Alpana AstroCamp

 

Alpana Station is located just 5kms south of Blinman on the Wilpena-Blinman Road in the Flinders Ranges.

The Flinders Ranges are truly splendid. It's ideal for bushwalking, and coupled with the amazingly clear air and dark skies makes the Flinders Ranges a perfect destination for an Astronomy camp. Explore the historic town of Blinman, take a walk to the Blinman Pools, see the spectacular Parachilna and Brachina gorges and drive through the scenic Aroona Valley. But don't forget that the real purpose of going to the Flinders Ranges is to enjoy the very dark star-studded skies.

Alpana Station is 505 kilometres from Adelaide, so allow at least 6-7 hours drive time for the journey. The road is bitumen all the way.

Accommodation

There are various accommodation options.

  • 6 double rooms (Shearer’s quarters) -- each with 2 single beds & mattresses, small wall wardrobes, a chest of drawers, overhead fan and bedside light and 240v power points.
  • 1 family room (Shearer’s quarters) – one double bed with a single overhead bunk bed, all with mattresses.
  • Ensuite powered caravan sites (4).
  • Powered & unpowered camping sites (limited numbers).

All rooms have small wall cabinet wardrobes and power outlets. You need to provide your own bed linen & pillows – it can get quite cold at Alpana, so warm sleeping bags are a good idea. No heater blowers, as it will overload the limited power and trip the fuse.

The Shearers Quarters are very clean and also provide 2 shower and toilet rooms. There is also a gas BBQ available outside for use by attendees, as well as a large dining and lounge area, and a large kitchen with fridges, stoves, a microwave oven, rain water on tap, and washing up facilities.

ASSA attendees have exclusive access to the Shearer’s quarters during our stay.

What you need to bring

  • All meals, drinks & snacks. We may go to the Blinman Hotel for dinner one evening for those interested. Make sure you bring all provisions - although there is a very small cafe / general store in  Blinman, stocks are very limited. Plan your meals as a means of deciding what you need to bring with you.
  • Swag, bedroll and/or sleeping bag and pillow for the onsite accommodation.
  • Clothing appropriate for the forecast conditions and sturdy footwear, as well as a hat, sunscreen and sunnies. Make sure you bring warm clothing for observing. It gets bloody cold at night!
  • Telescope, extension cords, cameras, binoculars, charts, torch, etc.

Note that cooking and eating utensils, pots, pans, cutlery, glasses, tea towels etc. are supplied.

Alpana Fees: - updated for 2023

In Shearer’s Quarters:  $35 per adult, $25 per child (>2 - <19) per night.

Camping (powered) with access to Quarters’ facilities:  $30 per adult, $15 per child (>2 <19) per night - limited sites.

Camping (unpowered) with access to Quarters’ facilities: $25 per adult, $10 per child (>2 <19) per night - limited sites.

Powered van site with ensuite bathroom and access to Quarters’ facilities: $30 per adult, $15 per child (>2 <19), $35 for a single person, per night.

 

To make a booking, or if you require further information about the Alpana camps, contact Paul Rogers (ozymandias@senet.com.au).  These camps are popular and usually book out quickly, so if you are sure you can/want to attend, let me know.