DESCRIPTION
Here’s your taster of Australia’s very first International Dark Sky Reserve with an incredibly special 1.5 hour astronomy only session – a shortened version of our Dark Sky Gold Stars Sunset Dinner.
Visit one of the darkest places on earth, meeting at our private astronomy site, for your guided tour of the night sky with unforgettable viewing through our powerful telescope.
Tour includes:
· Non-stop commentary and laser pointer tour of the night sky by an astronomer
· Use of provided telescope under red light to view the night sky
· Access to a private location – Ted’s at Walker Flat
· Pull up stools
· Yoga mats
Stargazing at Ted’s – positioned in the heart of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, you will have use of a private location ‘Ted’s Walker Flat’ under red light, without interuption from passing traffic. Our astronomer will guide you through the night sky of stars, constellations, planets, clusters and galaxies with amazing viewing through our provided powerful telescope and green laser pointer. The views are sure take your breath away.
Our ‘Astronomy Only’ session introduces you to one of the darkest places on earth with virtually no light pollution. Recordings of the Reserve measure at 21.9 on a scale of 0 to 22. About 300 stars can typically be seen in Southern Hemisphere urban areas, where an estimated 5000 can be seen here, including a better view of the centre of the galaxy (the Milky Way) !
Your self drive option to Ted’s 762 Mallee Road, Walker Flat meanders from Mannum or Swan Reach along the roadside path parallel to the Murray River. A popular nesting ground for cockatoos and plentiful wildlife, this farming district has its own story to tell. Our region has the tallest cliffs and the longest single bend along the entire length of the Murray River. Add time to your self-drive adventure to marvel at impressive ancient cliffs and the sights from lookouts.
*IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE BOOKING:
MOON PHASE CALENDAR: this experience does not operate everyday of the year. We avoid holding viewing nights when the moon is very bright because you cannot look through a telescope during this time, and we want you to see a Dark Sky. Selected dates are generally based on dark dates of the moon phase calendar. If you can’t see a date on our calendar that you prefer to book, please review the moon calendar before contacting us.
PENDING: once you book, if your order is returned as Pending, this means the tour has not reached minimum numbers. Once others book, our system will automatically send you an email with confirmation. Please wait for this before booking accommodation. If you do not receive confirmation 1 week prior to your tour, please contact our office preferrably via Email: hello@jugglehouse.com.au or Ph: 0480 043 778 to seek the possibility of an alternate date or refund.
GIFT CARDS: please inform your gifted recipient to book as soon as possible without delay.
CHILDREN: We love children! Please note however, this Dark Sky Experience is quite a duration, and a late night return. Children of young ages may find the tour difficult to follow. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, mindful of the enjoyment of other guests during the tour.
PRICE / AGES DESCRIPTION: Child 3-16 years, Adult 16 & over, Infant: 2 years and under (travel free but must be advised at time of booking and your own car seat must be supplied) No concession price.
PETS: dogs are allowed at the astronomy site. They must be kept on a leash at all times and under the owner’s complete control, meaning the owner must be able to manage the dog’s behavior and prevent it from causing any disturbances to the session.
WINTER HOURS: during the darkness of winter the astronomy start time is often earlier. This depends on the Gold Stars Sunset Dinner Tour coinciding with meeting up for this Astronomy only session.
SMOKING / ALCOHOL / DRUGS: Our private astronomy site is a smoking, alcohol and illicit drug free zone and these are not permitted at any time while onsite. Anyone found in possession, or under the influence of illicit drugs will be removed from the venue.
THIRD PARTY BOOKING PLATFORMS: itineraries and details listed here on Juggle House Experiences River Murray Dark Sky Tours supercedes any documentation listed on third party platforms such as Red Balloon, Klook, Viator / Tripadvisor.
Photo credits: Ben Goode (Cover Photo & Big Bend Cliffs Photo) & Dave Hartley Photography, Mannum)
PLEASE CLICK TO READ each of these headings below prior to booking:
