The kiss of the Milky Way
Share
Australia is a land of diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a paradise for astrophotography enthusiasts. One of the hidden gems for stargazers and photographers is the mouth of Powlett River, just an hour and a half drive from Melbourne. This secluded coastal area offers an ideal setting for capturing the wonders of the night sky in all its glory. I visited this special place as an astrophotography adventure with the Melbourne Photography Excursion Group.
Powlett River is a coastal town nestled on the shores of Bass Strait. The mouth of Powlett River, in particular, offers an excellent location for astrophotography due to its relatively low light pollution and unobstructed views of the southern skies. The river mouth flows into the ocean, providing a unique combination of coastal beauty and celestial wonder. I met with the group at 8PM, we had enough time to wait for the perfect shots as we have to wait for the moonset, as moon can ‘wash off’ all lights of the stars on the photos.
The first thing that strikes you as you arrive at the mouth of Powlett River is the incredible clarity of the night sky. Away from the hustle and bustle of city lights, this location boasts a pristine atmosphere perfect for observing the stars, planets, and celestial events. You'll find the dark, starry canvas above you simply mesmerizing.
Before you visit the place you must consider that the Milky Way is most visible from March to September in the Southern Hemisphere. During this period, you can capture stunning images of our galaxy's central core rising above the horizon.
I made couple of panoramas on the river and one on the coast, we were lucky, as the weather was perfect, no wind, and as the temperature during the day was over 27 degrees, the night was not too cold. The river looked just as a pool, the best for the reflection of the Milky Way.
Mid-October is definitely the end of the season, I am sure I will revisit this river next year!
