Gold Coast Hinterland Photography Workshop | 14–18 May & 13–17 August 2026

Gold Coast Hinterland
Multiday Photography Workshop

Gold Coast Hinterland & Coast

Mount Barney · Lamington NP · Currumbin · Fingal Causeway

Next intakes: 14–18 May & 13–17 August 2026 · Winter clarity, waterfalls in flow, dark skies

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Complimentary transfers from Brisbane Airport (BNE). Self-drive welcome.

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Group Size

Max 4 People

Workshop Price

AU$3,200 Early-Bird
AU$3,450 Standard
AU$450 deposit secures your spot · Early-Bird ends after 2 bookings

Why the Gold Coast in 2026?

Two editions target the best sky geometry: 14–18 May for crisp east-rising Milky Way and 13–17 August for west-setting arches. Pair this with wave-washed basalt at Currumbin & Fingal, dramatic Mount Barney sunsets, and Lamington’s waterfalls running in winter flow. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, reliable trade winds — ideal for long exposures, astro, and timelapse.

Mount Barney

Volcanic skyline for sunset and MW-set compositions.

Elabana & Moran Falls

Silky rainforest cascades with side-light and mist.

Currumbin Rock

Wave-timed seascapes and pastel dawns.

Fingal Causeway

Hexagonal basalt and reflective tidal textures.

Nightscapes

Bortle-2 skies at Mount Barney, low humidity — clean stars and arcs.

Editing Labs

Daily Lightroom/Photoshop sessions to lock in learning.

Workshop Format: 5 Full Days (14–18 May & 13–17 August 2026)

DateActivities
Day 1 – Mount Barney
(Arrival & Intro)

Airport pick-ups (BNE) → Check-in: Mt Barney Lodge – Moringarah Homestead

Welcome & safety briefing · Orientation shoot

Sunset & blue hour – Mount Barney lookout

Astro session (weather permitting) – Milky Way rising over the summit

Day 2 – Lamington NP

Sunrise: Mount Barney skyline

Breakfast & editing lab (3 hrs)

Check-out → Travel to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Afternoon waterfalls: Elabana / Box Falls long exposures

Astro option: Moran Falls lookout (curfew/conditions permitting)

Day 3 – Currumbin Coast

Travel to coast → Check-in: Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Daytime editing masterclass

Sunset: Currumbin Rock seascapes

Evening astro: Currumbin headland (tide/conditions dependent)

Day 4 – Fingal & Currumbin

Sunrise: Currumbin Rock recap

Editing lab (3 hrs)

Sunset: Fingal Causeway basalt columns

Milky Way session: Fingal Beach (tide dependent)

Day 5 – Fingal
(Departure)

Sunrise: Fingal Causeway recap

Final editing & image critique

11:00 check-out · Airport drop-offs (BNE)

Skills You'll Master

Astrophotography

Planning · trackers · stacking · noise control · colour management

Seascapes & Waterfalls

Wave-timed shutters · ND work · focus stacking · composition

Editing

Lightroom/Photoshop · masking · blend techniques · export workflow

Fieldcraft

PhotoPills · swell & weather reads · safety & scouting

What's Included

5-Day workshop
Max 4 participants
Private-room accommodation
4 nights across Mt Barney, Lamington & Coast
Transfers
Brisbane Airport pickup/drop-off + daily transport
Guided shoots
Sunrise, sunset & astro (conditions/permits)
Editing sessions
Daily labs
Loaner gear
Star tracker + limited spares on request
Partner perks
NiSi & Leofoto discounts
Learning materials
Cheat Sheets + Composition eBook
Ongoing support
Post-workshop critique & lifetime email support

What's Not Included

Meals & drinks
Pay-as-you-go
Transportation
Flights to/from Brisbane (BNE) or self-drive
Insurance
Travel insurance required
Visa
If applicable

Pricing & Booking

All-Inclusive Photography Experience

Early-Bird
AU$3,200
Standard
AU$3,450

Secure your spot with an AU$450 deposit

Early-Bird ends after 2 bookings · Balance due 30 days prior

Join Priority List

FAQs

What fitness level is required?

Walks of 7–8 km return on uneven terrain with your gear. We break often and pace to the slowest walker.

What's the cancellation policy?

Cancel 60+ days out for a full refund. Inside 60 days, partial credit applies if we fill your place. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

What gear should I bring?

DSLR/mirrorless, 14–24 mm f/2.8, sturdy tripod, remote shutter, ND filters. Star trackers supplied on-site.

Is there power & reception?

All lodgings have mains power. 4G reception is available everywhere except the deepest rainforest gullies.

What about wet weather?

Clouds = extended editing labs; rain = dramatic waterfalls. We pivot plans and supply wet-weather guidance.

Can beginners join?

Absolutely. If you understand basic Manual-mode controls, we’ll tailor tuition to level you up fast.

Are drones allowed?

Yes, under CASA rules: 30 m from people, <120 m height, line-of-sight. Regulations reviewed on-site.

Testimonials

★★★★★

"Dylan has put a lot of time and effort into this workshop. He is easy to understand and ensures each student gets the time they need to grasp the concepts. I really appreciated that there were only four students—Dylan spent plenty of time with each of us. The follow-up eBooks he created and published are a terrific way to reinforce the weekend and make sure the new techniques and knowledge really stick. Thank you Dylan—I really enjoyed the weekend and can’t wait to see what’s next."

– Jo

★★★★★

"I've done quite a few workshops with Dylan. The planning that Dylan goes into to find great locations and getting the time right for the best light is brilliant. Milky Way sessions are just fantastic!"

– Terry Mugavin

★★★★★

"Knighty's Astro photography session was an amazingly transformative and immersive experience as a beginner photographer... I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence."

– Amber

★★★★★

"Highly recommend Knighty’s Photography! You won’t be disappointed! I’ve done a few private workshops with Dylan over the last five years and it’s been great! Looking forward to my next workshop with Dylan!"

– Wendy K.

★★★★★

"It was a great night – fantastic location, and great tips to get the most out of the night sky."

– Linda

★★★★★

"The workshop was excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience."

– Nikon School Attendee

★★★★★

"I would highly recommend a Nikon School Workshop and Dylan Knight. He followed up with extra resources and provided a professional experience from start to finish."

– Nikon Workshop Participant

★★★★★

"I was absolutely stoked with the workshop... Dylan clarified a lot of the questions I had. Would love to do this again!"

– Workshop Participant