Southern Bent-wing Bat research: Bats flying at sunset.

Sky Country Tours

Dates

14 May - 20 June

Time

May: 5.30pm - 7.30pm

June: 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Themes

  • May 14, 15, 16: Dark Sky
  • May 21, 22, 23: Seasons
  • June 4, 5, 6: Dark Sky
  • June 11, 12, 13: Wildlife
  • June 18, 20: Seasons

Seasons: Learn about current Kulin Season from a skies, climate, plants, and animal perspective

Dark Skies: Learn about the dark sky constellations and the importance of dark skies for ecological health

Wildlife: Learn about constellations that relate to animal behaviours, from stars to dark sky features, and how dark skies impact animals.

Location

Healesville Sanctuary

Cost

Member adult: $88

Non-member adult: $110

Member child: $50 (aged 0-15)

Child: $55 (aged 0-15)

Optional: Add a Totes for Wildlife reusable tote for $10.

Journey through Sky Country with Astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli

Experience an unforgettable evening under the stars with award-winning astrophysicist and storyteller Krystal De Napoli as she guides you through the celestial knowledge of First Nations Australia — the world’s first astronomers.

Set within the tranquil dark-sky sanctuary, this immersive event invites attendees to walk to Lake Coranderrk, where the night sky becomes a living map. Together, you’ll observe remarkable celestial objects including dark-sky constellations, variable stars, planets, and the moon, all while learning how these features have shaped culture, knowledge, and survival for tens of thousands of years.

Krystal will illuminate the deep connections between the sky, land, and living world, sharing how Indigenous astronomy is used to:

  • Forecast seasonal change and weather patterns
  • Track the life cycles of native plants and animals
  • Navigate through Country using the stars
  • Preserve and pass down ancient histories and cultural knowledge

Attendees will also explore the ecological impacts of light pollution and discover how protecting dark skies supports the health of native species.

Join us for a powerful fusion of science, culture, and storytelling — a rare opportunity to see the night sky through the lens of the world’s oldest continuous astronomical tradition.

Meet your guide

Krystal De Napoli is a Kamilaroi woman and award-winning author, astrophysicist and science communicator devoted to the advocacy of Indigenous knowledges and equity in STEM. She co‑authored Astronomy: Sky Country and is a Teaching Associate at Monash University. Krystal also hosts Indigenuity on Triple R and is an educator for Zoos Victoria, focusing on fighting native species extinction.