Quote:
Originally Posted by rider
My experience is that any public space in Qld is filled with either 1/ security lighting, or 2/ car hoons, or 3/ mosquitos, or 4/ all of the above.
I find that the only way to get to a dark site for a small group is to rent a farm cottage. There are plenty around the Lockier Valley and Darling Downs.
Hulloleeds, I am impressed that you have found interested newbies. Ive found that for most people an addiction to "Australia's fattest chef" or "Dancing with an Idol big brother" takes precedent over going outside to experience the universe.
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There's a pitch black bitumen airstrip down the road from me. It's used during the day occasionally by light aircraft and shuts down at night... so you can just park your car on it
but there are a couple of street lights in the distance
I'm sure if you contacted a club such as a motorcycle, equestrian, mountain bike, etc who have access to private land and let them know that you're looking for a dark sky location for astronomy they might give you their landholders contact details. If you offer a cattle farmer a carton and the opportunity for his family to look through your telescope they'll give you access to their land, maybe even to camp, especially if you're into astrophotography and offer him some nice 'space photos' taken from his property
Also, there's a number of camping & recreational parks around the place. We often go camping and 4wd'ing to such places and i often think that they'd be a good spot to view the stars.
cheers