Blue Mountains observing/camping areas?

[iceman]

Hi guys.

For those that live in the Blue Mountains area, can you suggest some possible locations for the IceInSpace AstroFest, to be held 26-29th January 2006?

Are there any scout camps or other camping grounds that would be suitable to have the star party?

Facilities need to include:
- Open fields for camping
- Open fields for observing
- Room for growth for future years
- Toilets, showers
- Hall (optional)
- Power
- (preferred) exclusive use, not have to share with other campers

If you know if any such place, please get back to me with details ASAP as we need to decide on a location for the star party THIS WEEK!

[iceman]

Has anyone been to/heard about the "Tara" Guides camp at Silverdale?

[mickoking]

Euroka clearing not far from springwood. We had an army cadet camp there as a kid and I can vividly remember seeing SN 1987a from that site. From memory the area had no dunnies (that may have changed) but what it does have is a large open space.

You could also try the wheeney creek reserve/picnic area not as open as Euroka clearing but they definatley have dunnies. It is not far from Richmond.

[maxm]

The Euroka clearing suffers in that it has no water and no power, otherwise it could be good.

What about contacting someone in WSAAG to see if you could "borrow" access to their observatory site in Linden? It should fit the bill nicely.

[iceman]

Well that rules that one out straight away.

I'll see what I can find about Linden. How far from Sydney is it?

[maxm]

About 20km east of Katoomba, 70 km west of Sydney... see http://users.tpg.com.au/users/wsaag/Linden.html

[iceman]

I had a look at the Linden Observatory website, and while it looks great for a small number of people, how would it go housing 30-50 people and their scopes and their tents?

And what about toilets/showers? The owner of the house may not want that many people using their facilities.

[maxm]

Sorry, Mike, can't answer those questions. I only knew about the site because I attended a couple of their meetings some years back but I'm not a member myself and haven't been there. Could still be worth a phone call though.

[33South]

Iceman I think Ive found a place that may be suitable its run by the BMCC. The Megalong Valley Community Hall and Reserve, its about 10k down Megalong Road in Blackheath.

I dont know it, but gave them a call, - theres a hall (200 people), kitchen, showers, toilets etc in 7 acre reserve no street lights or housing, good dark skies. But two issues that need to be sorted camping permit from the council and Public liability insurance.

I will pm you contact details and approx costs.

Chris

[ballaratdragons]

Mike,

I rang the manager of the Snake Valley Camp and asked him for the website of the Camp Association he belongs to.

He said there are Camps that they are associated with all over that area up there. You tell them what you need in a Camp (buildings, toilets, open space etc, etc,) and they match the camp site to suit your requirements.

The web address is http://www.auscamps.asn.au/default.asp and the toll free number to talk to someone is 1800 061 702.

Tell them exactly what you need and they will let you know which Camp will be best.

The website lists all their camps and info about each one.
I found them to be very helpful and willing to co-operate with the Camp here.

Hope that helps. :thumbsup:

[33South]

For those who dont know Blackheath

114km West of Sydney along the Great Western Highway

1025m above sea level :thumbsup:

[seeker372011]

Mike:

Linden wouldnt be able to accomodate 30 camp sites, its not geared for that sort of thing

there's a nice observing field and a dunny but no showers.Also no hall.

Eoroka has very limited toilet facilities and no power..its really back to basic camp site

plenty of roo poo though :)

[iceman]

Thanks for the info Chris - it sounds quite feasible! I need to find someone who can go and check it out and take pictures for me!

Need to get a feel for the room for camping, room for observing, trees or mountains that obscure the view of the night sky, etc.

If anyone lives in the Blue Mountains area and wants to volunteer, please PM me.