Bendleby Ranges
Bendleby Ranges
Bendleby Astro Camp is held at Bendleby Ranges, approximately 50 km north of Orroroo in the mid-north of South Australia.
The location offers dark skies, onsite accommodation, camping options, group facilities and space for extended observing and astro-imaging trips.
Image: Ian Inverarity, Bendleby Ranges Astronomy Camp.
At a glance
| Location | Approximately 50 km north of Orroroo |
|---|---|
| Access | Organised ASSA astronomy camps |
| Road access | Bitumen to Orroroo, then gravel via Orroroo or a slightly longer Carrieton route with less gravel. Under normal conditions the gravel road is accessible by 2WD vehicles. |
| Important travel note | There is currently no fuel available in Orroroo, so attendees should plan their trip accordingly. |
Further information about the venue is available from the Bendleby Ranges website: www.bendlebyranges.com.au.
Accommodation and facilities
Shearers' Quarters
The Shearers' Quarters includes a dining room that seats more than 16 people, an outdoor BBQ area with provision for a bonfire on cloudy nights, six bedrooms with at least two single beds each, air-conditioning in the lounge and dining room, and ceiling fans and air-conditioning in the bedrooms.
The kitchen includes two gas stoves, two fridges, a microwave, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. There is an accessible shower and toilet in the main building, plus three showers and toilets in a separate block.
Bunkhouse, camping and Wi-Fi
The Bunkhouse has two rooms, each sleeping up to four people. The Bunkhouse does not have air-conditioning. There are four powered campsites and two unpowered campsites. Wi-Fi is available via Starlink and covers the whole accommodation area.
What to bring
Attendees need to be self-sufficient and should bring all meals, drinks and snacks. The closest shop is approximately a 100 km round trip, so careful planning is recommended.
- All meals, drinks and snacks
- Bedclothes for onsite accommodation
- Warm clothing for observing at night
- Clothing suitable for the forecast conditions
- Sturdy footwear
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Telescope and observing equipment
- Cameras, binoculars, charts and torch
The onsite rooms have beds with mattresses, bottom sheets and pillows only. Attendees staying in onsite accommodation must bring their own bedding.
Important: it can become cold at night, even when daytime conditions are mild. Please bring suitable warm clothing for observing.
Cost and bookings
| Accommodation type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shearers' Quarters | $50 per person, per night |
| Bunkhouse | $30 per person, per night |
| Powered camping | $27.50 per person, per night |
| Unpowered camping | $22.50 per person, per night |
For bookings and further information, please contact Paul Montague.
When booking, please indicate your preferred accommodation type, including preference order if applicable, as well as the nights you would like to attend. Once your place is confirmed and bookings are ready to be finalised, you will be asked to pay for two nights in advance directly to Bendleby. This payment is a non-refundable deposit.