a way most people never see it. Kangaroo Ridge Retreat’s 360-degree horizon gives us a front row seat to see rare celestial events like this.”
If you’re keen to try out some astrophotography, there’s a dramatic ‘skeleton tree’ on-site, which can be used as a foreground for those night sky shots.
This experience is available as an add-on to your stay. To learn more, click here.
📍38 Turners Lane, Healesville VIC 3777