Help Coodlie Park Protect One of Australia’s Naturally Dark Night Skies.........Coodlie Park Eco Retreat is raising funds to support its application for DarkSky Approved Lodging accreditation through Dark Sky International and to continue protecting one of Australia’s rare, naturally dark night skies.

Located on the West Coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Coodlie Park is a family-owned and operated eco farm retreat managed by husband and wife team Krystina and Paul. Coodlie Park encompasses approximately 500 acres of coastal mallee bushland and offers visitors a peaceful, off-grid place to reconnect with nature, wildlife and the stars.

Since 2023, extensive works to restore, improve and protect the property while developing responsible tourism experiences that celebrate the surrounding environment including improving guest facilities, reducing environmental impacts, protecting local wildlife habitats and promoting greater awareness of the importance of naturally dark night skies.

Coodlie Park experiences exceptionally dark skies, with conditions suitable for stargazing, astrophotography, astronomy education and nature-based tourism. However, naturally dark skies are becoming increasingly rare as artificial light at night continues to spread into rural and natural areas.

Why Light Pollution Matters

Light pollution is caused by excessive, unnecessary, poorly directed or overly bright artificial lighting. It can include light that shines upward into the sky, spills beyond the area where it is needed, remains switched on when it is not required or uses harsh blue-rich white light.

Although light pollution may appear less obvious than other forms of pollution, it can have significant environmental and social impacts. Artificial light at night can:

— Reduce the visibility of stars, planets, the Milky Way and other celestial features.

— Disrupt the natural behaviours, feeding patterns, movement and breeding cycles of nocturnal wildlife.

— Affect insects, birds, bats, reptiles and other species that rely on natural cycles of daylight and darkness.

— Alter predator-and-prey relationships and disturb sensitive habitats.

— Waste energy and contribute to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.

— Affect human sleep patterns, wellbeing and the ability to experience natural darkness.

Coodlie Park provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife, including southern hairy-nosed wombats, western grey kangaroos, owls, bats, reptiles, insects and other nocturnal species. Protecting darkness across the property is therefore about much more than preserving a beautiful view of the stars and it is also an important part of protecting the natural environment.

DarkSky Approved Lodging Accreditation

Coodlie Park is applying to become a DarkSky Approved Lodging location through DarkSky International.

DarkSky International is a global organisation dedicated to protecting the night from light pollution through responsible outdoor lighting, education, advocacy and recognised dark sky programs.

DarkSky Approved Lodging accreditation recognises accommodation providers that demonstrate a genuine commitment to preserving natural darkness and reducing the effects of artificial light at night.

The accreditation process requires participating properties to assess their lighting, identify areas for improvement and implement responsible lighting practices that support guest safety without unnecessarily affecting the surrounding night environment.

As part of the application and accreditation process, Coodlie Park is developing and implementing measures including:

— Assessing and documenting outdoor lighting across the property.

— Removing or replacing unnecessary, overly bright or poorly directed lights.

— Using warm-coloured, low-intensity lighting only where it is genuinely required.

— Directing lighting downward and shielding it to prevent glare and upward light spill.

— Using timers, sensors and operating procedures to reduce the amount of time lights remain on.

— Maintaining areas of the property, including Camp Coodlie, without permanent general lighting.

— Encouraging guests to use red lights at night and avoid unnecessary white-light torches.

— Protecting areas regularly visited by nocturnal and light-sensitive wildlife.

— Educating visitors about light pollution, responsible lighting and the value of natural darkness.

— Monitoring night sky quality and continuing to improve lighting practices over time.

Achieving this accreditation would formally recognise Coodlie Park’s commitment to protecting its naturally dark environment while helping to establish the property as a responsible astrotourism and nature-based accommodation destination.

Supporting Education and Responsible Astrotourism

The project will also support Coodlie Park’s ongoing dark sky education and visitor experiences.

Through guided stargazing experiences, guest information, social media, signage and responsible lighting guidance, Coodlie Park aims to help visitors understand that everyone can play a role in reducing light pollution.

Simple actions, uch as switching off lights when they are not needed, using warmer and dimmer lighting, shielding outdoor fixtures and directing light only where it is required and can make a meaningful difference.

By sharing this information with guests and the wider community, Coodlie Park hopes to encourage better lighting practices beyond the property and contribute to the broader protection of dark skies across the Eyre Peninsula.

Fundraising Target

Coodlie Park’s fundraising target is $5,000, which will assist with the costs associated with the DarkSky Approved Lodging application and the required inspection and certification process.

Application fee: $1,884

Inspection and certification fee: $3,044

Any remaining funds will assist with required lighting improvements, educational materials, signage, monitoring and other measures that support the protection of Coodlie Park’s night environment.

Why Support Is Needed

Protecting Coodlie Park’s dark skies will help:

— Preserve exceptional views of the Milky Way and the southern night sky.

— Reduce the effects of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife and sensitive habitats.

— Support sustainable and responsible tourism on the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula.

— Provide meaningful stargazing and astronomy experiences for visitors.

— Educate guests and the wider community about light pollution.

— Encourage responsible lighting practices in homes, businesses and tourism destinations.

— Preserve the experience of natural darkness for future generations.

Every donation, share and message of support will help Coodlie Park move closer to achieving DarkSky Approved Lodging accreditation and protecting its naturally dark skies for the future.

Krystina and Paul are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes, shares the fundraising page or supports the project in any way.

Please help spread the word and support Coodlie Park Eco Retreat in protecting the wildlife, landscapes and extraordinary stars above this special part of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.