Wiruna - SPSP - Ammenities

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Has anyone got pics of Wiruna - the site of the South Pacifc Star Party? I am particularly interested in any photos / comments on the facilites/ ammenities on-site. I have invited some friends who's wives want to know the state of the ammentieis etc!!

Any comments appreciated.

[mozzie (Peter)]

hi paul they are pit toilets but there clean and private there is showers i didnt use them saved the water for the ladies and kids its a boys weekend dont need to shower there is hot food for all meals and a great setup dont forget its in the middle of know where so be a little prepared and it wil be bloody cold
mozzie

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I echo the remarks regarding the cold. I would not even imagine bringing my better half. I recall a couple of years ago, when SPSP was in April, and the temp got down to near zero. You really need to prepared with sub-zero rated sleeping bags.

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Thanks guys - sounds coooold! I am taking up a campervan so will not be camping in tents. I suppose when imaging/observing one needs to be fully decked out in very warm clothes. I read that people actually take up freezer suits! Is that really necessary? Now sarting to think twice re taking up the wife and kids!

[gary]

Originally Posted by CoolhandJo

Has anyone got pics of Wiruna - the site of the South Pacifc Star Party? I am particularly interested in any photos / comments on the facilites/ ammenities on-site. I have invited some friends who's wives want to know the state of the ammentieis etc!!

Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a meeting hall and a marquee
providing hot food and drinks day and night. There is also an outdoor kitchen
for cooking your own meals.

Most attendees will either camp or stay in their own caravans but there
are limited numbers of bed and breakfast and motel accommodation in the greater
area but it tends to get snapped up fast.

As Rod mentioned, it can get cold. Dress at night as if your are going skiing.
Prepare also for potentially warm or wet weather during the day.

There are no shortage of people who come with spouses and family.
It may not have the amenity of a Barrier Reef resort, but for anyone use
to camping it will be familiar enough, including dust and dirt. The property
is expansive with pleasant bush and it is nice to walk around.

The night skies when clear are phenomenal and there are large aperture
scopes available conducting sky tours. It is often the views of the night skies
and the pleasure of joining in with a mixed and friendly crowd that
most come people come away with remembering. Simply put out
your hand and introduce yourself and most people will respond warmly.

Hope to see you there!

Best regards

Gary

[gary]

Originally Posted by CoolhandJo

Thanks guys - sounds coooold! I am taking up a campervan so will not be camping in tents. I suppose when imaging/observing one needs to be fully decked out in very warm clothes. I read that people actually take up freezer suits! Is that really necessary? Now sarting to think twice re taking up the wife and kids!

If you have ski parkas, woolen jumpers, thermal underwear, a beanie, good
shoes and socks, then a freezer suit is not required.

The utility of a freezer suit is that you can wear just it and regular underwear
and combined with shoes and socks never feel cold. You can purchase freezer
suits there.

What all observers tend to do is take a break now and then. You can retreat
to your own campervan or grab a hot coffee in the marquee or meeting hall.

Given you own the campervan it sounds as if the family is use to camping,
so you are half-way there.

These type of activities aren't everyone's cup of tea, so you will need to
make your own judgment call but hopefully the advice provided here will
see you turning up with warm clothing.

Best Regards

Gary

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by CoolhandJo

Thanks guys - sounds coooold! I am taking up a campervan so will not be camping in tents. I suppose when imaging/observing one needs to be fully decked out in very warm clothes. I read that people actually take up freezer suits! Is that really necessary? Now sarting to think twice re taking up the wife and kids!

How old are your kids? It might be a bit hard for uninterested teens...astro interested will enjoy it.

The organizers have had a very nice "kid program" in the past with a project or activity that kept my kids (7 and 11) entertained (and encouraged toward Astronomy).

As Gary mentioned there is nice bush to walk around in.

The amentities are useable and I've never had a problem with showers or flush toilets...It can be dusty/muddy so 5 star it is not. But the overall facility is pretty good and the volunteers (and thoughtful visitors) do a good job keeping things tidy.

The scouts have hot food on site.

It can get a bit chilly when the sun goes down...

[CoolhandJo (Paul)]

Dear all,

Thank you very much for your insightful comments. THis helps heaps.

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Likewise, thanks for the info. Am booked for this year's SPSP and plan on taking the family, will be taking our camper as well.
I've pre-warned them all about the cold , and actually camping over Easter in the Snowies, should hopefully be a good test .