tk
Hi and welcome to a hobby you will grow to love and be very passionate about.
As you are in Hurstville why not enquire with the Sutherland Astronomical Society, our website is
www.sasi.net.au. We have members viewing nights down at Waterfall (there would be one this Saturday night), adjacent to the Royal National Park, and I am sure that the committee would welcome new faces to our members nights. Waterfall Oval is in behind the public school across the railway line as you exit the highway at Waterfall. While it isn't a dark site it certainly is semi dark and as it would only be a 20 minute drive for you it could well be a viable option. What you will find particularly of help is the diverse range of equipment our members have from observing scopes like dobsonians mentioned in earlier posts through to computerised SCTs and there is also imaging equipment, my interest, in use. We are more than willing to discuss and offer you any advice you may require. I won't be there this weekend but have been known to frequent the place as it is only a 5 minute walk from where I live now.
One tip I would make if you do go down to Waterfall Oval. On your first visit get there before dark. It will make the event a bit more of a social outing but also it will enable you to align your car to the exit as it can be a bit tricky to find in the dark. Remember if you are leaving while others are observing parking lights only on the field and drive at walking pace. Red light torch for light to while you are walking around on the oval.
Otherwise if you want to wing it on your own my advice would be a trip in to Glebe for lunch at the fish markets and then duck across to Bintel after that. Their service is first rate and while they may be a bit dearer than others their service is well worth it. Note I have no tie in with Bintel, or the Fish Markets, just a very happy and regular customer at both
.
Good luck with your decisions, so far you have made the right one by coming on to this fantastic website and asking questions.
Wayne