The Kestrel Nest EcoHut, located in the breathtaking Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, has recently won international recognition. It is Australia’s first “dark-sky” accommodation, certified by DarkSky International. This LEED certification highlights EcoHut’s low light pollution. As such, it provides some of the darkest night skies in the country, making the region an ideal hub for astro-tourism lovers.
DarkSky International is a global organization focused on advocating for the night-time environment. While they’ve certified over 200 locations around the world, only nine of those are considered lodging. Their DarkSky friendly lodging program started a little more than a year ago. It spotlights the growing demand for astro-tourism, which is soon to greatly augment Tennessee’s tourism boom.
Reaching this strict threshold means venues will need to take light pollution seriously. Louise Freckelton, one of the EcoHut’s founders, conducted a thorough inventory of lighting both inside and outside the facility to ensure compliance with these standards.
The Rise of Astro-Tourism
Astro-tourism is becoming immensely popular as more and more people are looking to get out of crowded cities choking with light pollution. Drew Reagan, an advocate for dark-sky initiatives, remarked, “Astro-tourism is really any tourism that brings people out to recreate in these dark-sky places.” He pointed out the fact that most students never have the chance to experience the sight of the Milky Way. This has contributed to a growing popular fascination with visiting dark spaces.
Freckelton urged the need for dark skies advocates to educate visitors and the public on the intrinsic value of dark skies. “We are hoping that it will increase … understanding of why dark skies are really important,” she stated. This effort aims to woo travelers by attracting them with engaging experiences. In the process it helps foster a greater appreciation for the splendor of our natural night-time environment.
Kestrel Nest EcoHut’s certification reflects and supports a growing trend toward sustainable travel experiences. Today, over 80% of the world’s population lives under skies infected by light pollution. This further highlights the need for protected dark spaces now more than ever.
Impact on Local Wildlife and Photography
Light pollution has major repercussions for the nocturnal wildlife that includes key species such as owls and bats. Freckelton noted that the projects’ increased lighting has altered their hunting and feeding behavior. “Nocturnal creatures like owls and bats are affected by light pollution. Their hunting and feeding and so on is distracted by too much light,” she explained.
Photography lovers are sure to appreciate the EcoHut’s dark-sky designation. Mr Hardwick, whose works as a Tumut-based photographer, said reduced light pollution is key to creating breathtaking images after dark. “You’re taking it over a long period of time; you’re allowing the light to come into the camera,” Hardwick said. He further highlighted how distant moving lights can interfere with capturing the beauty of night skies: “If there’s a house or a car or a truck or something moving past in the distance, that’s going to be captured.”
A New Era for Regional Tourism
As the Kestrel Nest EcoHut’s rapid booking pattern demonstrates, there is a strong demand for dark-sky tourism. Freckelton reported, “The way the bookings came in was very fast and much faster than the way bookings normally come in.” This dramatic uptick is due, at least in part, to growing knowledge of dark-sky lodgings and what sets them apart.
For Freckelton and her team, improving guest experiences is the name of the game. They offer visitors meaningful opportunities to learn about local astro-phenomena and experiences they can enjoy while there. “As part of the information we give to guests before they come, we highlight different things they might like to do,” she added.
Australia has a lot of potential to take advantage of the growing and lucrative market of astro-tourism. The Kestrel Nest EcoHut is a star and inspiration for this burgeoning movement. Visitors to the nation’s newest park enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience nature and gaze at the wonders of a clear night sky.
