Capture the Milky Way over Queensland’s Darkest Lake

Small‑group | astrophotography workshop | June – September 2025 | $150 pp

The Allure of Borumba Dam

Nestled in the heart of the Mary Valley, Borumba Dam provides an idyllic setting to gaze upon the vast expanse of the night sky. Distanced from the luminous interference of urban areas, the heavens above Borumba unveil a mesmerising tapestry of stars, wandering planets, and the ever-majestic sweep of the Milky Way. The dam's reflective waters serve to amplify this cosmic splendor, making it an oasis for astrophotographers.

Of notable significance is Borumba Dam's classification as Bortle Class 2 skies, signifying some of the least light-polluted skies available. Such pristine dark skies are crucial for astrophotography as light pollution from urban centres can diminish the brilliance of the Milky Way, causing it to lose its vibrant colours and intricate details. At Borumba, photographers are not only treated to a vivid display of the Milky Way but also the rare phenomenon of airglow. This natural luminescence is caused by electrostatically energised particles in the atmosphere, producing a kaleidoscope of reds, purples, and greens that our cameras can capture. Complementing this celestial display is the picturesque backdrop of lush, forest-covered mountains, making Borumba Dam an unparalleled locale for night sky photography.

About the Workshop

Step into the field at dusk for our three-hour, small-group night-sky session. As twilight fades and the Milky Way climbs into view, you’ll receive personalised, hands-on coaching every step of the way: setting up your tripod and lens, mastering ISO and aperture for low-noise stars, framing dramatic reflections on the dam, and using astro-apps in real time to predict celestial events. By the end of the evening you’ll have confidently captured crisp, colour-rich Milky Way images you never thought possible.

Ready to take your shots from great to gallery-worthy? Opt in to our post-workshop online tutorial, where we’ll unlock advanced Lightroom and Photoshop techniques: stacking exposures, reducing noise, fine-tuning colour and contrast, and compositing star-trails. Whether you want to nail a perfect in-camera capture or craft a show-stopping final edit, this workshop gives you the field expertise and editing skills to transform your astrophotography.

Terrain and Location

Expect the soft terrain of grassy knolls and the rugged outline of the dam's banks. We'll journey to select vantage points, ensuring the perfect backdrop of both land and sky.

Here's what you should bring along to maximise your workshop experience:

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

• Wide-angle lens (preferably 14-24mm, 16-35mm, or equivalent with an aperture of f/1.4 - f/4)

• Sturdy Tripod and Quick-release Plate

• SD Card with ample storage

• Spare Battery

• Red/white Headlamp/Torch

• Snacks and Water

• Intervalometer or Shutter Release Cable (optional but beneficial)

• Warm clothing layers for the cooler night temperatures

Weather guarantee

If heavy cloud or rain is forecast 24hr beforehand, you may reschedule to any future date free of charge.
Clear-sky probability is highest April – August.

This workshop is tailored for all astrophotography enthusiasts, from novices eager to capture their first Milky Way shot to intermediates refining their skills. With a cap of 4 participants, expect a focused and intimate learning experience.

Experience the magic of the night at Borumba Dam. Elevate your skills and capture the celestial dance with renewed finesse.

testimonials

“I was absolutely stoked with the workshop, was a bit unsure with the constant rain but Dylan kept me up to date every day and honestly gave me peace of mind. I’d been trying to learn on YouTube how to capture the Milky Way but honestly wasn’t having any luck until I got hands on and Dyl clarified a lot of the questions I had. Would love to do this workshop again and soon!”

“Dylan was an attentive and knowledgeable instructor who was prepared to put in extra time in order to make sure the group had an opportunity to capture the images in a night of changing cloud conditions. He made sure to check on all photographers in the group and provided tailored advice to each individual.”

“The Astro photo workshop was excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience and followed-up with addition information to assist us further. I would highly recommend a Nikon School Workshop and Dylan Knight.”

If you have any questions, please let me know below!