Hello Linda and Guy
Welcome to IceInSpace
Nice choice of scope.
Is 86k north too far?
(Google map says an hour and 10 minutes for you).
A small informal group (from Central Coast Newcastle Syney)
come here regularly, close to New Moon, at Mangrove Mountain (The Pony Club grounds on Wisemans ferry road.) (FREE to attend)
Sky is good for close to the city.
There is another group who meet similarly at the Katoomba airstrip if that is closer. (but I doubt it).
Have a look at the Star Parties Forum for other happenings (mostly informal) and location map for Mangrove Mountain.
In April is IISAC (the formal annual IIS astro camp at Lostock.) (FEES apply)
Dark sites have also been discussed in various other IIS threads, try a search.
We'd also love you to join a few of us for an astro camping trip to Chaffey Dam, Nundle from Feb 25 to Mar2. ($5 per night)