River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve (the first of its kind in Australia).
The River Murray Reserve spans 3250 square kilometres in South Australia with Swan Reach Conservation Park being its core. This makes it the fifth largest dark sky reserve in our area of the world. It is also differentiated from other areas being only 100 kms from a major city – Adelaide, so it makes it much more accessible to many South Australians. The River Murray area is already a much visited site for cultural and tourist attractions as well as the natural history of the area.
Here is a map of the reserve showing how Moorunde fits into this area.
River Murray – Dark Sky Reserve
As this is a late night activity, it would be advisable for participants to camp overnight (BYO tent or van etc) at the reserve. We do not recommend driving late at night as kangaroos abound.
We have a couple of gas fired barbecues which can be used to cook meals. BYO meals and drinks. At the campsite, we have plastic stacker chairs and tables in a spacious meeting shed. You can roll out a swag and sleep under the stars or inside the shed, pitch your own tent or pull in with a caravan.
There is a long drop toilet with hand washing facilities and a shower shed, especially useful if you have a solar shower bag (or other) to hang. Plenty of pure rainwater is available.
Enquiries to attend a volunteer weekend and take part in the camping and sky-watching activities:
Peter Clements at peterrclements@gmail.com or phone 0417881658 for more information.
by Jarrod Koh
Jupiter-Saturn conjunction 21 Dec 2020 by Colin Hill.jpg