Winton International Dark Sky Community

A small outback town in Queensland has been honoured with the state’s first International Dark Sky Community certification.

There is just something about Winton. With links to Waltzing Matilda, Qantas and groundbreaking dinosaur discoveries, now there’s one more reason to visit this small outback town with lots of big character: Winton has earned an International Dark Sky Community certification, making it the first place in Queensland to do so.

Winton has now joined the ranks of the Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum (about a 20-minute drive outside of town), and is the eighth Dark Sky Place in the country.

“This recognition is a proud moment for Winton and our community. Being named Queensland’s first International Dark Sky Community places us on the global map for protecting something truly special – our night skies," shared Winton’s mayor, Cathy White.

How did Winton become a Dark Sky Community?

the milky way over winton's welcome sign in queensland — Welcome to Australia’s newest International Dark Sky Community. (Credit: Steve Lippis)

Winton’s International Dark Sky Community certification was awarded by Dark Sky International – an organisation based in America that “certifies communities, parks and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education". And, according to Marnie Ogg, Dark Sky Strategist and Travel Specialist, “Dark Sky Community status is one of the hardest things to do."

“It’s involving a whole community of people – it’s not just about getting national parks or businesses on board, it’s about getting the whole community onboard."

“This has been a hard yard for Winton," she continued. “You physically have to change the environment, the lighting infrastructure that’s been there for 10-15 years suddenly has to be changed. That doesn’t happen overnight, even in a smaller town like Winton."

White agrees: “This achievement reflects years of collaboration between Council, local organisations and residents, all working together to protect the skies above us".

Ogg says that to achieve this status, there’s a series of checks to go through. Starting by listing all the lights in the community, creating a new policy, and then getting the community onboard.

“It might be that you have a curfew on lights after sunset. So you can use lights for two hours after sunset, then you might turn them off or dim them right down. And then one hour before sunrise, you can start using your lights again."

“We ask people to use warm coloured bulbs. We know from a lot of research that the very bright light we use so we can see very, very clearly is really detrimental to the natural environment at night. We’re effectively blinding nocturnal species, insects and reptiles who need the cover of darkness to do their things. But we know warmer coloured globes can be far less disruptive. So every outdoor light within Winton now has put in warm colour temperature light, or they just don’t put it on if it’s not needed."

What does this mean for Winton?

the milky way as seen from winton international dark sky community — Star gazing is just one more reason to visit Winton. (Credit: OQTA/Phil Warren)

Anyone interested in Australia’s prehistoric past should already have Winton firmly on their must-travel list. Lovers of the arts can also mark the annual Festival of  Outback Opera as the perfect time to enjoy the outback scenery with some of the best Opera Queensland talent. Not to mention the Waltzing Matilda Centre , which celebrates Banjo Patterson and his local connections.

This town was already one of the most peaceful places to wake up, letting the local birdlife gently lull you into consciousness as the soft light rises. But Winton’s International Dark Sky Community certification means there’s plenty of reason to stay up late, as well.

“Winton’s dark skies are part of what makes this place unique, and this certification celebrates our shared commitment to preserving them for generations to come," said White.

“As dark skies become increasingly rare around the world, Winton is showing that regional communities can lead the way in protecting the natural night environment."

The rise of Dark Sky Tourism

man looking at the milky way in winton queensland — Look at the stars, see how they shine for you. (Credit: OQTA/Phil Warren)

Increasingly, we’re seeing people choose to travel specifically to enjoy the night sky. And who could blame us? There’s much to admire, not to mention the much-needed chance to take a deep breath, slow down and truly be present. Ogg believes the growing trend can trace its roots back to two things.

“I think it probably kicked off with Covid when telescope sales went up 400 per cent…it was something that people could do in their own backyard. It was a way of connecting to nature," she said.

“The other thing is that the aurora borealis has been at its peak over the last couple of years (it has an 11-year cycle) and people have started to connect to celestial bodies again."

Speaking of celestial bodies, beyond the aurora, 2026 is expected to also bring a total solar eclipse in August, and this year’s Perseid Meteor Shower coincides with a new moon, meaning the shooting stars have the sky to themselves and should be more visible. Plenty of reasons to book a trip to the likes of Winton to enjoy an unpolluted night sky.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

This outback town just became Qld’s first International Dark Sky Community