The Snake Valley Astro Camp! November 25 – November 29 2022
Camp commences midday, Friday 25th November and concludes midday Tuesday 29th. With COVID finally fading into the background, we are now able to confidently get a Camp up and running!
Unfortunately, the Saturday night “Spit Roast under the Stars” will NOT be on this time. We would encourage everyone to plan on a communal dinner on the Saturday night starting at 6pm but on a BYO basis.
PLEASE NOTE: Fees are unchanged except that for juniors (those who have not turned 18 by 25/11/22) a single fee of $10 will apply regardless of how many nights they stay. Hopefully this will make the camp more affordable for families and juniors.
4 nights of beautiful dark sky away from City glare.
- LIMITED TO 50 BOOKINGS ONLY PER NIGHT-
(plus casual visitors also welcome, if setting up gear a $5- fee will apply)
- The observing field has 240 volt mains Power
- There are 12 bunkhouses (from 2 to 8 bunks) and lots of camping space on the observing field.
- Caravans welcome.
- Hot showers & toilets in a caravan park style amenities block.
- Large dining room for about 60 people
- Recreation room (billiards, table tennis)
- Fully equipped kitchen with all cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, fridges etc.
- Lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing etc.
- BBQ facilities
*Please note, Bunkhouses CANNOT be booked for one night only.
Exceptions are accepted if you are in a shared bunkhouse with others staying more than one night. Alternatively, the campsite is available for one night if that's all you can stay.
* Alcohol is allowed, but 'drunkenness' or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
* Aerosols of any description (Aeroguard, deodorant etc) are TOTALLY BANNED on the observing field. Stray spray could (and has) permanently damage optics.
* A red light only policy is in place on the observing field after dark. Lap top screens are to be suitably shielded and dimmed. DIM Red Lights (Red LED Head Torches, etc) are acceptable. PLEASE NOTE, a sheet of cellophane taped over a tactical flashlight is not a DIM red light. If a white light must be used, please warn nearby observers before turning it on.
* Persons violating above rules will be asked to leave and will forfeit fees paid.
* We would prefer for the field to be smoke free, please consider those around you
Snake Valley Astronomy Camps are fun, low key, social events. A white light ban is in force (as expected), but due to the nature of our camps, imagers and observers are all mixed in together having a great social astronomy experience.
WHERE IS IT?
The camp is held at Camp Wedgetail (formerly Crystal Lake Cabins) in Snake Valley. Street address is 554 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley VIC 3351. If coming from Melbourne travel to Ballarat then take the Glenelg Highway to Linton and turn right onto the Snake Valley-Carngham Rd. The campsite is on your right before getting to the township of Snake Valley. Please be aware that the Snake Valley Observatory run by the Snake Valley Astronomical Association is not the site of the camp.
The Campsite a private business that we hire for the duration of the camp.
THE BUNKHOUSES
The 11 bunkhouses range from 2, 4, or 6 bunks up to several with 8 bunks (4 sets of upper and lower bunks).
They have mattresses, but no bed linen. You will need to supply your own sheets, blankets, doona's, and pillows. Or just throw a sleeping bag on the mattress.
CAMPING
The observing field/camping area is on a very gentle slope to assist drainage, bordered on the west by trees and the road, and on the east by the lake. Plenty of room for a lot of people to camp and set up.
240v power is supplied.
SKY
Very dark. There is a faint light dome visible low in the east, coming from Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong.
OTHER STUFF
Solar Observing during the day.
COOKING
The kitchen is fully equipped.
All cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans, jugs, you name it, it's probably there!
Microwaves, grillers, enormous gas ovens and stove top, 3 fridge/freezers.
All you need is your food.
SHOPS
There are supplies available locally.
3k - Snake Valley General Store: Basic groceries, petrol etc
closes 12:00 Sat, shut Sunday
5k - Linton Store: Basic groceries, petrol, hot fish & chips, hamburgers etc.
Open 7 days till 8pm
12k - Smythesdale: Supermarket, petrol, shops.
Open 7 days
20 minutes - Ballarat
LOCAL SIGHTS: Nimmons Bridge, Computer Museum, Jubilee Gold Mine Historic Reserve, Sovereign Hill, etc.
FEES
(to allow more people to attend the camp some people may have to share a bunkhouse)
PLEASE NOTE: No booking will be regarded as firm until payment is made.
Membership fee (Compulsory for all staying overnight) $10
Please contact Malcolm Barker via email on
snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0448 567 187 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963 if you have any queries about the fees
Bunkhouses (per person)*
2 nights $60.00
3 nights $80.00
4 nights $100.00
Campsite (per person)
1 night $25.00
2 nights $50.00
3 nights $75.00
4 nights $95.00
Juniors under 18 - $10 regardless how many night or whether staying in bunkhouses or camping.
Children under 5 y.o. - free
Please book in by completing details on PDF booking form attached to this post. Please scan completed form and return to us via email
tosnakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com along with a payment receipt (see below).
Please note: The camp will be proceeding regardless of rain, wind, snow or cloud. When booking in, please consider that refunds will not be given if pulling out due to the weather forecast.
If you have any queries or would like assistance with your booking, I can be contacted via email on
snakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com or by phoning 0448 567187 or via PM on Ice in Space, user name barx1963.
Payment details:
BSB 063510
Account 10397720
Please include your name in the detail field when making a payment. If possible email a copy of the payment receipt
tosnakevalleyastrocamps@gmail.com
Looking forward to it! 
