Alpana

At a glance

Location	5 km south of Blinman, approximately 505 km from Adelaide
Travel time	Allow at least six hours from Adelaide, including rest breaks
Access	Organised ASSA astronomy camps
Road access	Bitumen all the way. Take care on unfenced sections between Wilpena Pound and Alpana, where stock, kangaroos and emus are often present.

Accommodation and facilities

Shearer's Quarters

There are seven double rooms in the Shearer's Quarters. Each room has two single beds with mattresses, a small wall cabinet wardrobe, a small chest of drawers, a bedside light, a ceiling fan and power outlets.

Attendees staying in the Shearer's Quarters must bring their own bed linen and pillows. Alpana can become very cold at night, so warm sleeping bags are strongly recommended.

Please note: heater blowers are not permitted in the Shearer's Quarters, as they can overload the limited power supply and trip the fuse.

Van and camping sites

There are four powered ensuite van sites adjacent to the Shearer's Quarters. These ensuite sites are on a separate power supply line and can tolerate electric heaters within reason. There is also limited space for two or three camping spots with access to the Shearer's Quarters facilities.

Shared facilities

• Two shower and toilet rooms
• Gas BBQ available outside for attendees
• Large dining and lounge area
• Large kitchen
• Two fridges
• Two gas stoves and ovens
• Small microwave oven
• Rainwater on tap
• Washing-up facilities
• Crockery, cutlery, glasses, cooking pots, frying pans and tea towels

ASSA attendees have exclusive access to the Shearer's Quarters and ensuite sites during the camp.

What to bring

Attendees need to be self-sufficient and should bring all meals, drinks and snacks. The Blinman Hotel caters for evening meals, and Friday night is usually pizza night for those interested. There is also a small cafe in Blinman with some grocery items, but stocks are limited and should not be relied upon.

• All meals, drinks and snacks
• Swag, bedroll and/or sleeping bag
• Blankets and pillow for onsite accommodation
• Extra toilet paper
• Clothing suitable for the forecast conditions
• Warm clothing for observing at night
• Warm bedding for sleeping
• Sturdy footwear
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Telescope and observing equipment
• Extension cords
• Cameras, binoculars, charts and red torch

Alpana Station provides a small initial supply of toilet paper, but attendees are advised to bring some extra rolls.

Important: it can become very cold at night, even when daytime conditions are mild. Please bring suitable warm clothing and bedding.

Alpana fees

Due to ASSA's long-standing relationship with the owners of Alpana Station, members receive a discounted group rate. In return, all attendees are asked to respect the owners' property and keep the accommodation clean and tidy.

The following fees are per night. The maximum stay is five nights, although attendees may book for fewer nights. These fees have not increased for ASSA for several years.

Accommodation type	Adult rate	Child rate	Notes
Room in Shearer's Quarters	$35 per adult	$25 per child	Children aged over 2 and under 19
Powered camping with access to Quarters facilities	$30 per adult	$15 per child	Limited spaces available
Unpowered camping with access to Quarters facilities	$25 per adult	$10 per child	Limited spaces available
Powered van site with ensuite bathroom and access to Quarters facilities	$30 per adult	$15 per child	$35 for a single person

To make a booking, or to request further information about the Alpana camps, please contact Paul Rogers.

These camps are very popular and usually book out quickly, often within a few days. If you are sure you can attend and would like to reserve a place, please contact Paul as soon as possible.