Gippsland Star Party

Mark your calendars for March 28th to 31st, 2025, and join forces with fellow enthusiasts as we embark on this celestial journey. Brought to you by the Astronomical Society of Victoria, Latrobe Valley Astronomical Society, and Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society, this promises to be another unforgettable annual gathering.

Pack your essentials: swags, tents, camper trailers, or caravans—it's your cosmic home away from home. Don't forget your favourite snacks and drinks, along with a table, chair, and other creature comforts. And, of course, bring along your cherished telescope equipment to truly make the most of this astronomical adventure. Remember to equip your red light torch to preserve our night vision as we explore the mysteries above.

Echo Bend Camping Park sets the stage for this captivating event, providing the perfect space for forging new friendships, sharing knowledge, and marvelling at the universe together. Get ready to experience the Gippsland Star Party, where passion for the cosmos ignites, and memories are etched in the stars.

NOTE: This is NOT a ‘public viewing event’ - participants need to bring & use their own astronomy equipment.

Check-in
From 12 Noon on Friday. 
Departure by noon on Monday.
(Can be extended directly with Echo Bend owners)

What to Bring
Your swag, tent, camper trailer or caravan.
Food & Drink, Table, Chair, etc..
Cooking & Food preparation equipment. (There is no microwave / toasters / kettles, etc..).  There is a communal fridge.
Your Telescope Equipment.
Red light torch.

Note : Echo Bend has a Kiosk / Tea room open each day from 10AM to 5PM

Event Hosts
Astronomical Society of Victoria
Latrobe Valley Astronomical Society
Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society

Off-Site Accommodation Options
Echo Bend has on-site vans.  Book these directly with the venue (03 51576317)*.
There are lots of B&B's in area, or Bairnsdale 30 minutes away. 
*When staying off-site or in Echo Bends accomodation book a registration to the event by using 'Offsite Attendee'.

FAQ’s
240V power will be available in the astronomy fields.
There is no camp kitchen, however there are communal fridges and sink.
Toilet & shower facilities on site.
Admission tickets required for all attendees over 12 years old.
There is no portable toilet dump site.
There is no water connections for caravans.

General Rules
Never touch anyone else’s equipment without permission.
No vehicle movements on the astronomy field after dark (if you need to leave early or are staying offsite - park elsewhere).
Red lights only are to be used on observing field.
Laptop screens to be dimmed to minimum and every effort made not to emit stray light.
Do not use aerosol sprays on the observing field - including insect repellent & sun screens.
No Fires.
Excessive alcohol and abusive or disruptive behaviour will result in being expelled from the event.

Event Hosts