NIGHT SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR TOURISM

An astro-tourism specialist is challenging the Central Highlands to tap into the lucrative potential of its clear night skies.

Astrolomy’s Mike Dalley, a consultant in tourism centred around stargazing and celestial events, will be a guest speaker at TOURISM25 in Emerald on 3 December.

Tickets can be purchased at chdc.com.au.

Mr Dalley will explain how Queensland is playing catch-up with other parts of the globe, including NSW, in developing commercial experiences.

“I think it’s really important for people to know our State Government is now backing dark sky tourism; Destination 2045 is the first time it’s been included as a priority area of Queensland’s official tourism strategy,” Mr Dalley says.

“That’s a massive deal because it makes these types of projects eligible for significant government support, particularly the $300,000 grants from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

“I’m hoping to give guests some ideas on how they might either start a business in that area or incorporate it into what they’re already doing.”

Mr Dalley will also drive home the importance of collaboration.

“It’s about sharing the love and by that, I mean, sharing the profit,” he says.

“We all want to make money but the idea is to use a multi-billion dollar industry to share the benefits with everyone.

“And that’s what I can envision for the Central Highlands – everyone coming together and building something together.”

Queensland Country Tourism’s Felicite Cootes will also give a presentation at TOURISM25 on the region’s connection to the bigger tourism picture for Queensland and on building volunteer programs.

Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) hosts the annual forum to connect, inform and inspire businesses that are part of the local visitor economy.

“This event is all about strengthening our region’s tourism industry,” CHDC CEO Peter Dowling says.

“The more business operators we have in the room, the better we can have those important, collective conversations.”

TOURISM25 has been timed and priced to be convenient and affordable to attend.

“We hope people see the value in stepping away from their day-to-day operations for just a few hours to network, debrief about the season, and walk away with fresh, actionable ideas for 2026,” Mr Dowling says.

The event will also be an opportunity to learn more about CHDC’s Central Highlands Visitor Economy Action Plan 2025–2028, which focuses on five key areas, including driving a year-round industry, developing experiences that inspire visitors to Explore More, and cultivating a culture of collaboration.

As Co-Founder of Astrolomy, Mr Dalley is a globally recognised astro-tourism leader who combines postgraduate astronomy science with business and tourism expertise to deliver tours, workshops, and strategic consultancy across the world, having just returned from a guide training and consulting trip to Bhutan.

He believes the Central Highlands is well placed to meet the demand in astro-tourism that has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m going to bring a sky quality meter but from my understanding so far, you have a really good dark sky so I think it will be fantastic,” Mr Dalley says.