The Forest Cabin is a prime dark sky observing site, with clubhouse amenities, sleeping accommodation and all night viewing hours. We normally hire it for two consecutive nights (Friday and Saturday) but this may vary.
This information page is specific to The Forest Cabin. For broader MAS protocols which are applicable to all observing locations please read: Field Nights – Essential Information
Admission is for financial members only. It is especially suitable for intermediate and advanced astronomers.
Please direct all queries and notifications of intent to attend to forest@macastro.org
Ownership
The property is owned and leased to us on observing nights by International House, affiliated with Sydney University. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land.
Members Only
Our field nights at The Forest Cabin are not open to the general public. If you wish to bring a friend or family member who is not a member of MAS, please discuss this with the President or Vice President at least 48 hours in advance.
Admission is $20.00 for one night per MAS member or $35.00 for two nights per MAS member, which includes the availability of clubhouse facilities and the option to stay overnight.
Please make your full payment within two days, details > HERE <
Dates
Observing dates are normally for a weekend close to New Moon but this may vary and may not be every month.
Upcoming dates are listed on the Notice Board page. If a scheduled night is cancelled due to weather, it is unlikely that another night will be allocated.
Location
The right hand turn-off from the M31 freeway (travelling South from Macarthur) may be obscured by shrubbery on the central reservation. Belanglo Road into the Forest begins with an immediate ‘S’ bend and continues as an unsealed road.
The observing site at Daly’s Road is approximately 4 km from the main road. Turn right on to Daly’s Road, the entrance to the observing site is about 40 metres on the right through a gate. Please drive carefully on Belanglo Road and watch carefully for wild animals, especially if driving in the dark.
The pursuit of astronomy requires a dark environment and attendance is at your own risk. We can accept no responsibility for accidents that occur.
| Address: | Daly’s Road, Belanglo Forest |
| Coordinates: | 150° 14′ 01” E, 34° 32′ 06” S. |
| Elevation: | 696m above sea level. |
| Night temperatures: | Extremely cold. |
| Access Road: | Unsealed |
The area surrounding the field is home to many wild creatures. Please respect their habitat and look out for them in the dark.
General Field Etiquette
Please read our Field Nights page for our general protocols, customs and courtesies at observing sessions wherever they may be held.
Astronomy is a dark sky activity and attendees must carry a red torch at all times.
Arrival and/or Departure
Please arrive in daylight, in time to safely observe obstacles and set up your gear before sunset.
Take care and drive slowly if the ground is damp enough to leave tyre impressions.
If you depart before sunrise, please drive slowly and be alert for local nocturnal wildlife.
Facilities & Services
| General 240 volt power: | Available. |
| Mobile phone charging: | Available |
| Mobile reception: | Check for service when you arrive. |
| Cooking facilities: | Working kitchen. Bring your own food and drink |
| Water: | Tanked rainwater, not suitable for human consumption. Bring your own drinking water. |
| Toilet and washing facilities: | Yes. |
| Sleeping facilities: | Bunk house. |
| Alternate sleeping: | BYO tent or small caravan. |
| Bring your own: | Towels, sleeping bag, blankets etc. |
| Waste disposal: | Take all rubbish home. |
| Clean up: | The cabin must be clean and tidy when we leave. |
| Questions: | forest@macastro.org |
| Notifications of intent to attend: | forest@macastro.org |
If you or a family member are showing any symptoms of covid, influenza or the common cold etc. please do not attend any of our events.