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Sustainability
Kestrel Nest EcoHut is the first International DarkSky Approved Lodge in Australia and only the second in the Southern Hemisphere. Photography: Grant Hardwick.
A starlit first for Australian ecotourism
By Geoffrey Williams
Founded in 1987 in Tucson, Arizona, by amateur astronomer Dr Tim Hunter, the International Dark-Sky Association was created to raise global awareness of environmentally and ecologically destructive light pollution and its impacts. Light pollution is increasing by nearly 10% each year. Today, 80% of the world’s population lives beneath skies too bright for stargazing (99% in Europe and the USA). Destinations dark enough to experience the awe and wonder of a star-filled night sky are dwindling, making such places increasingly rare, unique, and inspirational destinations.
In 2023, DarkSky International (DSI) officially launched their ‘DarkSky Approved Lodging Program’, offering destinations with naturally dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting the opportunity to join the acclaimed and growing list of officially certified destinations to experience. The program encourages active participation in safeguarding the night from the damaging effects of light pollution while providing guests with awe-inspiring and educational experiences under pristine night skies.
Kestrel Nest EcoHut, located at Highfield Farm and Woodland in New South Wales, has this week been announced as the first International DarkSky Approved Lodge in Australia and only the second in the Southern Hemisphere. In this Australian first certification, Kestrel Nest EcoHut stands as a model for sustainable tourism and recognises an internationally renowned commitment to preserving dark skies and the conservation of the nighttime environment.
Nestled in the heart of the Riverina region, Kestrel Nest EcoHut offers an immersive nature experience far from urban skyglow. The property combines conservation of critically endangered habitat with ecological farming and sustainable, Ecotourism Australia-certified accommodation. Guests at Kestrel Nest EcoHut can enjoy a rare sense of seclusion and stargazing. The off-grid, offline accommodation sits among rolling hills with no man-made structures in sight. Guests are encouraged to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature, each other, and the star-filled skies. Stargazing hammocks are strategically placed to maximise views, while an outdoor bath offers a unique opportunity for stargazing and ‘starbathing’.
“We see Achieving DarkSky Approved certification for Kestrel Nest EcoHut as filling a critical missing aspect of what we have offered to date,” Louise Freckelton, Co-owner and Custodian of Highfield Farm and Woodland told The Solo Traveller. “We already protect critically endangered habitat and farm using wildlife-inclusive practices aimed at increasing biodiversity. The missing part was considering our nighttime environment and the creatures that use it. We are thrilled to protect our dark skies for these creatures and to offer our guests a truly magical experience that connects them with the wonders of the night.”
This certification adds to Kestrel Nest’s growing list of environmental credentials, including top-tier Ecotourism Australia recognition and multiple tourism awards. Their leadership continues as they plan to expand their dark sky programming, including hosting future stargazing workshops, developing new educational materials for guests, and mentoring other accommodation providers interested in joining the dark sky movement.
With this milestone, Kestrel Nest EcoHut shines as a guiding light in sustainable tourism – a powerful reminder that protecting the night sky contributes meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of our planet.
Geoffrey Williams is the Founder and Publishing Curator of The Solo Traveller.
