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The "Macedon Ranges Observatory" facility is actually just past Kyenton (about 12km east of the town centre). Not near Mt. Macedon.
You drive in the gate, the pads are about 50m from there, and if you're using the pad area, you can pretty much park your car within 5-10m from the pads. Go to the website - you can click on the "Google Earth" .kmz file and you can actually see the telescope pads in the image.
I've been there for 2 observing nights in the past. It is a REALLY dark site. When the milky way casts a shadow on the ground, you know it is dark. When the clouds are BLACK spots, not WHITE, then you also know it's a pretty dark site! It's probably closer to 1.5hrs than 1 really - did a day trip up there on the weekend.
If you've never experienced a truly dark sky (if you're a dedicated suburban dweller like me), it is an awesome experience. Ring before you plan to go and check out the weather. It can be substantially different to Melbourne.
Turbo
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