There is on area I haven't tried. Opposite Zigzag there is Clarence and on the south side some dirt roads run into the National park, near the tunnel. There are some open spots visible on google earth.
But no idea if these are accessible.
From a photo shoot where I drove for a 4WD web site I'd say many of the dirt roads in the NP aren't 2WD friendly.
The clearing around -33.472649S 150.238396E maybe? LPI shows it as a public road, neither the railway nor Bell Rd point at it, the access is only about 170m and looks reasonable. It's about 50m wide with no trees on the western side. However there is an electricity transmission line running between the clearing and the road.
Mind you, until I finish radiotherapy and recover from the side effects, all this is hypothetical for me. I'm confined to setting up the G11 in the back yard.
Well. Hargraves never fails to throw up great views.
However, I did visit some look outs and had a look at Hartley Vale from Mount York Lookout. I didn't get to look at that site that was suggested.
I also checked out Browntown Oval. I also took a lot of pictures from the ground. I think that place would be alright. We set up in the middle and passing lights from the highway wont bother us. We are looking up after all.
I am thinking I might bite the bullet and head out the farm for a few days.........The wife doesn't want to go, so might spend some quiet time testing my new camera and a few other bits....... be a shame to waste the dark skies if its clear.
Good luck with your night fella's.....hope you find a great spot
There is some pretty heavy duty lighting up the road a bit at the RTA Truck checking station that may have some effect, but yes its easy access due to it being right on the side of highway.
well, looks like it's Hargreaves or Mt Blackheath lookouts. I've been to both. Hargreaves has a wider view of the sky, but Mt Blackheath leaves you next to your car to setup. What's the consensus on these two then.
And a couple more. I think if we set up out in the field on the cricket pitch we would not be on an angle to be affected by the high head lights. The skies should be in the dark green according to that light pollution map posted earlier. Being in between Blackheath and Mt Victoria which are tiny compared to Katoomba.
I went to Blackheath lookout as well. You have a great view of the south and a decent portion of the east and west. Directly over head is good too. But anything in a northerly direction as far as I could tell was no chance. Also, there are people camping there!
Adrian, Mt Blackheath is also an excellent paragliding site, and also has fireplaces ! In warmer months pilots do camp overnight instead of spending 4-5 hours on the road to return Sunday morning... The Ivanhoe pub offers excellent sustenance readily at hand for those too lazy to cook.
Offering a few minutes at the eyepiece of a half-decent scope will result in a convert.
The Ivanhoe is well worth considering for dinner in summer on the way or before driving home, as the counter is open from 6pm, and I'll plug the local venison snags from Shipley Plateau
Totally exposed to the great western highway? Because when I was there it didn't look that bad. Ideal? Could be better, sure. It was a bit noisy.
Has anyone check it out late at night?
Its not like the head lights are pointed right at us. Unlike sometimes at the airfield by someone coming up the drive way. I would imagine it would be less exposed to wind then either the airfield, Hargraves, or especially Mt Blackheath.
Just saying.
Otherwise, I'm happy to commit to Mt Blackheath on Feb 1st.
Fingers crossed it wont be windy.
I'm just kidding, 6 hours is a long way for a night out...
