Best observing spots/weather in Victoria?

[rmcconachy]

G'day,

There is at least one previous thread about the best observing spots near Melbourne (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=26200&highlight=melbourne) but for those willing to travel further from Melbourne where should we head? I know about the MPAS site, Macedon and the ASV site near Heathcote. Where else do people go to observe under decent skies in Victoria?

From my very limited knowledge of meteorology and personal experience clear skies seem to be much more common north of The Great Dividing Range. Is further north than Heathcote better still? Are there any good accessible spots with really dark skies in the high country (altitude should help)? Is the seeing regularly better in some parts of the state compared to other parts?

For those with families or jobs that make a move to Siding Springs impractical where do you go?

Thanks in advance!

[DavidU]

The best skies I ever saw was here
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&q=victoria&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Victoria&ll=-38.879809,146.016541&spn=0.2384,0.694885&z=11
to the east Wilsons prom (no lights) south and west, ocean (no lights) and it is quite far from Melbourne.
Waratah bay was where I had the best views by far ever!

[pgc hunter]

In Vic ........... Mildura or Renmark just across the border.

Nowhere else in the state gets that level of darkness, sunshine hours and clear skies. And the terrain is pancake flat for hundreds of miles in any direction, so seeing will likely be awesome. And DSE burnoffs never plague that area either.

David U, is there any good observing spots at Waratah bay?

[GrampianStars]

The way I see it is It' based on how far You are willing to travel
i.e. 1 1/2 hours out of Melbourne will get you to Castlemaine, Seymour, Yea, Marysville, Warragul, Wonthagi, All nice and very dark sky zones. :thumbsup:

Closer in say 1 hour out of Melbourne will get you to Snake Valley, Macedon, Wallan, Healsville, Phillip Island still good dark sky available. :thumbsup:

You'll need to weigh up the equipment taken, power availability, set up time and a return trip V an overnight stay (accommodation) required. :question:

[DavidU]

I used to setup on the flat land on the side of some of these streets.
Very little in the way of big trees here.
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&q=victoria&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Victoria&ll=-38.806674,146.069198&spn=0.014915,0.04343&t=h&z=15