Stargazing spots at Blue Mountains area?

[leongdw (David)]

Hello. I am from Hong Kong and will be having a holiday at Blue Mountains in the summer for a few days. I am writing to ask whether there are good spots for stargazing around the Katoomba area.

A site with a good clear view of the sky, easy to locate and not too far from Katoomba would be great. Seems that many people go to the Katoomba Airfield but is it open for public?

I will be bringing a dobsonian scope and rent a car.

I would be interested in the weather there also. I heard that mist occurs frequently there, which doesn't sound good!

Thanks for your help.

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Hi David
If it is an observing night..ie a Saturday close to new moon western Sydney amateur astronomy group observes from linden observatory. Visitors are welcome.

Welcome to IIS BTW

linden observatory is not far from katoomba.

[GeoffW1 (Geoff)]

Hi,

As you suggest, Katoomba Airfield is not generally open to the public except by special arrangement by someone who knows the operator.

Not far away there is a spot I have read about. It is supposed to be very good although I have not been there. Access is open to anyone. In Google Earth it is at

33° 44' 26" S , 150° 22' 19" E

To get there from the Great Western Highway, you go along Tableland Rd, Hordern Rd, and Little Switzerland Rd, which is eventually a dirt track.

In winter there, mist and dew can be a problem after sundown, and temperatures can often get down to near 0°C. If there is much wind, conditions become very unpleasant.

In our summer though, conditions should be ideal.

Cheers