Advice for Coonabarabran trip please.

[mbaddah]

I'm thinking of heading down to Coonabarabran sometime this week as based on the weather reports its looking like it's clear the whole week. It will be the first time I head down there (if I do end up going down).

I would appreciate any feedback for the following questions:

1) What are some good places to stay at? Doesn't have to be cheap or 5 star but something reasonable.

2) Any specific places recommended for setting up and observing?

3) Any particular route I should take when driving down there?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys :thanx:

[gary]

Hi M,

I think you mean heading up to Coona, not heading down. :)

Anyway, you know you must be arriving at the right place when you see the
big sign that says "Coonabarabran. Astronomical Capital of Australia".
And they are not wrong. This is amateur astronomy nirvana.

The place to stay is the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel, about 15 minutes out
of Coona on the road out to the Warrumbungles.
See http://www.warrumbungle.com/
They have acres of fields, understand the requirements of amateurs and can advise you where
to set up so you will experience no light spill. The skies there are better than excellent.
What is good about this place is the amenity of being able to duck back into your room
through the back door that opens out onto the field for a coffee. Family members are
also then comfotable if they don't observe. TV reception is not the best but the motel
provides WiFi. Rooms nearer the office get better WiFi reception. Handy to check
on the weather.

This is where we have been hosting visiting Northern Hemisphere observers, often
up to a couple of dozen at a time, so it is an area we have spent a lot of time and
have considerable experience with. We then book out the whole place.

15 minutes back in town, there is a new supermarket and you can either
cook in your motel room or I prefer dinner in the pub. The Imperial Hotel
serves great steaks starting at about 6pm. There is also a Chinese restaurant
in town, fish and chips, the Bowling Club, numerous cafes, a bakery, pizza and
a Subway.

Since I live in the far north of Sydney, I prefer the northern route which goes
up the F3, takes the exit through to Mangrove Mountain through Wollembi
then via the Golden Hwy to Merriwa, Coolah, Binnaway. If you live in the west, you might
prefer the Mudgee, Dunedoo route. (Watch out for police RADAR at Dunedoo
as many of our visitors have been caught.) I really like the northern route. It
is more scenic, quieter and I actually enjoy the initial winding stretch of the Great Northern
Road north of Wollembi even though it is not to everyone's taste. This is the route
that most of the workers from the AAO take when they come up from Epping to Sidings Springs.

Finally and most importantly, be very very very careful driving particularly
around sunset, night and sunrise around Coona. The stretch of road from the
motel back into town is only 15 minutes and gazetted at 80km/h but if you
go into town for dinner and come back doing the 80km/h, it is asking for trouble
and you will likely hit something, such as a large roo or emu. Everyone that works at the
observatory has hit something, cars written off and people killed. As you get nearer the
Warrumbungles National Park and in particular into the Park itself, wildlife is abundant so stay vigilant.
If you drive up to Coona at night, particularly in the stretch from Coolah to Coona, have your eyes
wide open and be prepared to hit the anchors. It is a 6 hour drive from my location and
I avoid the night drive.

Be sure to visit the AAT. The trip to see the Compact Array at Narrabri is also really worth it.
A day walk up to the Grand High Tops in the National Park is unforgettable but take twice the amount
of water that you would think you would need. Not hard to consume 3 lites per person on days like today
on the walk up and back and you will still come back thirsty. The Motel has a pool which
is then a great way to cool off after an all day hike.

Enjoy the trip!

Best Regards

Gary

[Omaroo]

All great advice from Gary, Moh.

We stayed at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel when we went on our MAS trip late last year and it was very close to the AAO. They were looking at an ownership change back then, so I don't know where that leaves you - most probably OK of course. Out the back of the motel (creek side) you will find acres of lawn - setup furthest away from the room lights and you'll be in great shape.

The Chinese restaurant in town was, quite frankly, sensational. It actually pulls up well next to some of the better-known restaurants along Dixon Street. :thumbsup:

Here are some people you might recognise enjoying dinner in that very Chinese restaurant Moh... :)

[gary]

G'day Chris,

They have been trying to sell but the market has been soft so it is in the same
hands.

M, if you mention to the owners, Sarah and Michael, that the motel was recommended by Gary
who is one of the 3RF volunteers that help host the Texans, they will know exactly
what you need. :thumbsup: 3RF book out the entire place a week at a time and we will be up
there again in a few months time.

The separate field that is west of the dining room is the best place to setup when other non-astronomers are
staying to avoid any lights from rooms. When 3RF book the place, the owners black out all the lights for us.

[mbaddah]

Thank you Gary for that wonderful advice :) Exactly what I was looking for. Yes I should have stated heading up :screwy::rofl:

I just had a look at the website and the prices are very cheap. Sounds like the Northern route is the way to go for me as I'd prefer a scenic tour. Point taken regarding wildlife:eyepop: I'll be extra careful and drive at 50km/h.

Chris I plan to take some widefield milkyway shots as well. I've just purchased a remote for my 40d so will attempt a timelapse video, see how I go :D

[mbaddah]

I'll definitely mention it, thanks Gary :thumbsup:

[mithrandir]

I'll second that. The night we were there it was close to full, and the way the staff were chatting with customers there must have been lots of locals. Always a good sign.

Andrew

[mbaddah]

How are the mozzies at Coona? Any recommended insect repellent :D ?

[Rodstar]

Hi M,

Another option accommodation-wise is the Timor Country Cottages, which is another 5 mins up the Timor Road in the direction of the National Park, from the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel. Do a google search, and you will find all the info you need. It has a fully functioning kitchen, three bedrooms, a slow combustion fire to use in winter etc.

I have never seen better skies than at Coona. I have tried to get there every year since getting seriously into astronomy, nothing compares!

[wavelandscott]

I am so envious...Please enjoy the treasure of dark skies.

[skyoyster]

Just wanted to put in an extra plug for the Warrumbungles Motel, were it required; we stayed there after IISAC last year and loved it. We took the scopes out to one of the back paddocks - I think it's officially the third hole of the golf course or something! - and had brilliantly dark skies. And we just ate in our room; the kitchenette bit had a microwave and hot plates, from memory.

The other thing to keep an eye out for is the to-scale solar system that leads to the AAO! My understanding is that it's along each of the main roads leading to Coona, and then they all join up on the final leg from the town to the telescopes... :D

[mbaddah]

I've made my booking at Warrumbungles Mountain Motel and have just fitted my new Argo encoders onto my Skywatcher dob and ready for it's first light :)

I've printed out numerous observing lists from Skytools, over a 1000 objects to check off :lol: I know bit ambitious, but you gotta aim high :D

I'll report back here how things go, hoping for no clouds. Bon voyage :)

[mbaddah]

I've finally returned from Coonabarabran, and what a fantastic place it is! When you can see the milkyway stretching right over the horizon and 47tuc clearly observable with the naked eye, you know your at dark skies :) The hype is well justified.

The Warrumbungle Mountain Motel far exceeded my expectations. It was dirt cheap for such a great place and the beds were very comfortable! It's location is perfect as well been right in the middle of town and Siding Spring Observatory/National Park. The backyard was very convenient for setting up to observe.

I'll definitely be making a trip here every season. Thanks guys for the advice and recommendations :thumbsup::D

[Rodstar]

M,

I am glad it worked out so well for you. Maybe I will see you up there sometime?!

BTW, 47Tuc is pretty easy to see naked eye from outer suburbia. I saw it naked eye from my backyard on the central coast last night - in fact I lined it up through my Telrad to then observe it through the EP.

[gary]

Hi M,

Thank you for the post and also for the kind email you sent.

Great to hear you are, as you put it, "one happy trooper"!

It really is a great place and a convenient place to observe from.
What is also encouraging from your photos is that -
a) you got some blue skies and some clear nights.
b) you got out and about including up to the AAT and out to the Park.

There is certainly a lot to see and do there and by now you would have seen
how many private observatories there are just going out along the road
from town out to Sidings Springs. It really is the Astronomical Capital of
Australia.

Like Rod said, hope to see you up there some time!

Best Regards

Gary

[koputai]

Thinking about a trip up there too.

When staying at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel, is it better to stay in a motel room or a cabin? Do they all back on to the observing area?

Thanks,
Jason.

[gary]

Hi Jason,

All rooms back onto the expansive observing area. Some of the rooms just
have a double bed or two. Others have double beds and four additional solid bunks
that could accommodate a family or a group of observing friends in their own
mini-dormitory. There is little distinction between the interiors
their general amenity and the rooms are all in a linear row, each
sharing a common wall with its immediate neighbor. There are no standalone
'cabins' in the traditional sense of the word so I believe they will be referring to
the rooms that have the additional bunks.

I would recommend requesting a room that does not adjoin the self-service
laundry. The place is generally very quiet most of the time but the interminable
chatter of a couple of your fellow lodgers early in the morning outside your
room whilst they wait for the spin cycle to finish does not help with catching up on
one's sleep after doring an all-nighter. :lol:

WiFi reception from within the room is more reliable for those rooms closer to the office.

In the middle of nearly all the rooms is a kitchen table which is a great place to
sort out eyepieces and observing books in preparation for the night's observing run.

I recollect all but one room has its own kitchen and there is also outdoor
BBQ's available. The modern, new Woolworths in Coona is only 15 minutes
away and you can come back and cook your own steak and onions on the
BBQ whilst watching the sun come down over the observing field as the wallabies
graze. For those who prefer someone else doing the cooking, the pub across
the road from Woolworths does good pub food kicking off at about 6pm.

The Mountains Motel is also a popular spot for bird watching and a pair of binoculars
will reveal a host of species after only a short scan around the grounds and surrounding
trees.

The Mountains Motel is a basic, family run motel. If coming up with family, recommend
bring a laptop with some DVD's for the evening, as the analog TV reception only provides
two or three snowy channels on a small screen. The Motel has a small swimming pool.

As Rod previously mentioned, 5 minutes up the road on the right hand side are the Timor
Country Cottages. See http://coonabarabran.com/timor/
The description of "Cottages" (plural) is true in that there are two self-contained cottages.
However, for the last few years, one of the two cottages has become the residence of the
daughter of the owner and her family, so only one of the two cottages has been available
for rent. The Timor Country Cottages use to be our accommodation of choice when we had
parties the size that could be comfortably accommodated in the two cottages. However,
as the typical size of the groups we now help host grew and the number of available
cottages dropped down to one, we could no longer comfortably accommodate everyone there.
So in more recent years, when we have larger groups coming down from North America, we will
book the entire Mountains Motel for the week where there are a lot more beds and rooms.
Last year, an IceInSpace member made a booking at the Timor Country Cottages but
was dismayed when the owners canceled the booking on relatively short notice.

Best Regards

Gary

[koputai]

Great, thanks for the detailed info Gary, much appreciated.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Rodstar]

You are nothing if not detailed, Gary!

The Timor Country Cottages story sounds familiar......if you are thinking of me, then my experience was that the price was mysteriously doubled from about $600 to about $1200 after I had secured the booking many months previously for a set price. I was very unhappy....and opted to cancel and go to Wee Jasper instead. My theory is that a cashed up Yankee may have shown interest, and I was effectively gazumped. A shame, it is a superb spot.

Another place to stay in Coona is Craggibungle, which is another few kms up the Timor Road towards the National Park beyond Timor Country Cottages. It is a mud hut, no electricity, and is not well situated for observing in that the hut is set amongst trees. However, you can set up down the hill, about 150m from the house, and get wonderful views of the northern sky.

[koputai]

Sorry, one more question....

At Warrumbungle Mountain Motel, can you get your vehicle on to the observing area to unload gear etc?

Thanks,
Jason.

[theodog]

I believe so.
I was out that way 2 weeks ago and still for sale, and taking in punters.
Remember there is lots to do and see- don't spend all day sleeping.
;)

[gary]

Hi Jason,

No problem. You can drive around the back of the motel onto the field and
we do this all the time.

Should you need to set-up in the adjoining field that is at the western end,
between the western end of the motel complex and the Castlereagh River
and Bart Bok Bridge, just be aware if driving on it after dark that there is
boulder on the field somewhere out there that you will want to avoid.

[gary]

Hi Rod,

Indeed it was you of whom I was thinking and now you mention the mysterious
price doubling, that specific detail has now jolted my memory because we spoke
of it at length. But it is a great spot.



I guess my description of it would be more of a getaway for someone seeking
something a little different. It is a little eclectic and very private. I enjoyed
staying there and living by candlelight is a good change of pace.
But from an observing perspective, not as convenient as The Mountains Motel or the Timor Cottages.

Peu de temps à la France.

[koputai]

Can anyone tell me which roads have the scale model of the solar system on the way to Coonabarrabran, and where would the first item (Pluto?) be? Oh yeah, coming from Sydney.

Thanks,
Jason.

[ausastronomer]

Hi all,

As of my last stay at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel (28/3 to 2/4) the TV reception issue they have had for a couple of years is fixed. They have installled a standard definition set top box to the side of each TV and provided new coax cabling throughout the motel. No HD channels are available because of SD set top box. Not 5 star hotel TV standard, but perfectly adequate.

Cheers,
John B

[gary]

Hi Jason,

See http://www.solarsystemdrive.com/map-planet-locations.html

I am in the northern part of Sydney so always go to Coona via the Merriwa route
via Coolah and Binnaway.

Best Regards

Gary

[gary]

Hi John,

Thanks for the update. No more snowy pictures! :thumbsup:

[koputai]

Great, thanks for that Gary.

Regards,
Jason.

[Gem]

One of my well kept childhood memories was going up to see Siding Springs in May and finding snow! We made a small snowman for the bonnet of our landcruiser. After it melted we were left with several kangaroo dropping on the front of vehicle. The snow wasn't quite all white! :rofl:

[erick]

Just thinking aloud. Maybe make my first trip to Coonabarabran since I got into this hobby. Take a trailer-load of telescope gear with me. Stay in the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel for 3 or 4 or 5 nights. Set off on Christmas Day? New Moon on 24th Dec so a bit of crescent Moon action in the first few days. I sort-off have that week off work.

Anyone interested in joining me? :question:

[Rodstar]

Sounds like a great plan Eric. I would love to join you, but it would probably end in a divorce.....

I am hoping to get up to Coona some time in 2012. It is my favourite observing location anywhere on Earth!

[gary]

Hi Eric,

With regard the trailer ...

If you trek via Coolah, watch the dip in the road just as you come into Binnaway. ;)
Rodstar knows what I mean and he said to us after his first trip there, "Why didn't
you tell me about the dip!". So we are officially telling you about the dip. :lol:

Like a lot of Australia, it can get very warm up there at that time of year but the
Motel does have a small swimming pool which can provide welcome relief.
Tell Michael and Sarah what you are up to and they will look after you.
It is probably the most amateur astronomy-friendly motel in Australia.

We spent a night at the Motel a few weeks back on the way up to Lightning Ridge
where we had helped put on a public outreach observing night there at the modern central
school.

Rod, John B and I were suppose to be helping with a star night for Girl Guides tonight
on the Central Coast, but alas it has been all clouded out.

[erick]

Thanks Rod and Gary. I cannot see the dip on Google Maps streetview? How close to Binnaway?

[jjjnettie]

Has been thinking of/ dreaming of /planning to, set up an Astronomers B&B in Coona.
Midnight snacks provided. :)

[spacezebra]

Hi jason

Ill be in Coona in Feb next year, and you will love the experience.

JJJ dont forget "our" plans for Coona;)




Cheers Petra d.

[gary]

Hi Eric,

The dip is a bit of an inside joke as most of us manage to see it and remember
to slow down.

One year we trekked out to Ilford to try and see the Leonids only to find it
was clouded out. We jumped in the cars and then drove to Coona where Steve
Lee and his wife kindly let us observe from their property. We had a late night
and the Lee's put some of us up in their guest room and a couple of us slept in their
loungeroom on a large sofa that converted to a bed. After the Lee family filled us
with toast and coffee in the morning (wonderful hospitality given we had dropped in
at such short notice), we headed back toward Sydney.

As one of my friends, let us call him 'A', was still tired from the late night, he
allowed another mutual friend, let's call him 'B', to drive his car. 'A' nodded off
in the passenger seat to get some additional rest.

Binnaway is a tiny, sleepy town with a cafe and two pubs. As we came into town I
was following behind 'B' about 100m back and even though he was on the
signposted speed limit, as we headed toward the dip, which is simply one of those
channels to allow stormwater to cross the road, I could see that B was not about to
slow down. I said aloud to my own passenger, "B, watch for the dip ... watch
for the dip" but of course B had no way of hearing this. I watched their station
wagon bottom out on the dip at speed and sparks flew. The rear plastic bumper
of the car came off. B pulled over, retrieved the bumper and threw it in the
back of the station wagon. I sat there shaking my head. The funny thing was that
I don't think 'A' even woke up during the whole episode and 'B' had to explain
to him later on at lunchtime as to why his bumper was in the back of the wagon. :lol:

Rod has his own story but was pulling a trailer at the time and so the gear got a
good shake up.

The dip is easy to miss. :lol: I have attached a Google Map (copyright Google).
It is a relatively long stretch from Coolah to Binnaway. As you drop out of warp drive
having done those long mostly straight stretches across the plains on the
Warrumbungles Hwy, you slow down to impulse power and cruise through
a more tree lined stretch before crossing an old railway line and coming into town.
Within a couple of blocks you encounter the dip in the road which is not a problem
as long as you slow down. :lol:

You trek via Binnaway if you come the northern route out of Sydney via
the Golden Hwy through Merriwah and Coolah. This is my preferred route.

For those who live in the west of Sydney, they tend to trek a different route
over the Blue Mountains and then via Dunedoo.

A Binnaway tourist brochure can be found here -
http://www.warrumbungleregion.com.au/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Revised%20Binnway%20Town%20Brochure _FINAL.pdf

[jjjnettie]

Ha Ha , Coona won't be the same when the Crazy Old Ladies take over.

[Rodstar]

Right in the middle of town as per Gary's map.

Yes, it had been a long drive from my place, I was tired, had been driving rather fast, stretching certain limits ;-), and then down to 40km/hr in Binnaway. I reckon I was doing twice that. We came to the dip - unfortunately I realised too late - and the car+trailer launched into the air. :scared:

Outcome: a case of beer smashed in the trailer, the Mary Rose was baptised in Tooheys Old, she had a sore head for a day or so. Fortunately, nothing else was broken....except the cradle for my Argo Navis, which Gary kindly replaced. Thanks Gary!;)

[erick]

Ah Hah! This dip! (Don't ya just luv Google!)

Thanks for the warning - I'll try to lock it away in my mind!

So, no takers to take the dip with me?

But it might be just a dream. Maybe I should go back and visit my wife who has had to stay in Melbourne until next year.

[erick]

By the way, Google Maps wants me to go up the "Great North Road", through Central Mangrove, Kulnara, Bucketty, Laguna, Wollombi, Paynes Crossing, Broke and onto the Golden Hwy at Mt Thorley. Looks OK on Google Street View. Any experience anyone wants to share?

[gary]

Hi Eric,

That's exactly the way I go. And in chatting to many AAO staff such as Fred
Watson, that is the way a lot of them tend to go.

However, be advised that the section from Wollombi to Broke is at times narrow and
winding. There are a few one lane bridges they have been upgrading and they have
been widening the road in some other sections and possibly by the time you go up
they may have sealed the last remaining 100m of unsealed road just north
of Wollombi. Personally, I like the stretch from Central Mangrove to Broke as it
is scenic, quiet and makes you feel as if you have finally left the chaos of Sydney.
But because it is winding particularly in the locality of Wollombi, it is not
everyone's cup of tea. You will have the trailer so just watch for vehicles
coming the other way around some blind corners where the road is narrower.

Alternatively you can stick on the F3 and turn off to Cessnock at Freemans Waterhole,
track via Branxton to the Golden Hwy and then onto Mount Thorley. It is longer
but it is all freeway and highway.

If you track via Broke, just north of there you will see some of the gigantic open
cut coal mines where essentially they have shipped huge chunks of the Hunter Valley
in bulk carrier ships to China.

We tend to have lunch either in Sandy Hollow or Merriwa. Merriwa is arguably a little
more up-market for lunch opportunities.

If you have SatNav in the car, watch that it does not want to take you via
what appears to be a short cut through Cassilis. Instead, stay on the bitumen just
for a few more k's and then take the signposted right turn to Coolah into Vinegaroy
Road. The "short cut" via Cassillis has a rough unsealed section that is not
pleasant. The way you have indicated is sealed all the way except for that
100m I mentioned just north of Wollombi which every time I go up expect them to
have finished so one day soon it must come true.

Just north of Coolah, look out for the rest stop which historically was said to be the
place of the original proverbial "Black Stump" as in "Beyond The".

Watch out for wildlife particularly at night on the stretch from Coona to the Motel.
Collisions with kangaroos and emus are common there and there have been driver
fatalities.

Word a few weeks ago is that the food at the Imperial Hotel in Coona has gone
off and the prices have gone up, so there is the Golden Sea Dragon Chinese, neighboring
Bowling Club, Subway or fish and chips in town or cheaper still load up with some steaks and beers at the new,
well stocked Woolworths and cook back on the gas BBQ's at the Motel. There is a popular bakery
in town for takeway breakfast or several sit-in cafes with full table service.

[mishku]

I'd love to do a trip to Coona, but it's not in the immediate future for me (at least not until JJJ has gone on ahead and set up provisions for midnight snacks :) ). There's some brilliant advice here from seasoned Coona-goers, any chance we could take advantage of it by making this thread sticky?

[ausastronomer]

This way is the shortest in distance but it is not the fastest, in terms of time. It is a more scenic drive than the other route, but, as Gary mentions a couple of one lane bridges and very twisty and windy in parts. The scenic part is not a major part of the trip either. This is the route Mal Leyland would take each and every time, not me.



This is the way I go and whilst it's a little longer distance wise, I think it is probably 20 mins quicker time wise; and a lot flatter, smoother, less windy and most importantly SAFER. Going this way I do Coona in about 4 hrs and 10 mins from Bateau Bay on the Central Coast.




In addition to this some Sat Navs will try to take you all the way to Dunedoo and then up the Newell Hwy and in to Coona. The one in my Kluger does and the one in my Lexus before that did as well. As Gary mentioned take the Coolah exit which is about 5 kms past the exit to Cassilis (Cassilis Road). Do not follow your Sat Nav and go all the way in to Dunedoo and then up the Newell Hwy. This adds about 40km and 30 mins to the trip.

Cheers,
John B

[erick]

Many thanks, Gary and John.

And I think I've solved one "problem". My wife will come up for a visit the weekend before so I may be completely free to travel as planned. A win-win!

Eric

[gary]

30 Oct 2011

Received news today that the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel has been sold to
new owners and it is believed that the new owners will take over in December 2011.

The information we have is that the motel will continue to operate as a motel.

[Rodstar]

Thanks for letting us know, Gary. I am planning a trip up to Coona around March/April next year.

Hopefully the change in ownership won't cause a problem for the contingent of northern visitors you will be hosting in February??

[Zaps]

So how's the weather in this place? I guess it must be pretty okay if all of those observatories are sited there, but you guys with local knowledge can probably say what the odds of cloud are.

[Rodstar]

Hi Zaps, Coona is far superior to most other locations in Australia, weather-wise. Like all things, the choice was a compromise, and no doubt there are spots where there are more clearer nights per annum. However, the conditions are certainly excellent.

On all of the occasions I have observed at Coona, I have had more clear nights than not. Indeed, the last full week I observed there, I had clear nights throughout, which meant I was wrecked by the end of it!

There have been a number of occasions in recent years where the conditions have been very poor (thick clouds/rain) at Ilford (the NSW Astro Society's site south of Mudgee), but at Coona, just 2 hours away, the conditions have been clear and pristine. I have had numerous reports of this when talking to the US contingent who often drop in on SPSP, from where they are staying at Coona.

Let us know how you go, assuming to take the plunge and head out there!

[gary]

Hi Rod,

We're hoping that they will continue to be able to host us and be able to support
some of the special requirements we have regarding the shielding of lights onto
the area presently used for observing. Donna will be making contact with the
new owners as soon as they take over. We will certainly post any additional
information as soon as it comes to hand.

The previous owners, Michael & Sarah, certainly went out of their way to make
it arguably the most astronomy-friendly motel in Australia.

[gary]

Hi Zaps,

Here are some statistics for Coonabarabran from the Bureau of Meteorology.
There you can find month by month averages for number of clear and cloudy
days, average rainfall and so on.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_064008.shtml

As Rod points out, there are other places in Australia where the weather tends
to be clearer. As I like to point out, the interior of Australia is not mostly desert
without good reason and Coona is definitely not in the desert.

But it has the amenity of dark skies with excellent seeing and the convenience of
a nearby service center. When you consider that from the Warrumbungles Mountain
Motel it is only 15 minutes drive away from being able to push around a shopping
trolley in a modern supermarket, as mundane as that sounds, the practical
realities are that you don't have to go far to buy a fresh set of batteries for
some piece of your equipment, or fresh food to keep the energy levels up during
many late nights of observing. A good cup of of coffee in town is always welcome
in the morning at any one of the numerous cafes and 15 minutes up the road
in the other direction you have the largest optical telescope in Australia and
the Warrumbungles National Park and an hour away at Narrabri, the largest radio
telescope array - so there is plenty to see and do as well during the daytime.

The AAT was sited where it is as a compromise because it was close to a major
service center.

So you may find more cloud free nights at the back of beyond in a more remote
location, but in my experience often more flies and discomfort to go with that as
well and it can be then a long drive to the nearest town for that decent cup of coffee
or a shower.

[Poita]

Hill end and Sofala are also nice spots with dark skies, as well as the observatory 10 minutes out of Mudgee, and the observing site at ilford, 30 minutes from Mudgee on the Sydney side. You get to view at night and tour a vineyard or two by day.
I've done some photography out at the Rosby Guesthouse and the skies are pretty good there and you have all the amenities including power and wireless internet.
http://www.rosby.com.au/accommodation.htm

[gary]

Just an update on this Coonabarabran thread.

As reported on 30 Oct 2011, the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel changed hands.

We had a group of about 19 stay there at the end of Feb 2012, including twelve
visiting US amateurs and I am pleased to report that the new owners are also
attentive to the needs of amateur astronomers, so the motel still forms a good base
for observing enthusiasts seeking dark sky accommodation in the area.

I also note that the Skywatch Observatory tourist attraction just on the outskirts
of town is for sale. Listing here -
http://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-coonabarabran-106946228

[erick]

Good news. It is on my list for a visit. Maybe in the depths of winter - nice crisp skies?

[Rodstar]

I am heading up to the Coona area for New Moon in March with a few others. We will be staying here: www.pilligapottery.com.au/accommodation-farm-stay-bed-and-breakfast.html

It is about 20 mins north of Coona.

I will let you know how we go. Fingers crossed the current weather system relents before we head up!

[jamskof]

hi guys, my name is james, i have just joined the community and was wondering if i could ask you for some advice? i noticed that you had been to warrumbungle national park.

i am currently planning a week long timelapse "holiday" to warrumbungle national park.

at the moment, my plan is to hire a camper and stay inside the national park. at one of the camp grounds, does anyone know if i would be allowed to go wandering onto the trails at night to do some photography? or do rangers not permit it?

basically i am wanting to shoot some epic mountain ranges, moonlight casting over rocks etc.. very similar to what tom lowe did with timescapes.

most of my timelapses will be sun setting / sun rising.

are there beautiful landscape viewing areas there that i could access at any time of day?

any tips on best times to go, where to check conditions and general astro photography advice for the area is very much appreciated, i hope to spend a lot of time on this forum over the coming weeks as i organise this trip.
thankyou so so much in advance, any information no matter how small is very much appreciated.

regards

james.

[gary]

Hi James,

Welcome to IIS.



No problem.

You are only permitted to camp in designated areas but you can walk the tracks
in the evenings. Not all the designated camping areas are necessarily open and some
are reserved for large groups, but when you check in at the park headquarters,
they will inform you as to which grounds are open to you.



The views from the Grand High Tops would provide a fabulous background
but it is quite a hike up and no camping is permitted at the top itself.

However, you can stay at the Balor Hut which is not far from the top -
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Warrumbungle-National-Park/Balor-Hut-campground/camping

Alternatively you can stay at one of the other backcountry campsites such as Hurleys or Dow's
but you should call the park office and book.

A Petzl head lap would be recommended but you need to watch your footing
up near the top.



It can get very hot there in summer and hiking there at any time of year requires
a reasonable intake of water to replace what you lose sweating. Think in terms
of carrying 4 litres per person up to the Grand High Tops for just the walk up and back.
Then you will need extra if staying a night.

Even the view from the Whitegum lookout, which is only a short walk from the
car park off the main road as you first come into the park, provides a sensational
backdrop.

Another nice view is afforded from atop of Split Rock. It is a very short walk
from the Belougery Split Rock carpark. Be careful on this walk at night as
some chains are involved.

Also don't overlook the Coolah Tops National Park as well. It is far less visited
but has some beautiful scenery. The roads into it are gravel, but are accessible
by 2WD vehicles except when very wet.

[Deeno]

G'day James

I took a camper trailer to the Warrumbungle National park back in May.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=89920

I set up in Camp Wambelong, an open campground in the shadow of Bald rock. I was lucky enough to have the entire campground to myself most of the four days I was there! This particular campground you need to be self sufficient as there are no facilities or power apart from drop loo's. The other campgrounds for camper trailers are all penned off into fenced designated camping.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkCamping.aspx?id=N0035

Plenty of bush walks and wildlife but , I was there mainly for the dark skies. A truly beautiful spot that I must return to.......

Cheers
Deeno