Victoria camping sports with dark skies

[Granada]

I'm interested in finding some camping spots in Victoria with dark skies, and reasonably unobstructed views of the sky. Ideally less than 4-5 hours drive from Melbourne. Any suggestions?

[Varangian]

I go to Little Desert NP or Wonnangatta Valley.

[Imme]

You will definitely get some reasonably dark skies within 4-5 hours of Melbourne!

I'd jump on a light pollution map and then cross check 'dark' areas with where our beautiful national/state parks are.

I back on to a state forest and have dark skies and I'm just over an hour from Melbourne

[JA]

Here you go .....

https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=8&lat=-4553443&lon=16208633&layers=B0TFFFFFFF

it's interactive, move around /zoom etc,or simply enter area in search bar.

Best
JA

[Wavytone]

Lake Catani campground at Mt Buffalo is excellent) (or several other locations nearby on Mt Buffalo if you want to get away from onlookers).

Porpunkah airstrip, which is near to a couple of camping parks on the west side of Bright.

Wilson’s Prom - stay at tidal river but observe from the car park near the lookout, or behind squeaky beach.

Apollo Bay - there’s a road up to the ridge behind the town, with a spot good enough to observe from, should be a nice spot on a good evening.

[Granada]

Thank you everyone, these are all great suggestions. I've been checking out the Light Pollution map, but also wanted to get some insider knowledge ;) ;)

[Varangian]

Remember you can camp at the ASV site in Heathcote. Nothing but Astro goers there as well.

[Granada]

Thanks John, do you have to be an ASV member though?

[Varangian]

Yes you do.

[traveller]

thanks JA, very informative.



ASV is a great investment, not only for the dark site access but to support amateur astronomy generally plus plenty of opportunities for networking and learning from others (their AP facebook page is worth while too!)

Bo

[Varangian]

Agreed. The site has water, toilets, showers and is locked at night so safe. Most camp
grounds require a fee these days so the $100 odd bucks a year is a no brainer.

[jamespierce]

Let me add my support to being an ASV member too. By far the best camping dark-site that close to Melbourne. Otherwise Grampians is very dark, the challenge is finding spots without too many trees. Wyperfield is very dark. Little Dessert NP is very dark.

The coast can be hit and miss for conditions. Interestingly I've found the high country can be the same, sometimes amazing, other times not so fantastic.