A New South Wales lodging is the first in Australia to be recognised for its clear night skies, as ecotourism’s popularity grows.
Kestrel Nest EcoHut, located on Highfield Farm and Woodland in the eastern Riverina area, has been recognised by DarkSky International for its clear skies and lack of light pollution. The hut offers an off-grid accommodation experience for up to four people.
“In terms of halving emissions and reaching net zero, we are 26 years ahead of the game here at Highfield Farm and Woodland. In 2024 we were assessed as not only being net zero across all our operations [including Kestrel Nest EcoHut] but capturing more emissions than we produce,” said Highfield Farm and Woodland.
Meals at the eco-hut include Highfield Farm’s own produce, and guests can access stargazing hammocks and an outdoor bath.
While Kestrel Nest is Australia’s only certified Dark Sky accommodation, South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland host Dark Sky parks and wilderness sanctuaries. DarkSky International has recognised more than 200 sites worldwide, covering more than 160,000 square kilometres of land.
The eco-hut is also one of just two certified temporary accommodation locations in the Southern Hemisphere, alongside Brazil’s Pousada Verbicaro in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Kestrel Nest was recognised as the best ecotourism site in New South Wales at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards.
Nature-based tourism activities in Australia saw demand grow by 47% from 2014 to 2023, according to Austrade. Among international visitors, 69% took part in at least one nature tourism activity.
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