Booking.com is offering an unforgettable night under the stars, teaming up with astrophysicist and former Bachelor star Dr Matt Agnew for a stellar stay during the peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. Set in a secluded location on Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula, the ‘Booking.com Cosmic Cabin’ promises an extraordinary stargazing experience in one of Australia’s premier dark-sky destinations.
This two-night-only event will welcome a single lucky Booking.com Genius member and their guest to enjoy a celestial-themed escape from 5–7 May 2025. Nestled within the scenic grounds of McHenry Distillery, the unique home stay offers premium Tasmanian hospitality, an expert-guided astronomy session with Dr Matt, and a telescope-led tour of the night sky.
Priced at just $20 – a symbolic nod to the year the Eta Aquariids were discovered – the experience includes flights, a rental car, local gourmet meals, sustainable accommodation, and stunning astrophotography to commemorate the occasion. Guests will also explore iconic Tasmanian sites like the Port Arthur Historic Site and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
“Booking.com invited me to host this stellar stargazing experience at one of their many fantastic holiday homes – and I was over the moon,” Dr Matt Agnew shared. “With so many people travelling to witness the wonders of the universe, this unique stay is the perfect way to experience noctourism under the dazzling Eta Aquariids.”
Noctourism on the Rise
According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, a growing number of travellers are embracing ‘noctourism’ – journeys focused on enjoying pristine night skies. In New Zealand alone, 64% of surveyed travellers plan to visit a dark sky destination this year. Tasmania, with its expansive wilderness and minimal light pollution, is quickly becoming a top pick for celestial tourism.
A Starry Tassie Experience
The Cosmic Cabin itinerary includes:
-
A personalised astronomy session with Dr Matt Agnew at McHenry Distillery’s private observatory
-
Gourmet meals and snacks crafted by local Tasmanian producers
-
A stargazing photography session with a professional dark sky photographer
-
Transportation, flights, and a rental car included
-
Wildlife encounters and a cultural visit to the historic Port Arthur site
Todd Lacey, Booking.com’s Regional Manager for Oceania, noted the increasing popularity of dark sky holidays: “Australian autumn is ideal for a star-gazing getaway. Tasmania is a world-class destination for noctourism, and the Cosmic Cabin showcases the growing appeal of unique stays in nature.”
With searches for Hobart doubling ahead of the Easter and Anzac Day holidays, Booking.com predicts strong interest in astro-tourism across the colder months.
Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, echoed this sentiment: “Our long winter nights are perfect for stargazing, nocturnal wildlife spotting, and even catching the Aurora Australis. The Cosmic Cabin is a fantastic addition to Tasmania’s dark sky offerings.”
Booking Details
The once-in-a-lifetime stay will be available to book from 2pm NZST on 17 April 2025, exclusively for Booking.com Genius members. Becoming a Genius member is simple—just create an account and sign in to unlock travel discounts and perks for life.
From eco-cabins to floating homes, Booking.com’s platform features over 7.9 million unique stays. The Cosmic Cabin joins other standout experiences like the Ramsay Street sleepover for Neighbours fans, a cricket-themed night at the MCG, and the quirky Avo-condo.
For more information and to try your luck at booking this cosmic experience, visit the Booking.com Cosmic Cabin page.
Photos | Dearna Bond.
