Hello, Rob.
Richmond (the N.S.W. one) is not all that far from me. I would be surprised if the sky is all that dark. Sydney is a mere 60-odd Km away to the SE (or SSE, I don't have an accurate map at hand) and, apart from the corridor between Richmond/Windsor and Sydney being a significant growth area - and we all know what that means - has an RAAF base just outside its precinct. Apart from light pollution generated by the base there is always the risk of aircraft lights interfering with carefully planned imaging schedules.
I can't honestly say that I've been there to check out the night skies, but if I were considering a change of domicile to the town I'd most definitely be checking out that aspect of the area. Perhaps we have a member or two who are cognisant of the Richmond conditions?
On the positive side, living in the five towns region gives you immediate access to the Bells Line of Road, which runs across to Lithgow, and beats the heck out of travelling from the more inner suburbs of Sydney.
More negatives: Travelling from the Richmond/Windsor area into the Sydney CBD (by car or by rail) can be a right pain; Should you choose to reside on the western side of the Nepean/Hawkesbury river it is not unusual to be isolated by floods. Mind you, given the current drought, this has not happened for many a year.
Gosh I'm a jolly fellow!
