Sleep Under the Stars Barangaroo 2025 | Homeless Fundraiser

For one night each October, Barangaroo’s Stargazer Lawn trades city lights for cardboard shelters as hundreds gather for Sleep Under the Stars; a community sleep-out raising critical funds to support young people facing homelessness. Hosted by Stepping Stone House, a leading Sydney charity with 35 years of impact, this annual event blends camp-out spirit with purpose, inviting Sydneysiders to swap creature comforts for change.

Video

Video Credit: Stepping Stone House Barangaroo’s Stargazer Lawn becomes the stage for something raw and real. This highlight reel from Sleep Under the Stars 2024 captures the heart of the night including powerful speeches, moments of solidarity, and a community rallying behind young people experiencing homelessness.

Location

Address: 27 Hickson Rd, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Venue: Stargazer Lawn
Website: sleepunderthestars.com.au

Dates

Next Event: Friday 24 October 2025, 4:00 pm – Saturday 25 October 2025, 8:00 am
Frequency: Annual
Duration: Overnight (1 night)

Price

Free — participants are required to raise a minimum of $250 to unlock their ticket.
Availability: Online registration essential

The BioHax Take

Sleep Under the Stars isn’t just a feel-good campout; it’s a living, breathing show of solidarity. Stargazer Lawn becomes a patchwork of families, teams, and changemakers who’ve traded warm beds for tarps and harbour breezes. The night unfolds with live music, storytelling from Stepping Stone House residents, food trucks, cultural activities and sunrise yoga. This is where empathy meets action... raw, communal, and deeply human.

Who It’s For

Families wanting a meaningful shared experience
Workplace teams looking to bond with purpose
Advocates ready to support youth experiencing homelessness
Sydney locals craving a night under the stars with impact
Anyone ready to give up comfort for a cause

What’s On Offer

Expect more than just sleeping bags. Across the night, participants will build shelters, paint, play games, hear powerful stories from Stepping Stone House alumni, and soak up live music. Cultural activities spark connection, while the morning begins with a sunrise yoga session overlooking Sydney Harbour. It’s immersive, inspiring, and built to remind us why “home” matters.

Sustainability Snapshot

This is a stripped-back, low-waste event. No alcohol, no tents, no unnecessary gear. Guests are encouraged to bring only essentials, reinforcing the night’s purpose and minimising waste. All funds raised directly support Stepping Stone House’s long-term accommodation, education and life-skills programs for young Australians experiencing homelessness.

About Stepping Stone House

Stepping Stone House is a Sydney-based not-for-profit that’s been breaking cycles of youth homelessness since 1989. Over 35 years, it has supported more than 500 children and young people with long-term accommodation and person-centred programs. Its mission: empower young people through education, employment, and life skills so they can thrive independently.

Unlike short-term shelters, Stepping Stone House commits to supporting individuals from adolescence through adulthood and beyond. It’s also a vocal advocate for systemic change, successfully leading the Home Stretch campaign to extend out-of-home care from 18 to 21 in NSW in 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sleep Under the Stars?
An annual fundraising event by Stepping Stone House to support young people experiencing homelessness. Participants sleep outdoors in Sydney or remotely at home.

When and where is the event taking place?
Friday 24 October 2025 at Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo. Participants can also host their own sleep-outs at home any time in October.

How can I register for the event?
Visit the registration page and follow the instructions to sign up.

Is the event family-friendly?
Yes. It includes activities suitable for all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What is the fundraising minimum to participate in person?
Each participant must raise a minimum of $250 to unlock their ticket.

What should I bring?
A sleeping bag, warm clothes, torch, toiletries, snacks, and any personal essentials. A detailed list will be sent to registered participants before the event.

What can’t I bring?
No alcohol, pop-up tents, camping gear, hazardous materials, or valuables. This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

What happens if it rains?
Light rain won’t stop the event, tarps will be provided. Severe weather may cause postponement, and attendees will be notified.

Can I bring pets?
No pets, except registered assistance animals with prior notice to the team.

Can I attend without registering?
No. All attendees must register to ensure safety and logistics are managed.

Are food and drinks provided?
Yes. Food trucks will offer dinner and breakfast options. Specific vendors will be confirmed closer to the event.

Can I leave and come back?
Participants are asked to remain on site once checked in. Emergencies should be discussed with event staff.

What are the registration times?
The desk opens at 4:00 pm, soft closes at 6:00 pm, with a final cut-off at 7:00 pm.

How does ticketing work?
Digital tickets are sent the week before via Humanitix. Bring your QR code for check-in at the entrance tent.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Stepping Stone House is a registered DGR charity; donations over $2 are tax-deductible.