VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party

The VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party is an annual weekend of astronomy held in addition to the ASSA Astro Camps in western Victoria (Australia) during the mild weather of spring - when the skies in the region are generally clear at night. VicSouth is jointly hosted by the Astronomical Society of Victoria and the Astronomical Society of South Australia, and offers a great weekend of social and astronomical activity as well as some nice observing targets.

The 2011 VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party will be held between 28 - 31 October at the Little Desert Nature Lodge, 16km south of the town of Nhill - about halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne.

VicSouth will proceed regardless of weather. Arrive on Friday afternoon or Saturday, and leave by Monday morning.

Registration

Everyone attending VicSouth 2011 will need to pay a Registration Fee when they arrive - $10 per person for ASSA and ASV members (and their families), $15 per person for anyone else. No credit cards accepted, sorry.

The registration fee is in addition to any accommodation and meal package you may have paid to the Lodge (see below for details).

Accomodation

Onsite accommodation is optional. You can stay in Nhill if you prefer. You will still need to pay the Registration Fee.

Each accommodation and meal package includes 2 nights accommodation, 2 two-course evening meals, 2 sandwich lunches (rolls/wraps with choice of 2 meats, salad & fresh fruit); and continuous tea, coffee or Milo in the dining room.

There is no organised breakfast on any day because many of you will probably still be asleep...

Onsite accommodation packages include:

Motel rooms
Single Package (room and meals): $231 per person ($115.50 per person per night).
Double or Twin Package 2 people per room: $181 per person ($90.50 per person per night)
24 motel rooms, mostly twin share. All have ensuite bathroom, small fridge and reverse cycle airconditioning. Includes 2 rooms for disabled.
Bunk rooms
Package (room and meals): $119 per person ($59.50 per person per night)
Power outlet in all 16 bunk rooms. BYO bed linen or sleeping bags. The bunk rooms have a toilet/shower/laundry block shared with the campground. Minimum 2 people, up to 4 people per room.
Campground for tents and caravans
Package (site and means): $110 per person ($55 per person per night)
Self Catering Package (no meals but includes the continuous tea and coffee): $34 per person ($17 per person per night)
There are a few powered sites, first come first served.

A third night can be added to the package for additional cost. Just add the appropriate extra day's payment to the two night package. Accommodation extensions are subject to availability. Also note that the Lodge will be operating its usual (bright) night time lighting before & after VicSouth weekend.

Please advise of any special dietary needs when booking.

Contact the Lodge directly to book your onsite accommodation and meal package. Phone (03) 5391 5232, write PO Box 202 NHILL Vic 3400, e-mail info@littledesertlodge.com.au

Meals and Drinks

Coffee, tea and Milo from the dining room are included in your accommodation package. But any drinks from the Lodge's bar are to be paid for by you at time of purchase. No BYO in dining room during meal times.

Cooking in rooms is prohibited and cooking outdoors must comply with National Park fire regulations. In practical terms this means no campfires so you will need to use a gas cooker or gas BBQ, or the coin operated electric BBQ on site. There is a limited amount of communal fridge space available, and each of the motel rooms also has a small fridge.

There is a 7-day supermarket and a 24 hour petrol station on Nhill's main street. There are also takeaways and pub counter meals available there.

Programme and Booking Form

For more details, please visit the VicSouth Home Page