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On those occasions when the Airfield isn't available, there are two other sites we use that can be also accessed at any time, Hargraves Lookout & Mt Blackheath Lookout. Both of these are accessed via Blackheath down the same road on the western side of the railway tracks. A fork in the road then diverts to each location.
Hargraves has a wider view of the sky than Mt Blackheath, but it is completely exposed to wind due to being on a spur, & is freaking freezing in winter. I'd say the coldest place in the entire Blue Mountains. The Eastern horizon of Mt Blackheath is limited due to the tree line, but it is much more protected. The setup area at Hargraves is also 25/30m from the parking area, and over soft gravel. At Mt Blackheath you setup where you park. One good thing about both sites is there are established fireplaces where you can safely light a campfire.
Two words of caution with both these sites: Roos are commonly found here, & real care needs to be exercised when driving through here between sunset & dawn when these animals are active. I nearly collected two of them last time I was at Mt Blackheath - scared two years out of me! The other is, while both areas are very remote, they are still public areas & it is always best to go with at least one mate.
This is why we value so much the opportunity that Rod affords us all with access to the Airfield - it's private land AND safe.
Good time now to remind folks that the hat gets passed around for the gift of a slab of beer for Rod. He doesn't ask us for any money for his goodwill - we have the Airfield to ourselves all night, with access to the office building to sleep in if we need a place to crash, & the combustion heater on those freezing cold nights. The gift is the least we can do to say thanks.
Dunk, sorry mate, I can't offer anything on your question. I'll leave that to someone who knows.
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