Milaythina sky stories

Milaythina Sky Stories with Andrew Mansell at McHenry Distillery’s Gin Pavilion, Mt Arthur

Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars with Palawa man Andrew Mansell, as he shares Milaythina Sky Stories – a deeply moving storytelling experience exploring Aboriginal interpretations of the night sky. Set against the dramatic backdrop of McHenry Tasmania’s Gin Pavilion, perched high on Mt Arthur, this event offers a rare opportunity to connect with Country through the ancient lens of sky lore.

Wrap yourself in warmth, sip on handcrafted gin, and soak up the starlit views while Andrew weaves stories that have been passed down for generations. Food and drinks will be available on site for purchase separately.

Part of the Lightwave Festival 2025.

Purchase Tickets

What you need to know

  • Your Night Sky Guide

    Andrew Mansell is a proud Palawa man, artist, and storyteller. His work centres on reconnecting people to Country through story, art, and ancient knowledge systems that still speak across generations. His passion is for healing the land through traditional land management techniques taught to him by his community. At Milaythina Sky Stories, Andrew offers more than tales, he invites you into a way of seeing. The night becomes a canvas where stars carry memory, the moon moves with meaning, and the sky holds the old rhythms of Country. This is not a lecture, it’s a listening. A moment to slow down, look up, and feel the presence of old knowledge still glowing in the night. Come and join Andrew and the McHenry’s community for a great night of shared experiences under the stars of Paredarerme Country.

  • Local Food

    Local food by chef Molly from local restaurant 1830, who’ll be cooking with delicious regionally sourced ingredients and cooking food over fire. See menu below:

    - Bush tomato wallaby stew served with Australian bush sukkah damper - $18

    - Smoked mutton bird, pepper berry and blackberry jus with wilted greens - $20 half serve, $28 full serve

    - Steamed mussels in McHenry gin beurre blanc sauce - $18

    - Tunnel hill mushrooms, chilli and lemon myrtle sauce - $12

  • Drinks from McHenry Tasmania

    McHenry Tasmania will be serving a range of their locally made drinks on the night. Whether you’re after something refreshing or something to warm your hands, the bar will have you sorted. Drinks – available for purchase separately.

  • The Perfect Setting

    Perched high on Mt Arthur, the McHenry Gin Pavilion offers sweeping views over Tasmania’s southeast coast. Away from city lights, it’s the perfect spot for a clear view of the night sky – crisp, still, and full of stars. As the fire crackles and the air cools, you’ll be surrounded by nature, stories, and the kind of calm you can only find in a place like this.

  • About Lightwave Festival

    Lightwave is an annual winter arts festival celebrating ‘people and place’ across Turrakana Tasman Peninsula. Lightwave fosters community connection and collective warmth in the darkness of winter. Lightwave takes the phenomenon of light as a catalyst for the festival’s multi-artform programme. Lightwave presents three days of music and art events in and around Nubeena in the middle of July.

  • Tickets

    $40 Per Person (Adult)

    $15 Children's tickets (16 and under) or family ticket (2 adults + 2 children - under 16) for $100

Purchase Tickets