The IceInSpace AstroCamp (IISAC) at Lostock, now in its 9th year, is back again!  

IISAC2015 is a star party organised by the IceInSpace community and held over 3 nights, from the 19th to the 21st March 2015, at Lostock Scout Camp in the beautiful Hunter Valley area of NSW. The location was chosen because of its proximity to Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle, and at under 4 hours drive from Sydney you'll be amongst clear, very dark skies in a lovely country setting. If you want to see pictures and read reports from the three previous IISAC events, check out the Previous IISAC Events page.

There is bunkbed accomodation for up to 35 people in the two onsite farmhouses, or you can camp out in the large fields which have held over 500 scouts - so space is not a problem! The farmhouses also have a BBQ, full kitchen facilities, 240v power, 10 showers and 10 toilets, fridges and freezers. For off-site accomodation, the Lostock Caravan Park is only 6 km's away on the edge of Lostock Dam.

There’ll be plenty to do when it’s not dark, with a swimming hole to cool off during the hot summer days, you can talk to other amateur astronomers both newcomers and experienced, and you can go for leisurely drives through beautiful rolling hills, or a short trip takes you to the popular Hunter Valley wineries area.

The IceInSpace AstroCamp is the no-fuss star party - come to relax, to have fun, to unwind and to meet some of the great, friendly people that make up the wider IceInSpace family. And when it's clear, observe under brilliant dark skies and take home memories you'll cherish forever. There is no large marquee or organised guest speakers this year; sorry for the inconvenience.

The AstroCamp is not restricted to IceInSpace forum members, it's open to anyone from anywhere! Of course we'd love you to join the forum community and join in the discussions and the fun, and we're very welcoming to newcomers.

Come for one night or stay for all three! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsors

A very big thanks to Gondwana Telescopes for sponsoring IISAC2015.

Vital Stats

Date:	19th - 21st March 2015 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights)
Location:	Lostock Scout Camp, Lostock (near Dungog/Gresford. It's about 3-4 hours drive North of Sydney)
Cost:	Prices
To Book:
Programme of Events:	Download Programme
Forms and Policies:	-Site Rules / General Field Policy  -Light Use Policy -Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form
Maps:	-General Location -Aerial Map -How to get there (Google Map Directions) -Field Map 1, Field Map 2
Lat/Long:	Long: 151° 25.476 ° E , Lat: 32° 18.875 S , Elevation: 200m
Group Photo:	Saturday, 5:30pm at the Bottom House. Please make yourself available!
Forum Thread:	For all discussions and questions
Anything else:	Email me: (This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it)
Quick Links:	-Features of the Site -What to Bring -Things to Know -Daytime Activities and Workshops -What's in the Sky at Lostock? -Food and Beverage -IISAC2015 T-Shirts -Prices and Booking -Testimonials -Rules and Conditions -Location Photos

Features of the Site

• Exclusive use!
• Very dark skies
• 2 farmhouses with up to 35 bunkbeds in total (bring own linen). Remember, this is a scout camp. The bunkbed accommodation is not 4-star luxury!
• Loads of room for camping
• Huge observing fields with good open viewing (no trees etc)
• Camp where you observe!
• Power available on-site for recharging batteries, astrophotography, etc.
• Undercover area for meetings/presentations/wet weather etc
• The houses have full kitchens (stoves, cutlery, glasses, hot water, fridges and freezers)
• Amenities block with 5 showers and 5 toilets for both male and female  (remember, this is a scout camp!)
• The farm houses also have additional toilets and showers
• Swimming hole for cooling off during a hot summer day
• Off-site caravan park at Lostock Dam, about 6km's away
• Supplies at Gresford, 20km away.
  

What To Bring!

Following is a list of items we strongly recommend that you bring to the AstroCamp.

• You may bring your own chair/picnic table, especially if camping. There will be plastic chairs and trestles tables under the marquee area. 
• Insect repellant (there will be mosquitoes and flies!)
• Toiletries (towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush etc)
• Linen (pillow, sheets, blankets, sleeping bags)
• Tent, pegs, etc (if camping)
• Drink bottles for water (it will be hot, drink plenty of water)
• Hat and sunscreen (it will be hot!)
• Swimming costumes, towels (there is a beautiful swimming hole)
• It can get quite cold at night, so remember to bring warm clothes for observing or sleeping.
• Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner. The nearest town for supplies is Gresford, about 25-30 minutes away.
• Batteries for powered scopes (240v power will be limited to the area around the farmhouse)
• Cardboard box / red screen for your laptop (see Light Use Policy)
• Torch with deep red filter (see Light Use Policy)
• Garbage Bags. There are no facilities for litter disposal. We will all have to take our rubbish away with us.
• Tarps for under your scope (if required)
• Tarps/covers for over your scope (if required) 
• Dew shields/dew heaters (it can get quite dewey)
• Wet weather games or DVD's (hopefully they won't be needed!)
• If bringing children, please bring enough games and toys to keep them happily busy! :)
• Your signed Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form.

Things to Know!

Along with the What to Bring section above, here are a few important things to know if coming to the IceInSpace AstroCamp 2014 at Lostock.

• Please come to the bottom house (HQ) when you arrive to collect your name tag and submit your disclaimer form. We may also note down your car registration number for emergency purposes.
• The IceInSpace AstroCamp is the no-fuss star party. Come to relax, to have fun, to unwind and to meet some of the great, friendly people that make up the wider IceInSpace family. And when it's clear, observe under brilliant dark skies and take home memories you'll cherish forever. Please don't expect 4-star accommodation or amenities.
• The Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form must be signed and handed in when you arrive. This is to protect IceInSpace and the organisers against legal action if someone hurts themselves at the camp. All care is taken, but ultimately you are responsible. Please read the legal waiver now. And remember, it must be signed and handed in if you wish to stay at the camp.
• There is no mobile reception at Lostock, however 3G may work from the high areas. There is no landline phone in either farmhouse.
• An "info pack" will be distributed when you arrive, containing rules, policies, the agenda, and local tourist information.
• There are 2 farmhouses, the bottom house is the HQ and the top house (5 minutes walk) also has facilities and beds. Each farmhouse holds about 10 beds. For those that have booked bunkbed accomodation, it is first-in best dressed when choosing your bunk. If you're bringing a family and wish to all be in the one room, please request this at the time of booking and every effort will be made to accomodate this.
• In the case of an emergency (bushfire, etc), please meet at the muster point outside the bottom house - see the field map.
• Please be all packed up and be ready to leave the camp by 10am Sunday. We need to leave it how we found it, so please help clean up any mess you make, take your rubbish and leftover food/drinks with you. Volunteers who wish to stay behind and help clean up will be most appreciated.

Daytime Activities and Workshops

A number of activities are planned to keep us busy during the day, while still allowing plenty of time to just relax, or go on sight-seeing tours of the Hunter Valley or local surrounds.

Please see the Programme of Events for the day and time that these activities are on.

• IISAC2015 Programme (PDF)

Guest Speakers

Unfortunately there is no marquee and there are no guest speakers for IISAC2015. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Workshops

• Telescope Maintenance: by Alex Massey   (3pm Friday)
• Astro Sketching: by Alex Massey (3pm Saturday)

Both workshops will be held under the undercover area at the bottom house.

For other help needed or impromptu workshops, a whiteboard located at the bottom house HQ will be used as a "community noticeboard" to get people together. It will be used both for people that need assistance and those that have the expertise to assist.

• For those that need help with collimation or polar alignment (for example), they might post a "wanted" notice such as "Bruce needs help collimating a 10" newt. Blue Hyundai Excel on the bottom field" or "Need help with polar alignment. Please meet here this afternoon at 4pm".
• For those willing to assist, they can post something like "John happy to help with polar aligning or collimation. Meet here at 4pm or see me at the white toyota hilux at the east end of the field".

Please don't be afraid to ask for help! Most amateur astronomers are happy to help and share their expertise when they can - we all started out by asking heaps of questions!

Vendor Stalls and Swap Meet

Unfortunately due to lack of interest in previous years, there will be no formal vendor stalls. However any attendees, please feel free to bring along any equipment you want to try and sell at the camp. The best time and place will be at the marquee and undercover area at the bottom house, on Friday and Saturday mornings.

You can also leave any notes or messages on the white board or signs listing your equipment for sale and how/where to find you. 

IISAC Community Sausage Sizzle

Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm! See below under Food and Beverage for more information.

What's in the Sky at Lostock?

March is a great time to be observing under a dark sky. Wind your planetarium software forward and see what great stuff is on offer! Here is a sample of objects that will be in favourable viewing positions during the IceInSpace AstroCamp 2015.

• Jupiter will be very well positioned to observe all evening, as it rises just before sunset
• Crux (the Southern Cross) will be high in the South East and visible all night long
• The bulge of the Milky Way rises early in the morning and looks stunning rising over the mountain
• Heaps of deep space objects in the Milky Way and surrounds, including Eta Carinae, M8, M20, globular clusters and more.

Check out the IISAC2015 sky list for some more detail.

• IISAC2015 Sky Lists (700kb) (Generated using CalSky.com) - contains 2 PDF's. 

Night Sky Tours

Night Sky Tours will be conducted each night from 7:30pm (location TBA). Alex Massey will have his 17.5" telescope through which you will be able to see amazing galaxies, nebulas, globular clusters and more.

Food and Beverage

On Saturday afternoon, we will be hosting the IISACCSS (IISAC Community Sausage Sizzle)! It's the only excuse you need to come and meet the IceInSpace community, meet new people and make new friends, ask questions and get information, or simply to have a good time and relax in a great atmosphere.

The fry-up will be taking place on Saturday afternoon at around 1:00pm. Bring $2 along for the sausage sizzle and bring your own drinks and snacks. The group photo will take place immediately afterwards.

The bunkhouses have fridges and freezers, as well as a full kitchen, cooking facilities and 2 BBQ's.  You are welcome to use the facilities provided and they are available for use by all paid attendees. If you use the cooking facilities (BBQ, Kitchen etc) PLEASE clean up after yourself!

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are not catered, and you must make your own arrangements.
• I'm sorry, but there will be no catered dinner this year. You will need to make use of the house facilities (microwave, stove, bbq) or have your own arrangements at your camp site (portable stoves etc).
• Tea and Coffee will be on-tap, 24 hours a day.
• Cans of cold soft-drink will be available for $1 each.
• Bottled Water will be available for $1 each.
• Tube iceblocks will be available for 40c each or 3 for $1.

The nearest shops for restocking and supplies are in Gresford, which is about a 25-30 minute drive from the camp.

Prices and Booking

Book early! Bunkbed accommodation is limited, so be fast to secure your spot. On the booking form, you'll choose your option of bunkbed, camping or off-site accommodation.

Click on the button below to open the registration form and book your place!

REGISTRATION COSTS

Testimonials

Here's what a few people had to say after previous IISAC's:

• "IISAC 2013 ....... AWESOME Big thank you to Mike for organising the event, it was put together very well and I found the three days and nights to be very pleasant. This was my first ever star party and I have to say I was a little nervous coming along, especially with not knowing anyone. Upon arriving I was made feel very welcome by everyone and settle in straight away. I will definitely be returning next year and cant wait to see everyone again."
• I love the casual nature of the camp! I can't wait for the next one!"
• "This is a relaxed and easy going astro amp. Great for families and beginners."
• "Having attended this event on all three occasions it has been held, I heartily recommend that the amateur astronomy community get behind this event. There is wonderful sense of community, and all levels of knowledge and ability are welcome and enjoy the event. When the skies are clear, they are superb, with many objects taking on stunning detail, even in modest apertures. This is also a place that the whole family will enjoy, with a beautiful natural environment and natural swimming hole which will keep the kids entertained for hours. The organisers deserve congratulations for the care and planning that go into making this event such a success."
• "This is my 4th IISAC and I'll continue to return as long as they are held. The organisers do a terrific job in making the stay as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. The location is great for family with kids and the atmosphere is easy going and fuss free. The amenities are more than adequate and the meals provided are just spot on.
  If your new to astronomy, then IISAC is a fantastic introduction to meeting people, equipment and the hobby in general. You don't need to be an expert in the astronomy nor do you even need to bring a scope to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. I would like to thank Mike Salway and the volunteers for an event that gets better and better each year."
• "An absolutely fantastic star party.  To Mike and the other organisers, the speakers, sponsors and the volunteers from Greford RFB my hat goes off to you for so generously giving your time, astro goodies, knowledge and help to make the event a complete success."
• "Having never been to a IISAC before and knowing absolutely nothing about Astronomy, I was thrilled with the standard of knowledge & the willingness to share it. The members were a pleasure to be with.And, it was fantastic value. My congratulations."
• "This is one star-party that I don't want to miss and the one that I enjoy myself at the most."
• "A great place to mix with amateur astronomers of all levels in a friendly environment. Highly recommended."
• "A terrific experience for all the family!  Saw fantastic objects in the sky you could never hope to see in Sydney!"
• "An awesome event. A great chance to meet like-minded people under dark skys and a credit to Mike and the team. Great work!"
• "Well run, great people, friendly atmosphere top event."
• "IISAC is a great informal event at a pretty campsite, run by people who are passionate about their hobby. Heaps to learn and enjoy, about stargazing, hearty dinners and a great creek side location to chill out in the daytime."
• "Would recommend this camp to newbies in astronomy as there are lots of talented people  happy to share their knowledge with you."
• "Fantastic event as always, good crowd and great people. Sadly I was away for the 2008 lucky door prize & my name got called out 2nd! Defintely going back again next year."
• "My guests loved the 2 hour 'window' where they gazed at Jupter and some of its moons for the very first time in ther lives! Also, they gazed at the milkyway and the shooting stars that could be plainly seen!"
• "It was great to attend IISAC 2008, in spite of the clouds it was great to meet and network with the people I have come to know on the forum."
• "The best river swim in history."  

Rules and Conditions

General

• IceInSpace and the organisers of the AstroCamp accept no responsibility for the safety or security of your posessions while at the Astronomy Camp.
• Please supervise all young children, as there will be expensive telescope equipment that the owners won't want knocked over.
• No pets are permitted. I'm sorry there are no exceptions to this.
• When driving, be aware of local wildlife and drive slowly and carefully. The last 20km's into Lostock is narrow and winding and you never know what's around the corner.
• The road into Lostock is narrow and winding. When driving, please be careful and take your time, especially in the wet or dark.
• It is a condition of entry that you sign and hand in the Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form when you arrive.
• All times specified on this page are in AEDST (daylight savings time).

Swimming Hole Rules

• The swimming hole is there for us to enjoy, however you choose to use it at your own risk. By signing the disclaimer form, you waive any right to bring action against the IISAC organisers or any volunteers for any injury sustained while using the swimming hole.
• The swimming hole will be open from 9am-11:30am and 1:30pm-5:30pm each day. It is not to be used outside these hours.
• Volunteer "lifeguards" will be present during open hours to ensure safe play.
• Parents must supervise their children while using the swimming hole. If a child is seen in the swimming hole without their parent present, the child will be asked to leave the swimming area.

Registration Payment

• Payment can be made in 1 of 3 ways, as outlined below:
  • Cheque/Money Order - made out to "IceInSpace". The address to send it to will be displayed upon completion of your registration.
  • Direct Deposit - bank/account details will be displayed upon completion of your registration.
  • Paypal - A paypal payment link will be displayed upon completion of your registration.
• Please arrange payment of your registration fee as early as possible so numbers can be confirmed for catering and insurance.
• Cancellation of your registration may incur cancellation fees (see below).  

Cancellation Fees

• I understand that circumstances beyond your control may mean you can't make the camp. If you have booked and it turns out you can't make it after all, please cancel as early as possible. You will receive a 100% refund, less $20 cancellation fee.
• If you simply don't turn up at the camp, there will be no refund given.  

Location Photos

Here are some pictures of previous IISAC events, so you can get a feel for what it will be like to be there for this years IISAC event!

IISAC2014 Images

Click to Enlarge IISAC2014 Group Shot		Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field		Click to Enlarge Shot from up on the mountain
Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field		Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field		Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field
Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field		Click to Enlarge Telescopes in the field		Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway
Click to Enlarge Cattle Ramp		Click to Enlarge Creek		Click to Enlarge Creek
Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Afternoon sunset		Click to Enlarge Lone tree
Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway
Click to Enlarge Sausage Sizzle		Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Beautiful skies
Click to Enlarge Nightscape. Credit: Mike Salway

IISAC2013 Images

Click to Enlarge IISAC2013 Group Shot		Click to Enlarge Down the mirror		Click to Enlarge Door Prize Winner
Click to Enlarge Deano's daughter		Click to Enlarge Drone		Click to Enlarge Guy setting up
Click to Enlarge Setup		Click to Enlarge Tinkering		Click to Enlarge Big dobs in the field
Click to Enlarge Big dobs in the field		Click to Enlarge Al Sheehan and his timelapse camera		Click to Enlarge Anthony flying the drone
Click to Enlarge Solar viewing		Click to Enlarge Field		Click to Enlarge Guest speakers
Click to Enlarge Nightscape image - by Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Nightscape image - by Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Nightscape image - by Mike Salway
Click to Enlarge Nightscape image - by Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Door prize winner with Gary Kopff		Click to Enlarge Nightscape image - by Mike Salway

IISAC2011 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2011 Group Shot		Click to Enlarge Chris Malikoff running the IISAC Cafe!		Click to Enlarge Fred.. what more needs to be said!
Click to Enlarge ASA 8 inch		Click to Enlarge Tent under the stars		Click to Enlarge Solar viewing
Click to Enlarge Remote control aircraft, daytime fun!		Click to Enlarge Scope on the field		Click to Enlarge John Bambury and 3RF Dob
Click to Enlarge Chris and Fred tinkering with timelapse setup		Click to Enlarge Scopes on the field		Click to Enlarge Sketching workshop
Click to Enlarge Scope on the field		Click to Enlarge Mike Salway and Al Sheehan		Click to Enlarge View from up on the mountain
Click to Enlarge Passing the time on a cloudy night		Click to Enlarge Discussing the night before?		Click to Enlarge Mozzies down by the creek
Click to Enlarge Field view		Click to Enlarge Field view		Click to Enlarge By the marquee
Click to Enlarge Finding the Way Home		Click to Enlarge Staying for the Night		Click to Enlarge Southern Reflections on Lake IISAC

IISAC2010 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2010 Group Photo		Click to Enlarge Setting up for the clear skies		Click to Enlarge Southern Star Trails
Click to Enlarge Astrograph		Click to Enlarge Fred Watson preparing for his sing-a-long		Click to Enlarge Fred Watson's talk
Click to Enlarge Gary Kopff demonstrating the Argo Navis		Click to Enlarge Mine's bigger than yours?		Click to Enlarge Rod and family enjoying the talk
Click to Enlarge Houghy's car boot sale		Click to Enlarge Chris Lidman's talk		Click to Enlarge Norm's son won first prize
Click to Enlarge Signs of affection		Click to Enlarge Fred's talk		Click to Enlarge Greg coming back from the water hole
Click to Enlarge Fun with light painting		Click to Enlarge The ghostly ghastly old man Vanderhaven		Click to Enlarge Monte and Mark
Click to Enlarge The new Atlas mount		Click to Enlarge Mike		Click to Enlarge More affection from big Mike
Click to Enlarge Phil Hart in thought		Click to Enlarge Only a mother could love

IISAC2009 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2009 Group Shot		Click to Enlarge Milky Way For Sale		Click to Enlarge IISAC Light Painting
Click to Enlarge Convincing the Telescope		Click to Enlarge Ready for the night		Click to Enlarge Preparing
Click to Enlarge Mountain views		Click to Enlarge The landing strip		Click to Enlarge The kids gang
Click to Enlarge Beautiful weather above the camp		Click to Enlarge The creek		Click to Enlarge Early morning fog
Click to Enlarge From the nearby mountain		Click to Enlarge IISAC Astronomers Ahead		Click to Enlarge Mike 'chopper' Sidonio
Click to Enlarge Mike Salway		Click to Enlarge Prof Geraint Lewis		Click to Enlarge Star Trails and Light Painting

IISAC2008 Photos

Click to Enlarge IISAC2008 Groupshot		Click to Enlarge IISAC in Red		Click to Enlarge Field shot at night
Click to Enlarge Field shot pano		Click to Enlarge Collimation		Click to Enlarge Mike on Halloween :)
Click to Enlarge Imaging Hill		Click to Enlarge Final morning		Click to Enlarge Swimming Hole
Click to Enlarge Lazing around		Click to Enlarge Marquee and Talks		Click to Enlarge Chris Omaroo
Click to Enlarge Private Property		Click to Enlarge Gresford RFB cooking the meal		Click to Enlarge Scopes

IISAC2007 Photos

Click to Enlarge Comet McNaught and IISAC Groupshot		Click to Enlarge Some of the 3RF big dobs in the field		Click to Enlarge The three amigoes, happy to be at IISAC
Click to Enlarge Groupshot from IISAC2007		Click to Enlarge Panorama from near the top of the property		Click to Enlarge More field/camping shots
Click to Enlarge More field/camping shots		Click to Enlarge Lizz and Mariah enjoying the waterhole		Click to Enlarge Transfixed on Comet McNaught!
Click to Enlarge Panorama of the waterhole

IISAC2006 Photos

Click to Enlarge Anthony Wesley's 13" scope		Click to Enlarge Gary Kopff and Andrew Murrell with "Hector"		Click to Enlarge Anthony Wesley giving his talk
Click to Enlarge The bottom farmhouse		Click to Enlarge Outside the bottom house		Click to Enlarge Enjoying the swimming hole
Click to Enlarge Group shot from IISAC2006		Click to Enlarge Bottom house kitchen		Click to Enlarge Light trails at night
Click to Enlarge Male toilets		Click to Enlarge Mike enjoying the rope swing		Click to Enlarge Mike enjoying a refreshing beverage :)
Click to Enlarge The road down to the bottom house		Click to Enlarge Swimming hole		Click to Enlarge