where?

[chich0 (Chris)]

Hey guys,

Dont know if I am posting this in the right section.

I am from th northern suburbs or melbourne, (Mernda) to be exact.

I have been looking at a light pollution map and i am on the edge of yellow and green.

I am just wondering if there are any places known locally in the northern suburbs that are quite safe for me to go and have a look at a few decent things, i will start with planets and stuff, but want to be able to see some messier objects etc..

Anyone from around my area know of any places?

I know of the Heathcote spot and that will be mostly a weekend spot but im after something i can duck down to after work.

[alistairsam]

Hi,

I've not been around the north that much, but a friend of mine lives in Wallan and i've seen some great skies from there.
not perfectly dark, but enough to see the milky way with the naked eye.
Can't remember if i saw the LMC and SMC.
i'll be going there soon to try out some imaging.
my friends place is near Hidden Valley.

[chich0 (Chris)]

Oh cool,

Well if you don't mind a newby tagging along let me know. Wallan isn't too far from me.

I don't think im ready to go to any sites alone just yet. (sounds crazy i know) But i work in the city and Melbourne is pretty bad lol.

Would like to learn a few things from you.

I have sent off my ASV membership today so once that comes through, hopefully i can meet a few people up there as I have no friends into astronomy lol.