Cheela Plains
Astrophotography Retreat
An immersive astrophotography experience under some of Australia’s darkest skies
8-13 October 2026
A deeply engaging astrophotography retreat set in the vast Pilbara landscape, offering time, space, and expert guidance under some of Australia’s darkest skies.
Guided Night Sky Shoots
Daily Editing Workshops
Personalised Guidance
Small Group Experience
Capture the Night Sky
Experience five nights of hands-on astrophotography under some of Australia’s darkest skies. Evenings are spent on fully guided shoots, exploring different ways to capture the Milky Way and the night sky. Mornings focus on learning editing techniques to enhance, combine, and bring out the finest details. This cycle of shooting, learning, and refining lets you experiment, make real progress, and leave the retreat with images you’re proud of.
Single Exposure
Astrophotography
Learn how to capture the night sky in a single exposure, including camera settings, focus techniques, and composition, so you can bring out the Milky Way, stars, and foreground details in one beautiful image.
Star Trails
Capture the motion of the stars by shooting a sequence of images over several hours and stacking them into one breathtaking trail.
Stacking Multiple Images
Capture multiple exposures and combine them to reduce noise, boost detail, and reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Timelapse
Astrophotography
Capture the motion of the stars by shooting a sequence of images over several hours and stacking them into one breathtaking trail.
Panoramic Milky Way Arch
Learn how to capture multiple images and stitch them together to create wide, sweeping views of the night sky. This technique is perfect for showcasing the classic Milky Way arch and capturing expansive landscapes in a single, breathtaking frame.
Your Pilbara Astro Experience
Days at Cheela Plains are about enjoying the beauty and solitude of the Pilbara landscape. Mornings are relaxed, giving you time to practise editing your images, while afternoons can be spent exploring the station, soaking in the wide-open skies, or simply unwinding in this peaceful setting. As night falls, we gather under the stars for fully guided astrophotography sessions, capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and more — making each day a balance of creativity, learning, and immersion in one of Australia’s most breathtaking outback locations.
Cheela Plains offers a selection of rooms to suit singles and couples, providing comfort and privacy in the heart of the Pilbara. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of — your only focus is enjoying the day and capturing incredible night sky images.
This retreat is ideal for beginners and intermediate photographers who want to spend time under the stars, improve their skills, and capture stunning night sky images.
Cheela Plains Station
Cheela Plains Station is a family-owned working cattle station in the heart of the Pilbara, offering an authentic outback experience combined with comfort and care. Set among the dramatic Beasley River Gorge and ancient rock formations, the station provides a striking natural backdrop that perfectly complements the night sky.
Guests are welcomed into a space that values connection and place, situated on the traditional lands of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama, Pinikura, Yinhawangka, Bunjima, and Jurruru peoples. The station embraces its heritage and natural surroundings, giving visitors a sense of the vast, timeless landscape that makes the Pilbara so special.
With minimal light pollution and wide-open horizons, Cheela Plains offers some of the darkest skies in Australia — ideal for astrophotography and stargazing. The combination of rugged scenery, peaceful solitude, and small-group, immersive experiences makes it the perfect setting to capture the Milky Way, star trails, panoramas, and more, all while feeling fully taken care of and free to focus on your craft.
Suzy Jones
Starbright Wonderland Photography
Suzy Jones is an award-winning astrophotographer and geologist with a reputation for creating unforgettable night sky experiences. She has led workshops across Western Australia, helping photographers of all levels — from beginners capturing their first Milky Way to more experienced shooters refining their skills — achieve stunning results.
Known for her hands-on, supportive teaching style, Suzy makes complex techniques accessible while inspiring creativity and confidence. With her guidance, you’ll not only improve your astrophotography, but also experience the Pilbara under some of Australia’s darkest, most breathtaking skies.
8-13th October 2026
Cheela Plains, Pilbara, WA
Included:
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4 evening astro shoots
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4 morning editing sessions
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Accomodation
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Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
You will need to bring:
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Camera with memory cards
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Tripod
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Laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop installed
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Warm clothing
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Suitable footwear
If your camera does not have an inbuilt interval timer you may need to purchase a remote shutter release. Feel free to email Suzy to see if your camera is suitable.
A full checklist will be sent prior to the event
Spaces are limited for this small-group retreat. Secure your spot under the Pilbara skies now!
In this webinar we will cover
