Mission Statement

At Coodlie Park Eco Retreat, our mission is to protect and preserve the integrity of our pristine night skies for future generations. As custodians of one of Australia's darkest sky locations, we are dedicated to reducing light pollution, supporting astrotourism, and promoting awareness about the importance of natural darkness for both ecological balance and human connection to the cosmos.
 

Policy Objectives

1. Preserve Night Sky Quality
   Coodlie Park has Class One Dark Skies on the Bortle Scale, measuring 21.8 with a Sky Quality Metre (SQM) which indicates the highest quality dark skies available. At Coodlie Park we are committed to maintaining these conditions by eliminating unnecessary outdoor lighting, replacing existing lights with low-impact alternatives, and working towards full alignment with Dark Sky  lighting guidelines.
    

2. Promote Responsible Lighting

   • Only use fully shielded, downward facing outdoor lighting where safety requires it

   • Install motion sensors and timers to reduce light use when not needed

   • Choose warm coloured LED lighting (3000K or lower) to minimise sky glow and disruption to wildlife

   • Educate guests, staff, and visitors on appropriate lighting practices in eco sensitive environments
      

3. Astrotourism and Community Engagement

   • Offer regular educational programs, stargazing tours, and night sky talks

   • Work with local schools, councils, and tourism organisations to raise awareness and appreciation for our dark skies

   • Host community events to celebrate celestial happenings and share our knowledge of the stars
      

4. Light Pollution Advocacy

   • Engage with regional councils and local communities in Elliston, Venus Bay and Port Kenny to encourage reduction of artificial lighting

   • Support upgrades of public lighting infrastructure to meet Dark Sky Community standards

   • Advocate for improved policies that protect the night environment across the Eyre Peninsula
      

5. Environmental and Wildlife Considerations

   • Recognise that natural darkness is essential for healthy nocturnal ecosystems

   • Reduce artificial lighting to support native wildlife behaviours and maintain biodiversity

   • Integrate night sky conservation into broader environmental sustainability initiatives at the retreat
      

6. Continuous Improvement and Certification Goals

   • Actively pursue formal Dark Sky certification for Coodlie Park Eco Retreat

   • Regularly review lighting systems, guest education materials, and program delivery to stay aligned with best practices in dark sky tourism

   • Measure and monitor light levels across the property to ensure our skies remain among the darkest in Australia (Measured at 21,8 with a Sky Quality Metre, showing 'Class 1' dark skies on the Bortle Scale - 2024)
      

Our Commitment to the Stars, the Land and Our Community

Coodlie Park Eco Retreat stands proudly as a leader in astrotourism and nature based travel. We believe that protecting our night sky is a shared responsibility through education, action and collaboration, and we invite our guests, neighbours and supporters to help us preserve one of the most awe inspiring natural wonders of our region, the untouched night sky.
 

Last Updated: June 2025