Mid 2025 returning to Brisbane from Marree we decided to visit the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park (Australia’s first) near Coonabarabran. Before arriving we had booked a stargazing experience with Donna the Astronomer at the Milroy observatory in the Warrambungles.
The approach to the national park travelling from Cobar was a surprise as we saw the volcanic remnants for the first time.
They reminded me a little of the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland.
First visit was to the Siding Spring Observatory which allows public access into the main telescope building as well as a vistor centre with cafe, bathrooms and astronomical display. Well worth a visit. Guided tours are also available but we arrived to late for this.
I was surprised to hear that there are many (? 60 ish) telescopes at the location. The main scope is very impressive.
Main telescope Siding Spring Observatory
Multiple telescopes at Siding Springs
After spending about an hour at the Siding Spring location we drove into Coonabarabran where we were planning to stay the night at theMu S Boutique Motel “Matthew Flinders” which was one of the better rooms on our long trip from Brisbane to Marree and back.
After checking in we headed for the Milroy Observatory arriving around 5:45 for an 18:00 start. The evening was hosted by two of Donna’s team, each operating a 12 inch Dobsonian Telescope. There were about 24 people there and we had a wonderful evening.
I was very impressed by the views in the 12 inch scopes and now understand the importance of aperture for tight gathering.
An evening at Milroy Observatory