Mt. Kaputar NP, NSW

[pmrid]

I'm thinking about taking the caravan down to Mt. Kaputar and setting up a small scope for a few nights. I'm wondering if anyone has done something similar and has any recommendations about where to camp, best open skies setup areas and so forth.

Peter

[Wavytone]

Made the trip many times in the early 1980's.

Where: Camp at Dawsons spring, this has powered sites, camping sites, fresh water and hot showers.
Why: because its set in a snow gum forest near the peak, and has a permanent spring.

Stargazing: You can set up at anywhere that is immediately obvious including outside the telecoms/TV relay tower, but there are better places, see maps.google.com in satellite view.

1. There is a fire trail with a locked gate (the Barraba fire trail) leading due east (left) off the Kaputar main road just before the turnoff to the Dawsons spring campsite. Walk along this 200-300m and plunge through the brush on the left of the road (north side of the road). What you will find is a smooth lava field like concrete the size of a small oval, surrounded by the tall trees which offer some wind protection. This appears as a white patch on Google Maps. Ideal for telescopes. This also serves as a helipad, if needed.

Try asking the ranger for access to this gate.

2. There is another rough trail visible on Google Earth that comes out onto a large clear area north of the TV tower, between the campsite and the tower. Should be accessible and OK for a scope.

3. Lindsey Rock Tops track. Lindsey Rocks is the top of a columnar basalt formation, huge undulating domes of stone. Very exposed.

4. The trig station on the Kaputar peak itself, if your gear is compact enough to lug up there (a few tens of metres).

[gary]

Hi Peter,

It is a great place to go but you won't be permitted to take the caravan
up onto the plateau.

Box trailers are permitted but not caravans.

The road has improved enormously over the years but it is very steep and
very winding.

So even if taking a trailer, take a lot of care, as it is a pretty hairy road.
If you can get by without a trailer, you will find it safer.

As Wavtone, mentions, ask the Ranger in Narrabri whether they will give you a key to
the area they use as a helipad. It is the best place for big scopes.

There is a campground at the top that is very nice but what I also highly recommend
are the fantastic cabins. They have their own kitchens and ensuites and are very spacious.
See http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/dawsons-spring-cabins

If it rains, look out for the famous giant pink native slugs.
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2013/06/the-giant-pink-slugs-of-mount-kaputar

[Wavytone]

Thanks Gary, I forgot about the road... yes its hairy indeed.

Once it starts to climb it is cut into very steep slopes with next to no protection to stop anything going over the edge... and much of it is SINGLE LANE stuff so if you meet something large coming the other way ONE OF YOU HAS TO REVERSE back to a passing bay.

Hence no caravans. Even a trailer would be a nightmare, frankly.

For the cabins you'll have to book long ahead as they are popular. The camping sites are nice, if you don't mind taking a tent (as I did).

There is however another alternative - book a motel in Narrabri and drive up to go stargazing. Leave the van and all the junk behind.

[pmrid]

Thanks guys. That's exact.y what I was hoping for. Fingers crossed for a run of decent weather.
Peter