space retreat

[bono]

Hello All,

I would like to ask for advice on holidays. Not any holiday, but something with a space theme. I am thinking of taking an extended weekend to get away from Sydney (but not interstate or anywhere too far). I would love to spend the day watching nature, people, or kayaking etc and spend the nights at an observatory or beginners astronomy camp re-learning astronomy (viewing stars, planets, galaxies, discuss telescopes) at a beginners/learners level.

Does anyone know if any observatories/associations outside of Sydney cater for something like this in the coming month or 2?

Has anyone done something like this before and have any recommendations on where to start and the best place to go at this time of the year where its not too empty and outback.

Many thanks in advance for any ideas

Jono

[astrogeek]

Have you had a look at Ryder Homestead:

www.ryderhome.com.au

It is about 250km from Sydney and offers space themed holidays (they have an observatory with a C9.25). I have never been, nor has anyone I know, so I can't say anything else about the place but it is probably worth checking out :)

Leon

[iceman]

I think there's also the Magellan Observatory/farmstay west of Sydney.

"astroboy" (Zac) owns/runs it, so you can get details from him, or go to their website.

[vespine]

This would actually be an AWESOME thread to sticky in the beginners section, or the star parties or somewhere, except instead of just Sydney, I'd be interested in finding out about astronomical things to visit near Melbourne too.
If we had a Australia wide, state by state list of places of astronomical interest to visit, then if someone is going on holiday or just after something to do they can see if there is anything they can visit on the list... I think that's a really great idea.

[33South]

What about up in the Blue Mountains, plenty to do in the day then at night Kings Tableland Observatory.
No accomodation at the observatory but plenty in the general area.

http://www.bluemountainsonline.com.au/bmo/home.nsf/webpages/hhae5mw2bp.html

Contact Roger North on (02) 4757 2954
Email: north.barber@bigpond.com

[jjjnettie]

In the back pages of Astronomy 2006 Australia there are 5 pages dedicated to Places of Astronomical Interest. Stuff to do in every State and Territory.
Here's some for NSW.
How long will this holiday be for?

Bathurt Observatory
Linden Observatory
Port Macquarie Observatory
Grove Creek Observatory
Ryder Homestead Observatory
Green Point Observatory
Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre
Skywatch Observatory and Astro Golf
Macquarie University Observatory
The Australia Telescope
Parkes Radio Telescope
Siding Springs
Wollongon Science Centre and Planetarium
Nepean Observatory
Crago Observatory
Shesleigh Homestead
Darby Falls Observatory
Dubbo Observatory
Gilgandra Observatory
Kings Tableland Observatory

[bono]

Thanks everyone for the input.

I will take a look at each of these

I am planning on an extended weekend (maybe 3-4 days away). Besides observing I would love to be able ask questions and have them answered (like what is the meaning of the universe) :-)

Jono

[astroron]

What a meaningful question, I thinkyou will need more than a extended weekend:eyepop: :thumbsup: