I live in Sydney, where should I go for a good view?

[Mallycat]

Another newbie question. I live in Sydney (inner west) and want to go somewhere not too far to get a decent look at the sky. Can anyone suggest some good spots? I am looking (at this stage) for a balance between travel time and darkness. I was thinking of Wisemans Ferry. I realise that Dubbo would probably be good but it is hardly an over night drive. I wanted to take a tent and camp for the night, but a caravan park is not what I had in mind.

Matt

[asterisk]

Hi Matt

Is The Oaks (west of Camden) too far for you? Macarthur Astronomical Society is having an observing night there this Saturday.

Cheers

[AstralTraveller]

A fair question but not one with a simple answer. Even finding camping within coo-ee of Sydney isn't simple, yet alone where you will be able to observe. You need somewhere where you will be fairly alone so the other campers won't both you, an area with a clearing for the scope but shade for the tent in the morning, dark skies and nearer Sydney than alpha Centaurii. Don't want much do you?

So, what is your shortest distance out of Sydney? I'm guessing west or sw. Of the two perhaps west is better. You get some altitude in the Blue Mtns which is good for observing and there is a lot of National Park. Years ago I 'camped' near Mt Bell, if you can call it that. We got to bed about sunrise and were up about two hours later when the sun got too hot. On the other hand travelling sw is likely to be quicker so you get further from Sydney in a given time. However offhand I can't think of a camping spot before Balangalow (spelling?) State Forest (of Ivan fame).

I wish you well and would be interested in anywhere nice you find, but if you have any sense you'll keep it to yourself.;)

[Ian Robinson]

Have you considered heading north up near Toronto / Raphmines , on the shore of Lake Macquarie , there are some places there that I think you can still pitch a tent and though is to getting more built out now - it's got to be better than most anywhere (darknesswize) than anywhere in Sydney.

The other option is down in the national park near Wybung and Snapper Points. Been a little while since I've been there , and only ever to fish , being a bit dicey and too dangerous due to the topography of the rocks , but I recall it was very dark there in the beach side parking area between the two headlands when I've been there to fish the beach in the early morning (before the dawn and sunrise). You can certainly camp there as well.

Been a little while since I was at either place - maybe folks who live near those places can confirm .

[Karlsson]

We often camp and observe at Mogo Creek in Yengo NP - from Sydney's inner West that would boil down to a 1½ hr drive or so. Not nearly as dark as farther out in the bush, but in terms of darkness/travel time it is hard to beat...

The Finchley campsite about 30 mins further up the road is darker, but the road (Yango track) is a bit rough, 4WD and a good collimator recommended.

[mdgodf]

Join the ASNSW and try Wiruna
http://www.asnsw.com/wiruna/index.asp

[Zuts]

Hi,

I was pining for a bit of dark sky and also live in the inner west. I got in the car and just drove down the F5 until i was about 120 km out of sydney and about 50 km from Goulburn; and stayed in a rest area imaging all night.

Its not too bad, its freeway all the way and some of the rest areas are not well populated coz they are pretty close to sydney; and reasonably well screened from the road by trees.

Paul