Access to dark sites on the cheap all of Australia!

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Thanks to the recent ABC article on farmers renting out paddocks to campers, its seems there are a swath of options for dark sites on offer.

Try "hipcamp" all one word for the website, varied accommodation from paddock to cottages, with paddocks from $10 a night.

Cons:
On further inspection the site is imo a little intrusive, for instance if you get the app, you get location targeted msg's, if you don't want them, you turn off GPS on your phone and not the app! But maybe I am getting too old for data collection standards.

Pros:
However, it offers extra safety for a remote location, people close by or people who will check in the morning should the worst ever happen. A lot of the sites will not have phone reception for GPS etc.



Steve
Looks really promising...

PS. The site includes a elevation contour map, in conjunction with a dark sky map you should find a dark site somewhere near you!

*** You will need a loo, folding ones are available in most camping stores. ***

[MrB]

Just had a quick look at the website, never knew such a thing existed. It does look promising. Thanks for the heads-up!

[mswhin63]

I too am using this site. I also use FRC (Full Range Camping) which has interesting places both paid and free.

[mura_gadi]

My biggest fear is turning up and finding real campers at my site, with a fire.

I know national parks were a cheap $6 option, but if I can get a better location and organise no other people for $10+ a night, I'm in.

Most do require you to bring a "loo" though btw.

[mswhin63]

I have to admit the hosted sites are a better option than the free sites. The only issue is that many I have seen have loads of trees to look through. Popular for most people though not for Astronomy.

[mura_gadi]

hello,

tried one for SA, luckily the $20-$30 prices ranges are inside the light pollution zones. I have one for $5 which lies between blanchtowne and Swan Reach, be around Bortle 2 or lower and under 90minutes drive.

The drive in and out from the properties will be the biggest thing, I imagine the roads would be rough and a very slow approach needed for some. Wash outs after rain etc, some councils may keep track of the re-grading programs in the area.

Properties offering river or water front will normally have trees as you can't clear near waterways. If its an operational farm, the paddocks may have high grass and snakes, but they shouldn't have huge stands of trees.


https://www.hipcamp.com/en-AU/south-australia/wundae-stargazers-delight/wundae-stargazers-delight#adults=2&children=0&arrive=2022-04-01&depart=2022-04-04&group_size=2