Dream job under the stars: Sunshine Coast launches search for Chief Star Counter
Pyjamas are the official dress code for a ‘dream’ new role inspired by the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s recent dark sky recognition.
Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Star Counter, following the June 9 announcement of Queensland’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.
With a one-of-a-kind job description and an office with no ceiling, the successful applicant will be tasked with exploring the region’s spectacular night skies. VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel said Australians aged seven and over were invited to apply for the volunteer role, with the successful candidate needing a keen eye for stars and a sense of wonder.
“We’re pretty excited to be recruiting for what might just be the best job on the Sunshine Coast – the Chief Star Counter,” he said.
“We’re looking for someone who takes their star counting seriously, can spot a shooting star at a moment’s notice and isn’t afraid to spend a bit of time looking up and saying ‘wow’.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said children were best qualified to understand the wonder of stargazing.
“Looking up at a sky filled with stars inspires a childlike awe, so who better to audit our night skies?” Mayor Natoli said.
“Now, with the designation of the Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve, we’re working together in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to make sure our younger generation, as well as the young at heart, can experience the magic of starlight.” DarkSky International awarded the International Dark Sky Reserve designation following more than a decade of work by Sunshine Coast Council and local astronomer Dr Ken Wishaw. The designation officially recognises the region for its exceptionally low levels of light pollution.
“The Sunshine Coast has always been known for its sunshine, but this designation will make us known after dark for our amazing starry nights,” Mr Stoeckel said. “The Sunshine Coast hinterland offers some incredible stargazing opportunities, particularly through winter.
“The natural protection provided by the Blackall Range helps shield the region from light pollution from nearby Brisbane, creating spectacular conditions for viewing the Milky Way.”
Dr Ken Wishaw said people in central Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane were unlikely to see more than ten stars in the night sky, even in the best conditions. “In the Sunshine Coast hinterland, over 2000 stars are visible to the naked eye, with approximately 10,000 visible with a telescope.”
The successful candidate will enjoy a prize valued at over $4000, including a two-night stay at Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville and a private stargazing session with a local astronomer.
“Due to the extraordinary volume of applications, only one successful candidate will be contacted,”Mr Stoeckel said.
“The sky up here, however, has a strict open-door policy and is available to everyone, every night, completely free of charge.”
To apply, visit visitsunshinecoast.com/chief-star-counter and explain in one sentence why you should be the Sunshine Coast’s first Chief Star Counter.
Applications close June 30, 2026.
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About Visit Sunshine Coast
Visit Sunshine Coast is the official Regional Tourism Organisation for the Sunshine Coast, representing the local government areas of Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie. VSC promotes the region to domestic and international visitors.
As a member-based organisation, VSC delivers marketing and promotional initiatives that support and strengthen the tourism industry, while maximising the long-term benefits of the visitor economy.
For more information, visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.