Gold Coast Hinterland Photography Workshop
Mount Barney · Lamington NP · Currumbin & Fingal Coastline
13–16 August 2026 — Peak Milky Way Season
Join Priority ListDuration
Group Size
Workshop Price*
Dates
*AU$450 deposit · Early-Bird ends after first 2 bookings
Why August in the Gold Coast Hinterland?
August is the sweet spot for a Gold Coast astro-landscape adventure. Crisp 10 – 15 °C nights keep sensor noise low while the Milky Way core aligns perfectly over Mount Barney. Post-winter rainfall keeps Lamington National Park’s waterfalls in full flow for silky long-exposures, and offshore humpback migration adds the chance of breaching silhouettes at Currumbin Rock. With Queensland school holidays long finished, sunrise spots such as Fingal Causeway are crowd-free and accommodation rates are lower.
Bortle-3 skies, <50 % humidity and reliable westerly trade winds deliver some of the clearest conditions of the year for nightscapes, star-trails and timelapse. Combine that with expert tuition, small-group mentoring and door-to-door transport, and this Gold Coast Hinterland photography workshop is the most efficient way to level-up your Milky Way, waterfall and seascape skills in a single four-day trip.
Workshop Logistics
We aim to make your experience as seamless as possible. Here's how the logistics work:
- Arrival: Complimentary pick-up from Brisbane Airport on Day 1 (by 12:00 PM latest).
- Departure: Drop-off back to Brisbane Airport by 1:00 PM on Day 4.
- Transport: All ground transport is included, including lodge transfers and shoots at Mount Barney, Lamington NP, Currumbin, and Fingal.
- Accommodation: Private rooms in a central hinterland lodge. Shared communal space for post-processing sessions.
- Meals: Breakfast included. Nearby cafes/venues for lunch and dinner (shared dinners encouraged).
- Gear support: Star trackers and spare tripods available on request. Charging stations at lodge.
Signature Shoot Locations
Mount Barney
Dramatic volcanic peak for sunset and Milky Way-set compositions.
Elabana Falls
Silky cascades framed by ancient rainforest greens.
Moran Falls
Golden-hour side-light over a 100-metre plunge.
Currumbin Rock
Wave-washed basalt ledges and pastel dawn colour.
Fingal Causeway
Hexagonal basalt columns reflecting the winter Milky Way.
4-Day Itinerary Outline
| Day | Key Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Arrival) | 15:00 lodge check-in · Sunset & blue-hour at Mount Barney · Night briefing · Optional star trails |
| Day 2 | Sunrise over Barney · Elabana Falls long-exposures · Lightroom/PS session · Milky Way at Moran Falls lookout |
| Day 3 | Pre-dawn seascapes at Currumbin · Editing masterclass · Fingal Causeway astro |
| Day 4 (Departure) | Sunrise recap shoot · Image critique · 11:00 check-out & airport drop-offs |
Pricing & Booking
All-Inclusive Experience
Secure your place with an AU$450 deposit – balance due 30 days before.
Reserve Your Spot*Early-Bird applies to first two bookings or until 30 Nov 2025
FAQs
What fitness level is required?
Walks of 2–3 km on uneven terrain with your gear. We break often and pace to the slowest walker.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancel 60+ days out for a full refund. Inside 60 days, partial credit applies if we fill your place. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
What gear should I bring?
DSLR/mirrorless, 14–24 mm f/2.8, sturdy tripod, remote shutter, ND filters. Star trackers supplied on-site.
Is there power & reception?
All lodgings have mains power. 4G reception is available everywhere except the deepest rainforest gullies.
What about wet weather?
Clouds = extended editing labs; rain = dramatic waterfalls. We pivot plans and supply wet-weather guidance.
Can beginners join?
Absolutely. If you understand basic Manual-mode controls, we’ll tailor tuition to level you up fast.
Are drones allowed?
Yes, under CASA rules: 30 m from people, <120 m height, line-of-sight. Regulations reviewed on-site.
Capture the Magic of the Gold Coast Hinterland
Join an intimate 4-person workshop and master astro & landscape techniques.
Book NowTestimonials
"Dylan has put a lot of time and effort into this workshop. He is easy to understand and ensures each student gets the time they need to grasp the concepts. I really appreciated that there were only four students—Dylan spent plenty of time with each of us. The follow-up eBooks he created and published are a terrific way to reinforce the weekend and make sure the new techniques and knowledge really stick. Thank you Dylan—I really enjoyed the weekend and can’t wait to see what’s next."
– Jo
"Highly recommend Knighty’s Photography! You won’t be disappointed! I’ve done a few private workshops with Dylan over the last five years and it’s been great! Looking forward to my next workshop with Dylan!"
– Wendy K.
"Knighty's Astro photography session was an amazingly transformative and immersive experience as a beginner photographer... I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence."
– Amber
"I was absolutely stoked with the workshop... Dylan clarified a lot of the questions I had. Would love to do this again!"
– Workshop Participant
"Dylan was an attentive and knowledgeable instructor who was prepared to put in extra time... He made sure to check on all photographers and provided tailored advice."
– Participant Feedback
"The workshop was excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience."
– Nikon School Attendee
"Even with the constant rain, Dylan kept me up to date and gave me peace of mind. The workshop clarified so many things that YouTube never could. Highly recommended!"
– Workshop Attendee
"I would highly recommend a Nikon School Workshop and Dylan Knight. He followed up with extra resources and provided a professional experience from start to finish."
– Nikon Workshop Participant