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If you want something closer, you need to settle for a compromise. One of the best easy access locations outside the skiing season is Lake Mountain. There are two big carparks on the way up the mountain set up for skiers. These are normally deserted when there is not enough snow to ski on.
The best one is at the very top. You plonk your telescope and your recliner camping chair in the middle and you have unobstructed view of the whole sky. Camping is allowed and free in the forest and there is even some basic shelter at the top carpark (there were toilets too last I checked; but that was before black Saturday). And there is not a soul around usually, especially at night. And no artificial lights. (If you stay overnight, you'll see/hear motorbike riders in the morning; they just enjoy riding up and down the mountain.)
A longer drive with darker skies is Mt Baw Baw. Same idea: big open unused spaces set up for skiers and deserted outside skiing season. Also, a little bit of altitude can help with seeing.
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