Quote:
Originally Posted by Allan
I stayed at a free park in Mendooran that has some facilities. The sky out there is very dark, but unfortunately they have a light near the toilet block that spoiled that spot.
Last night I went to Bracken Hut at Coolah Tops. I thought I would mention it because we talked about it last winter. That's a great spot at over 3000 feet elevation and has a very large cleared area to observe from away from the trees. But my guess is some of us would struggle to get there, as there is a creek to cross right at the end. I got stuck in it in the Tarago just as it was getting dark. Luckily I was able to reverse out and then take a run up at it the second time. Boy was I nervous driving across it again in the early hours. All the other spots at Coolah Tops I looked at were too wooded to see much sky. Anyway I'm glad I went there and had a look, but I won't be back there again.
I'm all for trying out new spots and will come along for a look at a new place.
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Yeh, that spot at Mendooran is OK but not nice. And, as you say, there is too much local light. Was the bloke opposite the pub in full flight? The night I was there his music could be heard 100's of meters away.
I was one who recommended Bracken hut, so sorry about the drama at the creek. I had completely forgotten about its existence. I drive a troopie so I just didn't register.
How cold was it up there?
Quote:
Originally Posted by absolut
Hey guys!
Very keen on a westerly adventure... I've been toying with going somewhere very west to ensure more consistant weather and planning on a longer stay to make the trip work even if the weather isn't perfect for some of the trip.
My definition of west might even include somewhere like:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willandra_National_Park
Long drive from Sydney, good 10-11hrs best guess, but I'd look to stay for a week or so.
Any other ideas? |
Willandra is nice and there are plenty of observing site, though you probably won't use the campground. There is a suitable clearing in the middle but my guess is that there would always be too many people about. There is space down near the old homestead but I don't know about lights there. There is also a clearing perhaps 4-500m the other way that would certainly be dark. If you like history you can spend a pleasant day looking around the old station. When I was there a birdwatching group from Sydney was there. There is also the river but I didn't have time to investigate swimming or fishing.
Another possibility out that way is Cocoparra NP. Much quieter than Willandra (except when they find a body on the access road like they did last week) but also less to do. Enough open space to have your scope at your camp, a picnic shelter and, hopefully, a water tank: the small ones at the toilets had been stolen but the big one at the shelter was still there a few years ago.
Weddin Mtns NP is also possible. If you camp near he gate you can have the scope at your site. Other campers will prefer the other end where there are more trees. There are a couple of walks and you can look at the ruins of the old farm but there is -no water-.