Recommended dark sky parks/reserves to view from

[m11]

Hi All,

I have been researching for a good safe park/reserve that is ideal for astronomy East of Melbourne.

Interested in where everyone goes for their dark site.

Looking at the below criteria for the dark site:

Accessible
Open after hours
Safe
Park/reserve
East of Melbourne
Travel time
Facilities

Thanks,

Mel :thanx:

[m11]

Is Johns Hill reserve in Kallista still a good spot?

[bojan]

I was using Johns Hilll
It is pretty good, compared to Mt Waverley.
Apart from occasional couples in cars (they usually leave when they realize you are staying for longer), it is very very quiet

[m11]

Hi Bojan,

Thanks for confirming. I was using Chandler reserve but it has an annoying light at the sports building.
Is any other places you go east of Melb?
Mel

[bojan]

No, only Johns Hill...
I am sure there ate many more and better
locations, but this one was good enough.
Couple of years ago there was quite a large gathering of Iceinspacers...
I organized couple of star parties for my work mates in NEC-A

[m11]

Hi Bojan,

Thanks for that.

Mel

[m11]

Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone usually goes out any further and any recommended parks or reserves?

I guess how much of a difference would it make to head out another 30mins/1 hour from Emerald?

Whats the ideal distance and good parks/reserves to head too in the South East?

Thanks,

M11

[dannat]

yep another 30-45 mins from emerald in the W/Sw makes a diff, but you start to get marginal gains

[m11]

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for that.

I am trying to work out an ideal location that I dont need to travel for more than 1.5 hours one way.

So far I have only really gone to people's private property for ease and safety reasons.

M11

[Redshift13]

Hi Mel,
I'm in SE suburbs and I recently found a little spot called Jindivick, which is around 10 mins north of Drouin. It's very quiet and quite dark (although not ideal for astrophotography because of the slight light pollution from Warragul to the south east and Drouin to the south is a bit imposing) but it would be perfect for casual observing through a scope. I set my camera up on the edge of the local cricket/footy field. Admittedly it was a Wednesday night, but I was there for about 90 mins and in that whole time only one car went past so it's very quiet.
To get there, you just head down the Princes Hwy for 45 mins or so and turn left at Longwarry.
I've attached a pic from the night I was there - the light pollution is from Warragul (centre) and Droun (right).

[m11]

Hi Redshift,

Thank you for the location info. I will definetly give that place a go next time. I have found it challenging to find a public area to go to and be to worried. I usually drag someone else along as well.

M11