If you are currently scratching your head trying to figure out how to keep the kids entertained during the upcoming winter school holidays, Visit Sunshine Coast might have just served up the ultimate solution.
In a delightful, nationwide first, a search has been launched to find a Chief Star Counter. This dreamy, pyjama-friendly role is open to any enthusiastic Aussie kid (or kid at heart) aged seven and above.
The unique job search comes off the back of some huge news for Queensland tourism. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has officially been named an International Dark Sky Reserve. It is the first region in Queensland to achieve this prestigious title, and only the second in the entire country.
A sky full of spilled glitter
Achieving Dark Sky status is a massive win that has been more than a decade in the making. The certification recognises the Hinterland for its exceptionally low levels of light pollution. Without the harsh glow of city lights, the night sky becomes a breathtaking canvas where the Milky Way, planets, and constellations can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
As the team at Visit Sunshine Coast puts it, the sky up there basically looks like someone spilled glitter across the darkness and just left it there.
While scientists estimate that upwards of 10,000 stars are visible on any given night, nobody has actually sat down to verify the exact number. That is where your child comes in.
Stargazing at International Dark Sky Reserve, Sunshine Coast
The best winter holiday job on earth
The successful applicant will be flown to the region to conduct an official — albeit highly relaxed — audit of the night sky.
According to the official job description, no astronomy degrees or fancy high-tech telescopes are required for this position. The panel is simply looking for a results-oriented counter who thrives in low-light, awe-inspiring environments.
Key responsibilities for the role include:
- Owning the end-to-end star-counting process.
- Crossing all the Ts on the Southern Cross.
- Finding your way through the Milky Way.
- Rating the “twinkliness” of premium stargazing locations.
- Proactively identifying shooting stars and wishing on them in a timely manner.
- Saying “wow” at a remarkably high frequency.
See the full job description here.
The ultimate perks package
While the position itself is voluntary, the compensation package is nothing short of spectacular. It is the perfect winter escape for a parent and child looking to swap screens for a sense of wonder.
The winning Chief Star Counter will receive:
- Return flights to and from the Sunshine Coast, plus car hire.
- Two nights of luxury accommodation at the Narrows Escape Luxury Rainforest Retreat in the Hinterland.
- A guided stargazing experience right at the accommodation, led by Sunshine Coast Stargazing.
- An official certificate confirming the title of Chief Star Counter—which is guaranteed to blow away the competition at the next school show and tell.
- The winner will also get to bring along one favourite grown-up or sibling to share in the magic.
How your mini-astronomer can apply
The application process has been designed to be incredibly simple for busy parents. Applications are officially open now and will close on 30 June 2026.
The lucky stargazer will receive the official call-up on 1 July, before heading up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to fulfil their duties during the winter holidays from 8–10 July 2026.
To enter, parents can head to visitsunshinecoast.com/chief-star-counter, fill out the basic details, and help their child write a single sentence explaining why they deserve to be the Sunshine Coast’s very first Chief Star Counter.
And remember, even if your little one doesn’t land the official title, the beautiful Hinterland sky has a strict open-door policy. It remains completely free of charge for families to visit, look up, and enjoy every single night.
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