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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Sunshine Coast

 Credit: Dr Ken Wishaw

About

Australia’s Sunshine Coast local government area is internationally recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reflecting a strong and enduring collective commitment to a sustainable future. This global recognition highlights a region where communities coexist with protected landscapes and exceptional natural values.

Within this setting, the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve (the Reserve) extends across more than 870 km² of hinterland landscapes, making it the first Dark Sky Reserve designated on Australia’s east coast and conveniently, located within just one hour’s drive of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. 

The Reserve is home to around 13,500 residents across welcoming hinterland towns including Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Kenilworth, Flaxton and Conondale.

The area is naturally shielded from surrounding urban areas, creating exceptional night sky conditions with minimal artificial light intrusion. Approximately 40% of the Reserve is government-owned land, largely managed as State Protected Areas. 

At the heart of the Reserve is a protected 7.41 km² core zone that provides a strong foundation for the long-term protection of natural darkness and native biodiversity. 

Surrounding the core is the peripheral zone, which follows the Mary River Catchment within the Sunshine Coast local government area and includes Mapleton National Park and Mapleton Forest Reserves in their entirety. 

The Mapleton and Maleny observatories provide opportunities for education, research, and engagement. 

 Outcomes delivered to support this designation included: 

  • a 100% compliant core zone
  • over 170 public lighting upgrades
  • a two-year night-sky monitoring program, capturing data each season
  • partnerships with key stakeholders including the community, government agencies and Energex
  • demonstrating strong community support for night sky protection, through a two-year engagement program
  • public outreach and education.

Ongoing public lighting upgrades, night sky quality monitoring, community-led education initiatives and emerging astro-tourism activities continue to raise awareness, reduce light pollution and help ensure this remarkable natural asset continues to be celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come.

Designated

2026

Category

International Dark Sky Reserve

Address

Maleny Community Precinct,
Porters Lane, Maleny, QLD 4552
Australia
Google Maps

Contact

Primary contact
Simone Bright
[email protected] 
Senior Policy and Research Officer, Sunshine Coast Council.

Secondary contact
Dr Ken Wishaw
[email protected]

Dan Oakley
Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International
+44 780 357 0818
[email protected]

Land area

873 sq km

Documents

Annual Report
Announcement
Application

Website

Website:  https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
Project page: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/dark-sky

Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastCouncil/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinecoastcouncil
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/sunshine-coast-regional-council
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sunshinecoastcouncil