Welcome to NOCTURNA, a celebration of the fragile beauty of the cosmos — embracing our long winter nights and taking the time to gaze at our still-pristine dark skies, a precious natural resource that is under threat from light pollution.

The increasingly widespread use of artificial light outdoors not only impairs our view of the universe, but also adversely affects our sleep, our mood, our environment — and the many nocturnal species that inhabit it. Situated at the breathtaking Spring Bay Mill, we’ll hear from astronomers, neuroscientists, members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and Dark Sky Tasmania about the simple steps we can take to preserve the darkness and our connection to nature.

The weekend opens with the Dark Sky Dinner on Friday 11 August prepared by celebrated Tasmanian chef Lilly Trewartha, featuring music by renowned harpist Emily Sanzaro and talks by Dark Sky Tasmania’s Landon Bannister and Professor Barbara Holland. Stay on site in a cosy glamping tent or eco pod, wake up with Deep Time Yoga with Dr Penny Jones and cellist Georgia Shine.

Spend Saturday immersed in science, music, conversation, storytelling around the fire, and astronomy talks under the stars. Explore the fascinating site alongside its current custodians, Graeme Wood and Anna Cerneaz, and discover how this place — once the largest wood chipping mill in the world and before that, home to the Oyster Bay people of trayapana — is being lovingly and painstakingly restored.

Sunday begins with a mind-expanding breath workshop with Dave Murphy and a cold water swim. Spend the day exploring the East Coast, then head home energised, nourished, and inspired.