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
Reserve Your SpotComplimentary transfers from Brisbane Airport (BNE). Self-drive welcome.
Duration
Group Size
Workshop Price
AU$3,450 Standard
Why the Gold Coast in 2026?
Two editions timed for the best sky geometry and seasonal conditions. May delivers crisp east-rising Milky Way arcs over Mount Barney, while August brings west-setting galactic cores above the coast and rainforest ranges. Both seasons offer cool air, flowing waterfalls, and clean atmospherics, ideal for astro, long exposures, and colour-rich seascapes. What makes this itinerary different? You’ll spend two nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, giving you the breathing room most workshops skip. Instead of rushing between locations, you’ll settle into the rainforest, hike to Elabana and Box Falls at the right pace, and shoot with fresh energy. The extra night also creates two opportunities for astro, using off-park viewpoints with clear horizons. From volcanic ridgelines at Mount Barney to the subtropical waterfalls of Lamington and the wave-washed basalt of Currumbin and Fingal, this workshop blends mountains, rainforest and coast in one seamless arc, without the usual logistic fatigue.
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)
Please ensure your arrival flight lands before 12:00pm on Day 1 for airport pick-up. Departure flights should be 1:00pm or later on Day 5 from Brisbane Airport (BNE).
| Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 – Mount Barney (Arrival & Intro) |
Airport pick-ups (BNE 12:00pm) → Travel to Mt Barney Lodge – Moringarah Homestead Check-in · Gear overview · Welcome briefing Sunset & blue hour: Mount Barney lookout Astro session (weather dependent): Milky Way rising over the summit |
| Day 2 – Lamington NP |
Sunrise: Mount Barney skyline Breakfast & editing lab (2–3 hrs) at Mt Barney Lodge Check-out → Travel to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Afternoon shoot: Short waterfall/forest session near the retreat Astro option: Drive out of the park for clearer horizons (conditions permitting) |
| Day 3 – Lamington NP |
Hike day: Elabana Falls, Box Falls or similar (7–8 km return) Afternoon break · Rest & recharge Blue hour & astro option: High lookouts or off-park viewpoints |
| Day 4 – Currumbin & Fingal |
Slow morning · Short bushwalk or nearby lookout at O’Reilly’s Editing lab (3 hrs) in meeting room Travel to coast → Check-in: Iconic Kirra Beach Resort Sunset: Currumbin Rock Milky Way session: Fingal or Currumbin (tide & conditions dependent) |
| Day 5 – Fingal (Departure) |
Sunrise: Fingal Causeway or Currumbin (shoot the location not covered on Day 4) Group breakfast · Check-out Travel to Brisbane Airport — arrive by ~11:30am Recommended flights: 1:00pm or later |
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
What's Not Included
Pricing & Booking
All-Inclusive Photography Experience
Secure your spot with an AU$500 deposit
Early-Bird ends after the first booking · Balance due 60 days prior
Reserve Your SpotFAQs
What fitness level is required?
Some walks on this workshop require 10–12 km return on uneven terrain while carrying your camera gear. We pace the group to the slowest walker and take regular breaks. A moderate fitness level is recommended, and you should be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours with a backpack.
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 or mirrorless body, wide-angle lens such as a 14–24 mm f/2.8, mid-to-long zoom (24–70, 70–200, or 100–400) for intimate mountain layers and seastacks, a sturdy tripod, remote shutter, and ND filters for long exposures. A polariser is essential for rainforest and waterfall photography. Star trackers are supplied on-site, and a few spares are available if needed. If you need gear before the workshop, I can pass on exclusive NiSi discounts — just email me after booking.
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. The workshop suits all skill levels, and tuition is tailored individually so everyone progresses with confidence.
Are drones allowed?
No. Because of insurance requirements and strict regulations in national parks and council areas, drones can’t be used during the workshop. Many of our locations either prohibit drones or require special individual permits, so we run this tour as a drone-free experience.
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