Wooglemai is our prime dark sky observing site, with clubhouse amenities, sleeping accommodation and all night viewing hours. We normally hire it for one Saturday night but this may vary.
This information page is specific to Wooglemai. 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.
Ownership
The property is owned and leased to us on observing nights by the custodians of Wooglemai Environmental Education Centre. The site is owned by Guntawang Catholic Youth Centres Inc. and is leased by the NSW Department of Education.
We acknowledge the Gundungurra and Dharawal people, the traditional custodians of this site and surrounding areas.
Members Only
Our field nights at Wooglemai 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 $30.00 per night per MAS member, which includes the use of clubhouse facilities and the option to stay overnight. However, when a family with two or more MAS members attends, the total fee payable by the family is capped at $30 plus $10.00 for each additional family member if they stay overnight.
Please make your full payment within two days > HERE <
The absolute minimum attendance is two members, although for security reasons the preferred number is three.
Dates
Wooglemai observing dates are intended for a Saturday 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 selected.
Location
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: | Wooglemai Environmental Education Centre, Sheehys Creek Rd, Oakdale. |
| Coordinates: | 150° 30′ 01” E, 34° 08′ 06” S. |
| Elevation: | 468m above sea level. |
| Night temperatures: | Extremely cold. |
| Access road: | Unsealed road |
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.
We are not permitted to drive on any field if it is damp enough to leave tyre impressions.
If you depart before sunrise, please drive slowly and be alert for local nocturnal wildlife.
Facilities & Services
Wooglemai is an environmentally friendly site, operating in accordance with sustainability principles and minimising resource use and waste leaving the site.
| General 240 volt power: | Not available. We require our own battery power for equipment. |
| Mobile phone charging: | A power outlet for mobile phone charging is available |
| Cooking facilities: | Gas cooking, two fridges, a low wattage toaster; external barbecue. BYO food. |
| Mobile reception: | Check when you arrive. |
| Drinking water: | UV sterilised rainwater, suitable for human consumption. |
| Toilet and washing facilities: | Yes. |
| Sleeping facilities: | A large single bunk house, separated into a boys and girls wing, both with its own toilet, sink, shower, soap & hot water |
| Bring your own: | Towels, sleeping bag, blankets etc. |
| Waste disposal: | Take all rubbish home. |
| Shops, services & other facilities: | Oakdale, 7 km. |
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.