Observing Location

[anthonyc1]

Hey All,

I'm from Melbourne, and I wanted to get away this week and spend a night under the stars with my telescope.

I was wondering if I go get your recommendations on where a good night spot is to set up for a night and get a decent, less light polluted view of the sky within a couple hours drive of Melbourne?

Thanks in advance! :)

Anthony

[sharpiel]

Hi Anthony. I'm from NSW so maybe my memory is out on this but while staying at Torquay a few years ago I drrove to the 12 Apostles and spent a night under the stars there. Amazing darkness and wonderful surrounds. Is that more than a couple of hours from Melbourne?

[Wavytone]

Lake Catani camping ground at Mt Buffalo. More like 4 hours drive but it's an awesome spot.

[anthonyc1]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I may go for a drive down to the 12 apostles as I haven't been there in a while. Lake Catani I'll definitely put on my list of places to visit in the near future.

[barx1963]

If you want an area that is astro dedicated and safe with camping facilities, open observing fields, power, showers, toilets, basic cooking facilities, then the ASV site at Heathcote is worth considering. You must be an ASBV member but once joined you can use it anytime.

Malcolm

[pfitzgerald]

Hi Anthony

Kinglake has reasonably dark skies looking north, Mansfield is a couple of hours from Melbourne and has dark skies. Halls Gap is a bit further afield but has nice dark skies. I've observed and taken DSLR astrophotos at all three locations.

Paul

Paul