starlight & vines — a two hour journey beneath the Granite Belt stars

Guided stargazing • Stories of the night sky • Telescope viewing

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Escape for an intimate, small group evening of stargazing beneath the Granite Belt’s renowned dark skies.

Enjoy two hours with local night sky specialist Bryan Middleton as he guides you through the stars, sharing the stories, science and secrets behind what you’re seeing above you. You’ll explore the constellations, discover what planets and deep sky objects are visible and take a closer look through the high powered telescope. And because no two nights in the sky are ever quite the same, every Starlight & Vines experience has its own little moment of magic.

Experience includes:

  • Guided stargazing experience with Bryan
  • Laser guided tour of the night sky
  • Stories, science and fascinating tales of the cosmos
  • High powered telescope viewing
  • Small group experience
  • Comfortable seating for viewing

Seasonal extras may be available on selected dates.

Available: Saturday nights: 31 Oct | 7 Nov | 5 & 12 Dec

Time: Each experience runs for approximately two hours, with start times varying throughout the season to coincide with sunset and darkness. Please check the individual date when booking.

Cost: $25 ADULTS | $8 KIDS 5yrs & above | INFANTS free

Optional Upgrades: Cheese boards | Grazing platters

Drinks available for purchase: Award winning ridgemill estate wines | Cider | Beer & soft drinks

Bookings: PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or by PHONE: (07) 46 835 211

Note: This experience requires 5 persons minimum to run.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

The Experience

This is a chance to spend a couple of hours outdoors, enjoying the night sky and seeing the Granite Belt from a different perspective.

You don’t need to know anything about astronomy. Bryan keeps things relaxed and easy to follow, so whether you’re already a bit of a star nerd or just curious about what’s up there, you’ll feel right at home. There’s time to sit back, have a drink, ask questions, have a chat and enjoy being outside without having anywhere else to be and once you start looking up, you might be surprised by just how much there is to see!

Come along, get comfortable and enjoy a different kind of night out.

RESERVE YOUR STARLIGHT & VINES EXPERIENCE HERE

‘Karen T’ — Brisbane, Australia

Food options available on the night

Stargazing is better with something good to eat! Choose from one of our cheese boards or grazing platters to enjoy during your Starlight & Vines experience. They’re made for sharing, easy to enjoy while you’re taking in the night sky and pair rather nicely with a glass of ridgemill wine. Browse the options below and choose your favourite.

CHEESE PLATTER [serves 1 – 2 pax]

Cheese Platter and Tasting Experience

Includes a selection of 2 cheeses, crackers, kalamatta & green olives plus a delicious local mediterranean chuttney from Jamworks Gourmet Foods. (g/f, vegan & veg on request)

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GOURMET CHEESE PLATER [ serves 2 pax]

Gourmet Cheese Platter

Gourmet Cheese: Includes a selection of 3 soft & hard cheeses, deli meats, kalamatta & green olives, delicious Jamworks relish, crackers, dried fruits & nuts. (g/f & vegan on request)

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ESTATE GRAZING PLATTER [serves 4 pax] 

Estate Grazing Platter

Selection of soft & hard cheeses, goats cheese & honey, meats, olives, Jamworks relish & chutney, crackers, ciabatta bread, puff pastry twists, dried fruit & nuts, fresh fruit

START YOUR BOOKING

FAQ

Do I need astronomy experience?
No. The experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced stargazers.

What should I wear?
The Granite Belt can be cooler after dark, so we recommend bringing a light layer and wearing comfortable shoes. On warmer evenings, dress comfortably for spending around two hours outdoors.

Are other drinks available?
Yes! Beer, cider and soft drinks are also available for purchase.

Can I bring my own food & drinks?
Sorry, BYO food and drinks aren’t permitted. We have a selection of cheese boards, grazing platters and drinks available to purchase and enjoy during your experience.

Can we bring our pet?
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 Starlight & Vines experience 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.

What happens if viewing conditions change?
Like any outdoor experience, stargazing is shaped by nature. Bryan will guide the evening based on the conditions, creating an engaging experience. As viewing conditions are beyond our control and form part of the outdoor experience, we appreciate your understanding that visibility may vary throughout the evening. If conditions become unsuitable, the event may be cancelled or the evening’s program adjusted accordingly. In the event of a cancellation we would provide notification to you no later than 2:30pm on the day of your experience. Any tickets purchased 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 the date of your experience. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] (excludes accommodation bookings).

CLICK HERE TO VIEW STARLIGHT & VINES DATES AND BOOK TICKETS

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

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Located just five minutes from Stanthorpe, ridgemill estate is renowned for its award-winning wines of elegance and finesse. Paired with breath taking vineyard views the estate also offers a range of contemporary accommodation options nestled amongst the vines, where style and luxury are the vibe!

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, Broadwater, Qld, 4380 for directions visit our Find Us page.

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