Broken Hill viewing

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Hi,

My wife and I will be heading north next month in the Suby and with our little caravan in tow, to escape the Melbourne weather.

Heading toward Broken Hill and then further north into southern Qld.
Does anyone know of a good camp/caravan site(s) in the area where skies are clear and unpolluted by gunk and light? Can be independent of power.

Maybe then I'll be able to do some star-gazing. Certainly no hope down here!

Robert

[goober (Doug)]

Just drive for 30 minutes in any direction and you'll have all dark sky you want. There are a few national parks around, but we just pulled into a road siding off the Silver City highway and gaped in awe at the amazing skies. A few trucks rumbled past, but you see them coming from about 10km away and can avert your eyes to save the night vision.

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Broken Hill caravan park is the best one in town its on the adelaide to sydney road on the western side of the city.

Bring the binos and knock your socks off.
Cheers Kev.

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Thanks Doug and Kev.

Yes, I remember that caravan park from 1967 when I did a 7 week trip with the family. As I recall, it is right on the highway leading into town from the west (as you say). I was thinking though of being stationed somewhere a bit further out in a bush camp somewhere. Perhaps even down towards lake Menindee or alternatively heading north toward Mutawinji N.P.

Unfortunately, (I shouldn't really say that) we will be with our dear 15 y.o. arthriticky dog, which means we won't have access to National Parks - although there is a possibility that we will have to put her down soon. Its a very hard decision, but as long as she still gets up in the morning and wants to eat her dinner, we can't do it. She is suffering from a tumor somewhere in her urinary tract - its just a matter of time - ???? For the moment at least, she will be with us.

Robert

[astroron (Ron)]

Heading toward Broken Hill and then further north into southern Qld.

Robert, If you get upto the SunShine Coast you are always welcome at Cambroon
there is plenty of room for your van

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Broken Hill caravan park is the best one in town its on the adelaide to sydney road on the western side of the city.

Bring the binos and knock your socks off.
Cheers Kev.

Yep, stayed there last year in October a very top notch caravan park. To escape the lights I took a drive out of town to the Mundi Mundi lookout with my binos, from memory think it was 20 to 30 minute drive but the locals should have better info.

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Adam, good to know that the caravan park at B.H. is still a goody. Do they allow pets? Funny though, I've been searching the http://www.caravanandcampingnsw.com.au/ site and it doesn't mention it. The only ground near/in B.H. is out on the N.E., Silverland Caravan Park (who do accept dogs). I guess we'll just have a hunt around when we get there, although we will be also looking for a bush camp for a couple of days. Possibly Menindee or Packsaddle; the latter because we want to head that way (north).

Has there been much rainfall in the area. I recall that the roads can be closed following rain. This could well affect our travel plans.

For viewing I will have my Nexstar with me. This is the reason why I chose it. It travels well and is quick and easy to set up.

Thanks for your offer Ron. That's very kind. Don't be surprised if we arrive, probably about mid-July. I will contact you beforehand though to confirm.

Robert

PS. Ron, The penny just dropped. I spotted your web-site address at the bottom of your post and clicked on it. Fantastic. Reckon around mid-July will be a good time. R.

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Originally Posted by Robert9

Adam, good to know that the caravan park at B.H. is still a goody. Do they allow pets?

Hi Robert, yes they do. We were camped next to a couple who had their Jack Russell with them, so not a problem When I get home, I'll see if the Mrs kept any of the brochures from there and pass on contact info.

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Robert9

Adam, good to know that the caravan park at B.H. is still a goody. Do they allow pets? Funny though, I've been searching the http://www.caravanandcampingnsw.com.au/ site and it doesn't mention it. The only ground near/in B.H. is out on the N.E., Silverland Caravan Park (who do accept dogs). I guess we'll just have a hunt around when we get there, although we will be also looking for a bush camp for a couple of days. Possibly Menindee or Packsaddle; the latter because we want to head that way (north).

Has there been much rainfall in the area. I recall that the roads can be closed following rain. This could well affect our travel plans.

For viewing I will have my Nexstar with me. This is the reason why I chose it. It travels well and is quick and easy to set up.

Thanks for your offer Ron. That's very kind. Don't be surprised if we arrive, probably about mid-July. I will contact you beforehand though to confirm.

Robert

PS. Ron, The penny just dropped. I spotted your web-site address at the bottom of your post and clicked on it. Fantastic. Reckon around mid-July will be a good time. R.

Hi Robert, no Worries just give me a call when you are ready and I will give you a couple of instructions as to getting here

[astroron (Ron)]

Robert, have you got the "Travelers Bible" "Camps5"

[Robert9 (Robert)]

I've got Camps 4. Probably not much difference. There are certainly places marked around B.H. that I am considering, I just thought that the "locals" may be aware of somewhere other folk don't know about. Nice and cosy. It would also mean that after packing away the scope, I wouldn't have to drive back to the camp in the wee hours.

I also must check out the rainfall and road conditions heading toward Tibooburra. I hope to get out to The Dig Tree this time. Last time we went in that direction we got stuck at Yowah for 3 days as the roads were all cut by the rain which started to fall just as we pulled in to Yowah. It poured tigers and wolves. We were fortunate that the Opal festival was on that weekend so we were able to pass the time looking at opals. The hip-pocket suffered only a little. We still had to drive through about 15" of flood-water to get out, but it was pointless to head out west at that time.

Robert

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Enjoy your trek Rob .i usually observe at a place called the 9 mile road also the Mundi Mundi Lookout and have also observed in Tibooburra.

For road conditions give me a call as i,m a supervisor of the highways out here.

Cheers Kev.

[Robert9 (Robert)]

Thanks Kev, that'll be terrific. After last night, I'm not sure that we'll have the dog with us.

Robert