? Camping W'end for New Moon Jan 15th 2010 - Page 2

Arthur Alchin (Arthur Alchin) · #21 19-11-2009, 04:58 AM

Hi guys, as the years is swinging to an end, and rapidly i must say, January is going to be upon us before we know it and is probably time to discuss the first New Moon in 2010.

I think i recall that Allan has a venue out between Dunnedoo and Dubbo (if is is still on the cards Allan?) for a long weekend excursion. Does it seem like a goer?? what do we all think?? I believe there is a number restriction, is thast correct???

There is a venue down south near Cooma way but a total driving time (to and return) of 12-14 hrs makes it a bit impracticable to myself

Arthur

madwayne (Wayne) · #22 19-11-2009, 07:10 AM

Hi Arthur and All

I am coming in on the end of your post here but somewhere closer to home is a place called Wollondilly River. It is bush camping but it is pretty good and the skies are excellent.

To get to Wollondilly River take the freeway down to Mittagong and go in to town. Follow the old highway through town and stay on it as if you are going to Berrima. The Wombeyan Caves turn off is just after you cross the freeway, turn right. Follow the road to Wombeyan Caves for around 40 minutes. It is dirt for a fair part of the way but you can easily access it with a sedan. Facilities are very basic. I was there last Australia Day long weekend and the river was the bath tub

but there is ice on site. Wombeyan Caves are about a 20 minute drive away if you need some supplies.

The beauty of Wollondilly River is it is about the same driving time from Sydney or Canberra, some of the Canberraites may be interested in going up. Be warned that the road from Canberra to Wollondilly River via Wombeyan Caves is rough as and should be avoided unless you are in a 4wd.

Plenty of beautiful scenery on the drive from Mittagong to Wombeyan Caves, particularly from the lookout just after the limestone cave you drive through.

Wayne

Wavytone · #23 19-11-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthur Alchin

There is a venue down south near Cooma way but a total driving time (to and return) of 12-14 hrs

Might as well bite the bullet and head for Mt Kaputar, best observing site in NSW apart from Siding Spring:

- Truly spectacular night skies,
- 8 hours from Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra
- There are several observing sites on the peak at 1450m, including one level lava field that resembles concrete, about the size of a soccer field;
- Campsite is in a snowgum forest 10 mins from the observing site, one of the best camping grounds I've used, also some sites are powered for caravans etc;
- Onsite hot showers, some cabins...
- Lots of walks, sights to see, fairly tame wildlife, rock climbing;
- Temperature is lovely on the peak;
- Access for 2WD vehicles, caravans and trailers OK, via sealed road up the mountain.

The only real risk weather-wise is having a cyclone off the east coast around the Qld border, which will pump cloud in over Kaputar. As we're heading for another el-nino summer I'd guess the risk of that is pretty low.

I'll take advance orders for Crepes Kaputar for those interested in culinary fare

Allan_L (Allan) · #24 19-11-2009, 04:40 PM

Laheys Creek (near dunedoo) is still a goer.
350 km from Wyong (via Golden Hwy)
340 km from Mangrove Mountain (via Broke)
330 Km from Sydney (via Lithgow)
(I would allow 5 hours)
No actual limit to numbers.
Just limited facilities.
Plenty of room for Camping (my preference)
We will have access to the workers the house. (should be vacant then)
Air conditioning sleeping quarters available if you like the floor (or BYO).
Hot water. (if fixed by then)
Toilet.
Shower.
Electricity.
Fridge.
Stove
Microwave
No mountains.
Few trees.
Length of stay can be as long or as short as we agree.
BE ADVISED:
Random kangaroos emus cows outside of house enclosure.
And there is nothing to do by day.
BUT its aBSOLUTELY FREE of Charge.

Maybe Wavytone's Volcano would be better

Arthur Alchin (Arthur Alchin) · #25 22-11-2009, 04:12 PM

Hi all,
i know the wollondilly well being an old Goulburnite. And agree it is a great spot (used to swim the wollondilly and shoot in the taralga area.

i agree that mittagong is a quicker closer option but i promised myself some viewing west of the ranges rather than southern highlands/ tablelands this time, (the original intent being arkaroola).

Guess it might be time to get a concensus of opinions from those interested.

arthur

jakob · #26 22-11-2009, 04:23 PM

Wollondilly access is rough.
I must say I haven't driven it for years but I don't think it has changed much!

Allan_L (Allan) · #27 25-11-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary

There is not much high terrain here, but Mount Kaputar in NSW is an exceptional
observing spot but talk to the Park Ranger in Narrabri first with regards
getting the key to the gate where the best place to set up the scope is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo

Best sky I ever saw was Mt Kaputar in 1984. M33 galaxy easy naked eye and the Horsehead was visible in a 6" F4 . Later visits weren't so good . Transparency is a fickle thing. I'd love to go to Kaputar again to compare.
I think the solar cycle has something to do with it too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Might as well bite the bullet and head for Mt Kaputar, best observing site in NSW apart from Siding Spring:

- Truly spectacular night skies,
- 8 hours from Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra
- There are several observing sites on the peak at 1450m, including one level lava field that resembles concrete, about the size of a soccer field;
- Campsite is in a snowgum forest 10 mins from the observing site, one of the best camping grounds I've used, also some sites are powered for caravans etc;
- Onsite hot showers, some cabins...
- Lots of walks, sights to see, fairly tame wildlife, rock climbing;
- Temperature is lovely on the peak;
- Access for 2WD vehicles, caravans and trailers OK, via sealed road up the mountain.

The only real risk weather-wise is having a cyclone off the east coast around the Qld border, which will pump cloud in over Kaputar. As we're heading for another el-nino summer I'd guess the risk of that is pretty low

It is sure starting to sound like this is the place to be this January.
(the first two quotes are from a thread by Toryglen-boy in General Chat asking The best skies in Oz? .

But is this likely to be crowded out, as it will be school Holidays in January?
Apart from a potential crowd, I think this is sounding exciting!!
Do we need to book?
Is it too LATE to book?

I am still happy to host everyone at Laheys Creek, if that is the concensus.
Maybe, do both!
I think they are in the same general area aren't they?
That should make sure of some good nights.

NEW MOON is Friday 15th January.
I will be looking to stay over three nights - Thurs Fri Sat (leaving Sunday). Is this the same time frame as evryone else?

theodog (Jeff) · #28 25-11-2009, 08:28 PM

I could drift down to Dunedoo myself, just to meet up.
Not firm yet though.

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #29 25-11-2009, 08:38 PM

Oh well - looks like Cooma is too far for you all so I'll withdraw it.

Maybe some other time.

Octane (Humayun) · #30 26-11-2009, 05:22 PM

Not for me, Chris!

Regards,
Humayun

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #31 26-11-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octane

Not for me, Chris!

Regards,
Humayun

I'll be there for a couple of weeks over the break Humayun - so you are perfectly welcome to come down any time you like! You may have to help me to install a couple of piers for us though....

Without going back through the thread, which series of days are we looking at new moon?

Inmykombi (Geoff) · #32 14-12-2009, 08:26 PM

Alan L threatened me with medium level violence if I didnt attend

, so I am in for all nights.

I just have to get someone to fill in for me at the SURFCOM radio room for Surflifesaving on the 17th.

If there's nothing to do by day, Arthur will have to bring his piano-accordian along again.

Woooo-hoooo.

geoffro

Arthur Alchin (Arthur Alchin) · #33 15-12-2009, 06:14 AM

Am going for the whole time

Will bring both button accordions and we could have a duet (both have a common row of C although new one has 2nd row of B instead of G).

Could probably take someone as i will have a free seat in the front. Did Alan say whether there was a swimming hole within driving distance?? and do i need the generator for charging purposes??

Guess same driving rules apply: sit on channel 8 and mag.

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #34 15-12-2009, 07:43 AM

Humayun - what dates are you thinking of coming down at this stage? I know that you're off from the 24th. I'm looking at arriving mid Friday - the 25th, but understand that this is Christmas. Maybe the following day would be better. Anyway - lemme know

jakob · #35 15-12-2009, 02:03 PM

Alan,
Have you got the coordinates of the property?
I was looking at Google for Laheys Creek.
There is a road to Laheys Creek from near Gulgong, have you ever traveled this way?
I wonder if it would be suitable for my Camper.

Regards Jakob.

Allan_L (Allan) · #36 15-12-2009, 02:49 PM

The Hut:
32* 9' 45.45" S
149* 15' 43.94" E

Access road is off Laheys creek road

If it is the road I am thinking of, it should be no problem for the camper, although I have not travelled that way myself I believe it is OK for normal vehicles. If you are going via Lithgow it could save about 20 minutes.