Blue Mountains star gazing

The Blue Mountains is an easy 90 minute drive from Sydney, but a world away for stargazers. Famous for its one million hectares of World Heritage-listed landscape, the Blue Mountains provides the altitude and dark skies suitable for spectacular night viewing and a range of accommodation. There are two observatories open for public visits.

• Linden Observatory has public observation nights organised by the Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group—usually on Saturdays closest to the New Moon.
• Crago Observatory on Bowen Mountain near North Richmond is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights, dependent on moon phases. Experienced astronomers conduct Sky Tours here.

Don’t Miss

• Campsites in the Blue Mountains National Park perfect for those wishing to sleep under the stars include Murphy’s Glen, a secluded forest-surrounded campsite at Woodford, Perry’s Lookout near Blackheath and Burralow Creek area, which is surrounded by some good bike trails.
• Tackle some of the area’s bushwalks, including the Transit of Venus track in Woodford.
• The soft star-like lights of Glow Worm Tunnel, Newnes Plateau
• Tour operators including National Parks and Tread Lightly Eco Tours offer night walks and the chance to enjoy the night sky
• The string of lovely Blue Mountains towns, where you find comfort food and fine dining, historical and adventure attractions, and a range of accommodation.

Did you know?

• The Blue Mountains has a place in astronomical history.  A team from Sydney Observatory observed the transit of Venus from Woodford Academy in 1874
• Hazlebrook resident, Reverend Bob Evans holds the all-time record for visual discoveries of supernovae - 42 at last count. Reverend Evans continues his search with a telescope from his back porch. He is also a trustee of Linden Observatory.