Suggested Daytime Activities
during OzSky "Alumni"

Suggested Daytime Activities

By design, there are no formal or scheduled day trips or tours during the OzSky "Alumni" Star Safari, however, you may like to consider visiting some of the "local" astronomical sites during the week, including:

• Mount Stromlo Observatory
• Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (Tidbinbilla Tracking Station)

While I did say "local", each of the above sites is in the vicinity of Canberra, about 3 hours’ drive (each way) from the site, so it would be a full day trip. If you do, I suggest you try to do both of them in the one trip to make the most of the long drive.

For those of you looking for some other ideas to fill the daylight hours, here are a few more suggestions:

• Day trip to Murrumbateman Wineries - This 250-300km (155-185mi) round trip could include stopping at the Murrumbateman Chocolate Shop for morning tea, followed by a visit to one of the many local wineries to sample some of their finest produce. Local wineries include (in no particular order):
  • Shaw Wines
  • Yarrh Wines
  • Helm Wines
  • Murrumbateman Winery
  • The Vintner's Daughter
  • Four Winds Vineyard
  • Clonakilla Wines
  • McKellar Ridge Wines
  • Jeir Creek Wines
  • Tallagandra Hill Winery
  • Barton Estate Wines
  • Granitevale Estate
  • Eden Road Wines
  • Gallagher Wines
  • Wimbaliri Wines

• Day Trip to Cowra and Young - This 360km (225mi) round trip could include a visit to the charming country town of Cowra and it's impressive Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, followed by a visit to Young and it's Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Garden, before heading back to OzSky via Rugby and Crookwell.

• Day Trip to Taralga Wildlife Park - This 180-210km (115-125mi) round trip could include a visit to see the local wildlife at the Taralga Wildlife Park (open 10:00–16:00 daily) via the tiny villages of Tuena, Peelwood and Limerick, before returning to OzSky via Laggan and Crookwell.

Additionally, one or more day trips to Canberra (either independently, or as small groups) could also include some of the better Museums and attractions such as:

• Australian War Memorial
• National Museum of Australia
• National Gallery of Australia
• National Portrait Gallery
• Questacon National Science & Technology Centre
• Parliament House
• National Library of Australia
• National Dinosaur Museum

Obviously, you won't have enough time to visit all these wonderful attractions in the one week, however there may be a few options you might like to see during the week.

It may be feasible to do two or three in a day depending on which ones are selected, and you could possibly do two (or even three) separate day trips to Canberra, if desired, but after several long observing nights under the Southern Skies, long drives and day trips may well be undesirable for many of us.

Other daylight activities include birdwatching or hiking around the 6,310-acre property, panning for gold in the property’s creeks, solar observing, and of course the stunning, award-winning gardens on the property which were designed by Edna Walling in the late 1940's which should still be close to full bloom when we're there.

There is also a solar-heated swimming pool and a concrete tennis court on the property if you're feeling a little sporty.

Depending on road conditions, we may also visit Abercrombie Caves as a group to take an easy stroll through one or two of the easier limestone caves

Please Note: At the time of updating this publication, Abercrombie Caves remains CLOSED for major road repairs.

Of course, all these trips are suggestions only, and you can choose to do as many or as few as you like during the week - either independently or as a group – or they could be modified to suit your individual circumstances.

Or, you could simply relax around the property we have access to and make the most of your time away from the sights and sounds of home.

For me, I'll probably do a little bit of both.

Spread the Word about OzSky

Please remember, these OzSky Star Safaris are enhanced by the group of wonderful folks who are present at each event.

If you have any experienced friends or colleagues who might be interested in joining us at the 2026 OzSky "Alumni" Star Safari (or a future OzSky event), please let them know about this unique observing opportunity.

Previous Editions:
Overview, Trip Planning, Bookings & Logistics
Observing Expectations at OzSky Alumni
Eye Candy and Observing Lists
Weather & Climate Expectations
Accommodation and Meal Options
Optional Convoy and Driving Directions