Dark sky site a few hours drive from Sydney??

[Earl (Earl White)]

Hi folks,

What would be some suggestions for a really dark sky site a "few" hours drive from Sydney that would have some nice accommodation for a two couples and maybe 2-3 teenage kids?

And by a few I mean maybe more than 2-3 but would prefer less than 8!

Anyone found something on those home stay sites such as www.stayz.com.au ?

Cheers,

- Earl

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Hi Earl,

The various astro clubs in Sydney have sites - check out their listing under the "Our Community" heading in the left margin.

Informal gatherings happen at various sites, two popular ones are the Pony Club at Mangrove Mountain north of Sydney, and Katoomba Airfield to the west. Gatherings are listed in the Star Parties forum, with one happening at Katoomba this Saturday if clouds allow.

For somewhere off your own bat, your first priority should always be safety. Doesn't matter where you go, you'll be best off with at least one mate with you if you go to a public ground. That's why formal and informal gatherings are both popular AND safe.

If Katoomba Airfield isn't available to us, we usually go to either Hargrave's Lookout or Mt Blackheath Lookout, both accessed via Blackheath. Hargrave's has a wider horizon, but is very exposed and can be bitterly cold. Mt Blackheath is a little less expansive to the east due to trees, but is much more protected and has public fireplaces that we use when it's cold.

You might like to approach a golf club too. They usually have a charter that promotes community events to use the grounds, so if you are honest with them in your intentions you may find yourself with very good friends in them.

I'm sure other folks will have many more suggestions.

Mental.

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Hi Earl,

We are going to Lostock Scout Camp this week.
There are two houses that have about 15 beds.
Full kitchen, 240 volt power, hot (multiple) showers and flushing toilets.

Either house can be rented for a very small fee.

The skies are dark and the views are good and the country air is refreshing.

It is a little north of Maitland in the Hunter region.

Check out our thread in the Star Parties forum for some more details.

BTW you are welcome to come along this week if you are interested.
There should be plenty of spare beds, and the cost will be small.

[Earl (Earl White)]

Thanks guys!

[Wavytone]

Earl, there is plenty of accommodation in Blackheath or Katoomba listed on Stayz, some with the number of beds you need. The observing sites and Katoomba Airfield/Mt Blackheath/Hargraves are all a short drive from there.

Over the years I have stayed in the Woolshed cabins (in Centennial Glen, very nice), The Potters Cottage (also in Centennial Glen, very rustic but fun for kids if you are ok with animals and everything creepy-crawlie), several cottages in Blackheath (comfy and predictable).

Further afield some other "really dark" sites for observing are:

Hassan's Walls, drive into Lithgow then up Hassan's Walls Rd to reach the ridge. Excellent spot. B&B's in Lithgow.
Rydal showground (Rydal is a small hamlet near Lithgow) or Lake Lyell;
Whispering Brook Winery in the Hunter valley near Singleton - has nice accommodation for groups, food and wine tasting by day, observe by night (if you are sufficiently sober);
Lake St Clair, which is 30 minutes drive north of Singleton, this has an excellent camping ground. Plenty of spots for a 'scope away from the people. Further north up the road is also a farm that provides accommodation for groups, or stay in a B&B near Singleton.
Jenolan Caves - there are a few cleared areas along the road before it descends into the valley. The non-stargazers can stay at Caves House;
Barrington Tops, stay at one of the guest houses in the area or in Gloucester.