Hi there. I have had a couple of years off darksky observing and now want to get back into regular trips away at the new moon. I used to go to Leyburn up on the range but aside from the camaraderie it was a waste of an extra 1-1/2 hours driving since I don't photograph. I am a southsider and was thinking of going up the brisbane valley to say Atkinsons Dam and looking for a good horizon. Or perhaps up the warrago hwy to Moogerah Dam near Aratula.I thought a dam would be a good idea as it would have big cleared areas and some nice grass to set up on, toilets etc. I camp out overnight in a poptop, though hopefully will observe all night then sleep over the morning. Any ideas or spots south of brisbane within way 1-1/2h drive would be appreciated.Frank.
Hi Frank. I took a drive one night to get a feel for reasonably close and darker sites, but not necessarily the darkest sites. Once you get west or south of Ipswich things improve. I live slightly west of Ipswich and in my experience, out Laidley way (going out towards Mulgowie) can be pretty good. I've also been to Moogerah Dam (on a Astro society BBQ night) and it too was very good. Going up the Brisbane Valley Hwy and out past Fernvale will likely be good to ... especially near Esk / Somerset Dam. The Scenic Rim Astronomy Ass dark site near Beaudesert was great too! Alex
Thanks for the repies. Up around esk was where I was figuring as a first choice. I observed from a dam in the foothills once, great amenities, paid campground, but lousy horizon. I'll get up there after xmass and do a little exploring. Have a good break everyone.
