Photo credits: Astrotourism WA
The Macpherson Homestead is a perfect location for casual observing. Whether you bring telescopes, binoculars or just your eyes to gaze at the night sky.
The restored building is only 2kms from town, so there are some street lights visible. However, the trees and building can be used as a small barrier to block the light. Occasionally, the football oval lights are on but they get turned off in the early evening after training finishes.
Facilities: Toilets are available and the homestead’s verandah offers shelter if needed. The house itself is open by appointment so you may like to organise this with the local visitor centre which is located at the North Midlands Project building, “The Exchange”.
Lakes Lookout
Photo credits: Astrotourism WA
Just to the west of town is a terrific lookout where you can see a panoramic view over Yarra Yarra Lakes. The lookout can be accessed by all types of cars. When the lake has water, it’s possible to photograph reflections of brighter astronomical objects such as Venus. Images of the setting Sun or Moon would make beautiful astrophotography compositions.
It is possible to get to the shore of Yarra Yarra Lakes. The road around the lake is suitable for cars with high clearance and AWD or 4WD, otherwise you may get bogged. The road is not suitable for carvans etc. From there, it is easy to walk out onto the edge of the lake to take images. Images would feature a west or north view only.
The lake itself is very big and sometimes it’s difficult to see the horizon. It almost looks like the ocean! The gravel road is on the eastern side of the lake and it follows around to the south.
You are not permitted to drive onto the lake surface as many vehicles get stuck and it damages the environment. The local visitor centre, at the North Midlands Project building, will be able to give you an update as to road conditions before you head out to the lake.
Facilities: There’s a picnic table at the Lakes Lookout to enjoy a sunset supper. There are no other facilities there, however it’s conveniently close to overnight accommodation in town.