Hi Doug, see map attached.
Go/nogo decision best around midday and certainly no later than 3pm as most of us would leave then to arrive soon after sunset. There is a webcam at Katoomba, on this site
http://www.scenicworld.com.au/?optio...pper&Itemid=44 so you can get a look at the sky first hand if there is any doubt.
Coordinates of the yellow pins:
Mt Blackheath: -33° 38' 39", 150° 14' 43"
Hargraves Lookout: -33° 40' 37", 150° 14' 43"
Katoomba Airstrip: -33° 40' 07", 150° 19' 09"
To Katoomba Airstrip, follow the Great Western Highway west to Medlow Bath. As the highway goes over the railway line turn right to the station and follow this road along the train line, at the end there is a left turn signposted "airstrip". It turns to dirt for the last couple of km and there are potholes, so take it easy.
To Mt Blackheath and Hargraves lookout, continue on the highway to Blackheath. At the traffic lights, turn left (over the train line) then left again (Station St). Follow signs saying "Shipley Plateau". For the first time to Hargraves or Mt Blackheath its perhaps easier to meet at the carpark behind the Ivanhoe hotel in Blackheath (this is a pub at the traffic lights) and go from there. As Alex indicated there are some big kangaroos and wombats, and at night these are a real hazard so drive slowly once on the plateau.
Winter nighttime temps are often down to -6 degrees so at this time of year you will need thermals, beanie, gloves and a balaclava, or ski gear is good, or a freezer suit. A thermos of coffee and a snack is a good idea before driving home. In the interests of safe driving, my usual habit is to either pack up and be on the road home by midnight, or else be prepared to stay and have a few hours sleep before driving home at sunrise. Mt Blackheath has bush fireplaces and plenty of fuel at arms length so its feasible to have a fire in winter to warm up and make a brew, if someone has matches and something to start it. There is a fireplace at Hargraves but no firewood (has to be dragged quite some distance).
Its also not a bad idea to stop for dinner en-route. The main places of interest are:
- Katoomba, several cafes if you are happy to sit down;
- Wentworth Falls, the 'Grand Olive' pizza shop,
- Blackheath, the Ivanhoe serves a great counter meal around $15 opening at 6pm sharp.
Note also that in Sydney, a holiday weekend also means the police will be out in full force looking for anyone they can fine, and the penalties here are really really savage, so obey speed limits even if it is 3am.
