stargazing night at ridgemill estate, Stanthorpe — a wine country night under the stars

Saturday 23 May 2026 | 4:00 PM—9:00 PM

There’s something truly magical about standing beneath a star packed Stanthorpe night sky, with the Milky Way stretching overhead.

Set in Queensland’s Granite Belt Wine Country, this front row stargazing experience lets you explore the universe through powerful telescopes, enjoy live music and sip award winning wine, creating a night that’s both relaxing and unforgettable for curious minds.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
Time: 4:00 — 9:00 PM (arrive for solar gazing from 4:00pm to enjoy a unique opportunity to safely view the sun)
Location: ridgemill estate, 218 Donges Rd, Stanthorpe, Queensland
Please Note: Children must be supervised | No pets allowed

Bookings Essential:
$25 ADULTS | $8 KIDS 5-17 yrs | INFANTS free
$58 FAMILY PASS: 2x adults & 2 kids aged 5-17 yrs (INFANTS free)

Got a Question: We’re here to help. PH: (07) 46 835 211

Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just curious, this is a night for everyone.

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What Guests Love About Stargazing at ridgemill estate

Leanne F Murdoch
“We absolutely loved our visit last night. The amount of stars even without the telescope were amazing. Adding the view looking through the telescope was a whole new world. Thank You”

Andy Chapman
“Such a fantastic experience. The first time seeing the stars through telescopes. Then the explanation of what I was seeing from expert astronomers. Thank you so very much. Hope you do it again. We would happily pay for such an experience.”

Stephen Weste
“Thanks for putting this together guys. It was a Great Night of Food, an excellent Red, Fire, New Friends & Expert Information on the clear night sky.”

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What You’ll See & Experience on the Night

Away from city lights Stanthorpe’s high elevation, cool climate and low light pollution make it one of Queensland’s best locations for stargazing.

During the night you can expect to see:

Jupiter and Venus in the north west sky
The Emu in the Sky rising in the east (a well known Aboriginal constellation formed by the dark dust lanes of the Milky Way) find out more here
Nebula and galaxies plus other deep sky objects visible through powerful telescopes

Other highlights of the evening include:

Solar gazing through dedicated solar scopes at sunset
Multiple high powered telescopes set up on the village green
Laser guided constellation tour with stories and sky insights
Videos & educational talks in the cosmos cave
Live music throughout the evening
Delicious wood fired pizza
Award winning wines from the ridgemill estate cellar door
Beer, cider and soft drinks are also available

Your experience is guided by passionate astronomy enthusiasts who love sharing the night sky.

They provide clear, friendly explanations of what you’re seeing through the telescopes, creating an enjoyable atmosphere where questions are always welcome.

Plan Your Stay in Stanthorpe

Stay Among the Vines
ridgemill estate offers luxurious vineyard cabins where you can fall asleep beneath the stars and wake to peaceful vineyard views.

Starry Nights Package Deal
Make your stay extra special with our Starry Nights Package Deal. Enjoy a beautifully prepared cheese platter on arrival, a continental breakfast basket for your stay and a complimentary bottle of ridgemill estate wine.

Explore the Granite Belt
During your stay, take time to discover the Granite Belt’s food experiences, wineries and nearby national parks, turning your stargazing night into a relaxed Queensland country escape.

FAQ

Is it family friendly?
Yes! All ages welcome.

Is it pet friendly?
We love furry friends, but this event isn’t pet friendly, so please leave your pets at home.

Is the event accessible?
We aim to make our stargazing night a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements — including mobility, sensory, or other needs — please get in touch with us on (07) 46 835 211. We’re happy to chat and see how we can best support your visit.

Do I need to bring a telescope?
No – multiple telescopes will be set up by local and visiting astronomy enthusiasts.

Do I need to bring anything?
Dress warm, bring a blanket, a sense of wonder and your favourite people — the stars will take care of the rest!

What if the weather is bad?
ridgemill estate reserves the right to cancel at any time depending on inclement weather and local fire conditions.

We would provide notification to you no later than 12:00 MIDDAY on Saturday 23 May 2026. In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather, any monies paid will be refunded in full.

What if my plans change — can I get a refund?
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, we’re happy to offer a full refund with at least 48 hours’ notice prior to 23 May 2026. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] (excludes accommodation).

Ready to be amazed?

Whether you’re a lifelong stargazer or simply drawn to the stars, this is your invitation to slow down, look up and reconnect with the cosmos!

VISIT

Our cellar door is open daily for tastings and wine sales, see below for opening times, which may vary on public holidays, so please call ahead 07 4683 5211.

Monday 10 – 5pm
Tuesday 10 – 5pm
Wednesday 10 – 5pm
Thursday 10 – 5pm
Friday 10 – 5pm
Saturday 10 – 5pm
Sunday 10 – 3pm

FIND US

ridgemill estate is located approximately 5 minutes’ drive south of Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt Region. Our address is ridgemill estate, 218 Donges Road, Severnlea Qld, 4380 for directions visit our Find Us page.