Coodlie Park Astro-Protection Policy

Protecting Coodlie’s Dark Sky

At Coodlie Park Eco Retreat, we are committed to protecting one of our region’s greatest natural assets, the night sky. Located beneath exceptionally dark skies on the West Coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Coodlie offers outstanding views of the Milky Way, planets, constellations, meteor showers and other celestial events.

 

Our night sky has been measured at approximately 21.8 using a Sky Quality Meter, with conditions consistent with a Bortle Class 1 sky, the darkest classification on the Bortle Scale. Protecting these conditions is central to our environmental, wildlife and tourism commitments.

 

Why Natural Darkness Matters

Natural darkness is important for much more than stargazing. Many native animals rely on natural day-and-night cycles for feeding, movement, breeding, navigation and shelter. Excessive artificial light can disrupt these behaviours and affect the health of nocturnal ecosystems. Reducing unnecessary lighting also saves energy, improves the quality of the night-time environment and allows visitors to experience the stars as they have been seen for generations.

 

Responsible Lighting at Coodlie

We use lighting only where it is needed for safety and essential operations. For new and replacement lighting, we prefer very warm lighting of around 2200 kelvin, with 2700 kelvin as the general maximum.

 

Our lighting practices include:

• Keeping Camp Coodlie free from permanent general-area lighting.

• Using fully shielded and downward-facing outdoor lights where lighting is necessary.

• Choosing warm-coloured, low-impact lighting.

• Using timers, switches and motion sensors where appropriate.

• Turning lights off when they are not required.

• Reducing light spill into the sky, surrounding bushland and wildlife habitat.

• Regularly reviewing lighting across the property.

 

How Guests Can Help

Every visitor can play a part in protecting the night. These simple actions help preserve the stargazing experience and protect the nocturnal wildlife that lives around us.

 

During your stay, we ask that you:

• Use a red-light torch wherever possible.

• Turn lights off when they are not needed.

• Avoid bright white torches and unnecessary outdoor lighting.

• Close curtains or blinds when indoor lights are on after dark.

• Use vehicle headlights only when required and remain aware of wildlife.

• Avoid shining lights toward animals, other guests or the sky.

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Stargazing and Education

Through our guided stargazing experiences, astrophotography activities and nocturnal wildlife tours, we aim to help guests better understand the importance of natural darkness. We want every guest to leave with a stronger connection to the night sky and a greater understanding of how it can be protected.

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Our night-time experiences may include:

• Guided interpretation of the Milky Way, planets and constellations.

• Telescope viewing and live-screen astronomy.

• Astrophotography education.

• Nocturnal wildlife observation.

• Information about light pollution and responsible lighting.

• Special events celebrating meteor showers, auroras and other celestial events.

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Supporting Dark Sky Awareness

Protecting the night sky extends beyond the boundaries of Coodlie Park. We aim to work with local communities, tourism operators, schools, councils and environmental organisations to raise awareness of light pollution and encourage responsible lighting across the Eyre Peninsula.

We support lighting choices that reduce glare, sky glow, energy use and disturbance to wildlife while still meeting genuine safety needs.

 

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We regularly monitor sky quality and review our lighting practices to identify opportunities for improvement.
 

Our commitments include:

• Recording Sky Quality Meter readings from established locations across the property.

• Reviewing our lighting inventory when fixtures are added, removed or changed.

• Replacing unsuitable lighting through a planned improvement program.

• Updating guest information, signs and educational materials.

• Reviewing our astro-protection practices twice each year.

• Continuing our work towards Dark Sky Approved Lodging accreditation.

 

Our Dark Sky Commitment

Coodlie Park Eco Retreat is proud to support responsible astrotourism and nature-based travel. We believe the night sky belongs to everyone, and protecting it is a shared responsibility. Through thoughtful lighting, environmental care, education and community collaboration, we aim to preserve Coodlie’s extraordinary darkness for wildlife, visitors and future generations.

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Last updated: July 2026