Lake Toolondo Workshop

Milky way lines up against the horizon of Lake Toolondo

Lake Toolondo Astrophotography Workshop August 2024

This workshop is now sold out. Contact me for upcoming dates in 2025!

Start Date:

  • August 28th 2024

Duration: 5 nights

Group size: up to 6 people each tour

Cost: $3000 per person

Status: Guaranteed Departure

What to expect.

Join me, and like-minded individuals for a 5 night Lake Toolondo astrophotography workshop where we will learn to photograph the Milky Way over some of the most spectacular landscapes in Victoria, Australia.

The focus will be on Lake Toolondo; photographing the beautiful and haunting dead trees of the lake. We will also venture into a nearby State Park and the incredible Grampians National Park for some unique photo opportunities.

Located in Victoria’s west, Lake Toolondo is a spot I’ve consistently returned to because it never ceases to amaze me. Widely known as a popular trout fishing spot, Lake Toolondo provides one of the most breathtaking backdrop for night photography. For this tour, you will be shown a comprehensive introduction to Astrophotography. This will include everything from camera settings, scouting locations and my unique compositions.

This workshop provides an in-depth masterclass in advanced editing techniques over 5 days to produce stunning nighttime photographs.

The itinerary balances hands-on shooting experiences combined with educational workshops and exploration of diverse astrophotography locations. Participants will gain valuable skills and memorable experiences throughout the tour.

The tour cost $3000 per person, which includes accommodation and transfers^. Full payment is needed prior to secure your spot*.

^For full list of inclusions, scroll past gallery

*Click here for our full terms and conditions,

What is included in the workshop:

  • Accommodation - private rooms with your own private bathroom for 5 nights

  • 5 night of photo guide services from a professional and award winning photographer

  • Instruction in a small group of 6 participants

  • Night photography session throughout the entire photo tour

  • Editing & post-processing sessions during the photo tour

  • Transportation for the full duration of the photo tour

What is not included in the workshop:

  • Airfares and any associated travel to get to the accommodation

  • Meals, drinks, and snacks

  • Visa or passport fees (if applicable)

  • Health/travel or equipment insurance

What you’ll need.

To gain the most out of my workshops, I do recommend that you have the following:

  • Camera- DSLR or Mirrorless, wide angle lens with fastest aperture you have

  • Tripod

  • Intervalometer (for long exposures, stacking, and time lapse photography)

  • Laptop (PC or Mac) for the editing porting, with basic Adobe Photography suite (Lightroom & Photoshop) installed

  • Warm, comfortable clothing and gumboots

The following are recommended but not critical:

  • Filters for sunset/sunrise photography

  • A torch or headlamp

  • Lens warmers

  • Small Plastic bags to protect tripod feet from salt deposits

Itinerary.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable so I like to have a plan but keep it flexible. My tours balances out hands on and in-field experiences with educational workshops. Below I’ve outlined what we will cover.

  • Arrival and Orientation at the Best Westlander Motor Inn where we will have a brief introduction and overview.

    In the evening we will jump right into it, focusing on capturing the Milky Way and practice basic night photography skills.

  • Techniques and Practice.

    In the morning we will do an advanced photo processing session to refine the images from the previous night.

    We will then scout around Lake Toolondo for potential shooting locations. When evening comes we will focus on capturing stunning celestial scenes using focus stacking and panoramic photography.

  • Explore Mount Arapiles State Park.

    The morning will be spent processing the images captured from the night before before heading to Mount Arapiles State Park.

    This is where we will spend the rest of the day scouting locations and capturing the night sky above this iconic landmark.

  • Hollow Mountain in Grampians National Park.

    After reviewing and editing images from the night before we will travel to Hollow Mountain in the Grampians.

    The remainder of the day will be spent on scouting and capturing natural features of the landscape into astrophotography compositions.

  • Farewell night photography at Lake Toolondo.

    After editing photos of Hollow Mountain, we will have a group lunch at a local cafe before heading out for one last opportunity to capture the beauty of Lake Toolondo at night before concluding the tour.