Brisbane astrophotogs - best publicly accessible locations?

[troypiggo]

G'day, I live in Brisbane and am looking at getting into astrophotography. I don't have a mount yet, still saving and researching for that at the moment.

But in the meantime I was thinking about star trails and the like. Was wondering what local locations are your fav. Tried Mt Coot-tha, but the light pollution was pretty bad that night.

Also wondering if the local astro-experienced Brisbanites know of places that might rent out mounts/drives/GOTOs etc to try before you buy etc?

[pmrid]

Hello Troy.
Get out your time-lapse camera gear and find yourself a good dark north-facing spot for the Leonid meteor shower that I think are due this weekend. They arise (or seem to arise) in Leo which is visible from Brisbane but less so as you go south. For this, you should go north of Brisbane so it's lights are behind you - possibly to somewhere like Mt. Mee north of Dayboro and set up there with a thermos. I think the morning of the 17th is one of the peaks so you ought to get some good shots of meteors against star-trails (or stars if you can find a guided mount). There will be a fair amount of moon around which will degreade your viewing somewhat but hey! it's a once-a-year event so go for it.
Peter

[troypiggo]

Thanks for the tips, Peter!

[Dennis]

Hi Troy

I used to work at Amberley and sometimes drove to the Warrill View Lookout for relatively dark skies to the West.

It looks like the AAQ also use this site, here is a link (http://www.aaq.org.au/CLO.htm).

Cheers

Dennis

[troypiggo]

Thanks Dennis. That's the sort of location I'd like to look into, I suspect.

[astro_south]

Hi Troy

For short trips I have gone out to the Lockyer Valley (Glenore Grove) for observing (not photography) and I would say it is about 85 to 90% of the skies at my true dark sky location at Leyburn. I usually wander out on the last quarter moon (though I have not been out for ages) and then I pack up and come home when the moon comes up - especially as it is only 3/4 of an hour drive from my place.

[troypiggo]

Cheers. Thanks for that.

[jjjnettie]

There is a meet up at Kenilworth nearly every new moon.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=37530
Well worth getting along to.

[troypiggo]

Thanks Jeanette! I had noticed that link, but can't make that next one. I'll definitely try to tag along in the next few months, though.