Kestrel Nest Ecohut in southern New South Wales has become the first accomodation in Australia to be internationally recognised as “dark-sky” accommodation, sparking hopes of a new tourism boom.
The recognition comes from Dark Sky International, a recognised worldwide authority combatting light pollution – they’re a team of 2,000+ volunteer advocates around the world with the aim of protecting the valuable night sky.
To be recognised as dark sky accomodation, the facility must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in a region with an exceptional dark sky resource,
- Understand sensitive nighttime resources and appropriate means of reducing the impact of light at night,
- Showcase exemplary outdoor lighting practices and,
- Allow regular nighttime access to guests and provides educational or outreach material about night sky conservation to guests.
More than 200 places across the world are DarkSky-certified, including the Warrumbungles and the Murray River. But there are only nine certified temporary-accommodation sites, and just two in the South Hemisphere: Kestrel Nest and a lodging in Brazil.
DarkSky communications manager Drew Reagan said the lodging program started just over a year ago, due to the rise of astro-tourism. Mr Reagan said DarkSky International aimed to protect the night-time environment “not just for the view of the stars and cosmos, but also to protect nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems”.