Lance:
Linden observatory is only another half hour or so up the GWH beyond Penrith, and you can not only see the Milky Way and the Clouds, you can also see the Coal Sack naked eye.
Its not super super dark obviously but I have always found it reasonable for a location about an hour away from home. (I live in Winston Hills..it would be even less for you)
Like you I tried Kingswood but gave it up, other than the vista there is nearly as much light pollution as home
just a suggestion.
having said all that if anyone can suggest a safe site closer to Sydney I'd join you in a flash
