Good Spots in Gold Coast (or surrounding area)

[that_guy (Tony)]

Is there any good star gazing spots in the Gold Coast region?? Where there aren't any lights and a good viewing area?? And somewhere where its easy to get to.. Not like mountain roads and stuff...

[HSK (Tom)]

Hi, people. I'm that guy's (Tony) brother, Tom.
I was just wandering if mt tambourine would be a good place for the observation area. I know a place where there are clearing for hanggliders take off. Have any one been there?

Thanks

Tom

[HSK (Tom)]

Does anyone live around this area at all???

[citivolus (Ric)]

I've heard rumours that Mt. Tambourine suffers from excess cloud due to rising humid air masses (think rain forest). I'm fairly certain there is an SAS member or two living up there that could comment, but I don't know if they visit IIS. Come to the next SAS meeting and ask around

Many locals go further inland to Leyburn to get away from the urban lights and coastal infuence.

Regards,
Eric

[HSK (Tom)]

Thanks for the reply. My brother is thinking of SAS meeting, I should tell him.

[Chief Wiggum (Warrick)]

Does anyone know if there is any sort of group that meets on the southern end of the Gold Coast or maybe even Tweed Heads area. I'd love to go to the SAS meetings but just too far to Pimpama. Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Warrick

[that_guy (Tony)]

its in ormeau now...

[darrellx (Darrell)]

Hi guys

I am not sure where you live on the Gold Coast, but there are a few reasonably good spots to setup that might be handy.

If you want to look north or east, there are two nice little parks at Paradise Point. There are few street lights nearby, and the view has few restrictions to the north and only a few trees to the east. Go as far north as you can on Paradise Pde; the park is on the left.

If you want to look north or west, you can go to Coombabah. You will be looking over the wetlands. Drive north on Oxley, then turn left into Hansford Drive. Go right to the very end. As Hope Island develops, I expect this will get more light pollution.

But as Eric has said, I am one of those that have moved west. I go out towards Warwick now and spend a few days out there when the weather is good.

Hope this helps.

Darrell

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Blokes ,
I have spent alot of time on and above Mt Tamborine ( In a hang glider) from the Main western rd take off.The top of the take off area is pretty flat but its right beside the road so this would be any good. The cloud base does get low at night. The top of the mountain is at about 1800 feet but in winter it's not a issue. The inlaws had a property on Leahys rd in the middle of the Mountain. To the east was light polluted but the western sky was fine.
I think you would be better off in one of the valleys to the west. I remember a member of SEQAS had a property down towards the boarder. Oreily's valley??
Can any one else help out here. I sounded like an awesome spot.Very dark.
Cheers
Zubenel