[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Hi all,

Katoomba Airfield is not and has never been a public access facility. It has always been PRIVATE PROPERTY, and as such requires permission to access it. Do not visit it unannounced or trespass on to it.

The only astronomy activities permitted on the Airfield are those with express permission to do so, such as the Blue Mountains Astronomical Club. Club activities there are currently suspended due to the present Covid-19 situation. And when activities had been happening & when they resume, only BMAstro members & their guests are permitted on to Katoomba Airfield. Unannounced visitors are not admitted.
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As far as public access sites go in the Blue Mountains, these are very few, and many have also been closed of due to this summer's bush fire damage.

At the moment there is only Hargrave's Lookout, but it is affected by lights from the Hydro Majestic, and Mt Blackheath Lookout, which has limited telescope set-up space. The paragliding ramp is not suitable to set up on as it is on an incline.

CAUTION: both Hargrave's and Mt Blackheath have a lot of kangaroos active from sunset to sunrise! Even wombats. BE CAREFUL DRIVING ALONG THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE ROADS LEADING TO BOTH SITES FROM BLACKHEATH RAIL STATION. The roads here are very twisty & narrow and paniced animals are very dangerous with cars.

Also, the Blue Mountains are VERY BLOODY COLD at night from autumn through to late spring. Dress like you are going to the snow or you will have a very poor time up there. Even in summer it can get cold. Do not underestimate this.

Alex.