Spend a night capturing mesmerising star trails for you to create a star trail and a star trail time-lapse! This Masterclass teaching you how to set up your camera, plan your photoshoot, how star trails work, stacking your photographs and editing from start to finish.
2026 ADVANCED MASTERCLASS
OCTOBER 11th - 14th
Join award-winning photographer David Magro on a 4-day Masterclass to photograph the unique landscapes of Winton Wetlands beneath some of Victoria's darkest skies.
Over three nights, we will capture sweeping Milky Way panoramas, craft timelapses from twilight to the night sky, and capture elegant star trails.
FEATURED IN
Tour Overview
Our Advanced Masterclass begins with a group pickup at Melbourne Airport before we travel north in our private 12-seater mini-bus to Wangaratta in rural Victoria. This is a small group tour limited to 6 participants, giving everyone space to travel comfortably and plenty of one-on-one time in the field.
We will be based at Quest Wangaratta, chosen for its comfortable private rooms, welcoming atmosphere, and central location that allows us to quickly access the dark skies of rural Victoria.
Over three nights we will capture panoramas, a timelapse, and star trails. There will also be opportunities to photograph deep-sky objects or if you prefer to continue focusing on wide-field nightscapes, you are encouraged to do so. The Advanced Masterclass is designed so that both approaches are fully supported.
THE NIGHT SKY COMES TO LIFE IN DARK SKY LOCATIONS.
YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A DISPLAY OF STARS ALIGNED WITH BREATHTAKING SCENERY.
Experience the pristine dark skies of Victoria, where the Milky Way illuminates breathtaking scenery with each night offering unique compositions.
With the Milky Way visible shortly after sunset, we'll spend our evenings photographing spectacular landscapes beneath the stars before returning each night to comfortable accommodation and a full night's rest.
There will also be 3 hours in the classroom each day to post-process our photographs, as I assist you in editing your images ready for you to bring home.
ADVANCED MASTERCLASS FEATURES
Meeting Location
We meet at Melbourne Airport at 1pm on our start date to be transported via our modern 12 seater mini-bus. The Advanced Masterclass Tour will conclude at Melbourne Airport at 3pm at the end of the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy your private room at Quest Wangaratta, selected for proximity to shooting locations and a relaxing stay in comfortable rooms.
Meals
All meals are included. Enjoy hearty breakfasts and lunches at charming local cafes perfect for keeping you energised during our daily adventures. Dinners will be enjoyed at local restaurants before we head to our photography locations for the evening's shoot.
Transportation
Travel comfortably in a modern, air-conditioned 12-seater minibus to all locations and back to Melbourne Airport.
Fitness level / difficulty level
A moderate fitness level is required. We’ll walk 5–10 minutes to shooting locations, carrying camera gear.
Post-Processing Sessions
Three classroom sessions are included to edit your images, ensuring you leave with polished nightscapes ready to showcase.
Limited Availability
Only 6 spots per tour ensure an intimate, personalised experience.
TOUR OVERVIEW
DAY 1 - PANORAMAS
Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport at 1pm, you’ll be welcomed by David and join the small group of six in the private 12-seater mini-bus. We’ll travel south along the coast before reaching our base at Quest Wangaratta.
As darkness falls, we'll make our way to the vast wetlands and open landscapes of Winton Wetlands. Beneath some of Victoria's darkest skies, our first evening will focus on capturing sweeping Milky Way panoramas as the galactic core rises above the horizon, setting the tone for an unforgettable week of astrophotography.
DAY 2 - TIMELAPSE
After breakfast, we’ll gather for our first post-processing session where you'll learn how to stitch, edit and refine the Milky Way panoramas captured on our opening night. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore the local area, or continue working on your images.
In the evening, we'll photograph a complete Holy Grail star trail sequence. Beginning during golden hour and continuing through twilight into darkness, you'll learn how to smoothly transition exposure settings as day turns to night before creating a spectacular star trail image in post-processing.
DAY 3 - STAR TRAILS
Following a hearty breakfast, we'll dive into our second post-processing session, working through timelapse workflows, star trail processing techniques and advanced image editing.
That evening, we return to Winton Wetlands for our final photography project: star trails. As darkness settles across the wetlands, you'll capture a sequence of images that will later be combined into sweeping circles of light, revealing the motion of the Earth beneath some of Victoria's darkest skies.
DAY 4 - EDITING & HOME
After breakfast, we'll gather for our final post-processing session, where you'll complete and refine your star trail images. Following a light lunch, we'll begin the journey back to Melbourne Airport, arriving in the afternoon for our farewells.
As we say goodbye, you'll leave with a portfolio of finished images including Milky Way panoramas, timelapses, star trails and, for those who chose the optional component, deep-sky astrophotography. More importantly, you'll leave with the knowledge, confidence and practical experience to continue creating these images long after the Masterclass has ended.
TOUR MENTOR
I am a professional Milky Way Landscape photographer from Australia with 14 years experience capturing the night sky. I have taught over 5000 students and 500 Masterclass workshops across Australia on how to shoot astrophotography.
I love capturing the beauty of night that other people do not often get the chance to see. It drives my passion in hope of inspiring others to take the time to look up and marvel at the universe above. It is a therapeutic and calming experience spending a night underneath the stars and with photography, you can take a piece home with you.
HEAR WHAT OTHERS SAY
David’s enthusiasm and passion for astro photography is awesome.
Great course, caters for beginners as well as the more advanced photographer
Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
— Alison Robinson
HOW TO JOIN THE ADVANCED MASTERCLASS PHOTO TOUR
Book Your Spot Below
WHAT TO BRING
DSLR or mirrorless camera with a spare battery
Wide angle lens with fast aperture f/2.8
A sturdy tripod
A laptop computer
Water proof walking boots or shoes
Warm clothes to keep you warm
WILL WE HAVE LONG NIGHTS SHOOTING?
Our shooting schedule is designed for us to shoot from 8pm - 11:30pm most nights to ensure we are not fatigued throughout the tour and well rested.
SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
The Advanced Masterclass is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and semi-professionals. I recommend participants join David Magro's Milky Way Masterclass prior to the tour, however you will be learning new techniques on the tour that I will be teaching you.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH CLOUDY CONDITIONS?
The tour itinerary may change if weather conditions at our planned locations are not favourable. I have a vast knowledge of locations in the area if we require to move our shooting location to chase the stars. This is at the discretion of the tour leader, David Magro. The month of October is a favourable month for astrophotography with cloud coverage less likely at this time.
WHAT IS THE FITNESS LEVEL NEEDED?
The Advanced Masterclass tour requires you to have a moderate level of physical fitness with most locations easily accessible. Walking times range from 5 - 10 mins from the car park to our shooting location. There are occasions of uneven surface for a brief period where good hiking boots are best to keep you comfortable and balanced.
WHATS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
Flights to Melbourne are not included. Alcohol, beverages, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, personal items, travel insurance and anything not mentioned is not included.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
If you decide to cancel for any reason and your spot is filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid minus the $500 administration fees. However, if your spot is cancelled for any reason and your spot if not filled, we will refund you based on the following schedule below.
180 days or more before the beginning of the tour, 25% of the total tour amount is forfeited. 180 - 90 days prior to the beginning of the tour, 50% of the total tour amount is forfeited. 90 - 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour, 75% of the total tour amount is forfeited. 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour, 100% of the total tour amount is forfeited.
