There is a reason I keep traveling to the South West of Nowra, it’s dark. If you need proof then look at any dark sky map online.  Between Canberra and Nowra is a valley of darkness. Perfect conditions for astronomy and Astrophotography.  Even I will admit there is a limited number of areas you can set up some astronomy equipment here. Apart from a park in Nerriga and the platform I use at Tianjara, it’s scarce. 

Last week I decided to drop the camera off at the Jerrawangala National Park.  I targeted the section of sky between Scorpius and Sagittarius. Unfortunately the cold weather got to my battery and shortened the observation time I had.

The camera was set at ISO 1000 at 2 min exposures at F3.2. This is just one of the many images produced and yet to be edited however the result is promising. You can see the Nebula of Rho Ophiuchi. Further down the image you cut across the plain of the Milky Way with vivid dust clouds. 

The next morning when I returned I decided to detour down the Wandean Road to the Jerrawangala lookout. This is one of the many dirt roads along this route. Although I went in an i30 I highly suggest having something with more the 2WD.  It has also got rain damage so it’s unfriendly on low suspension.  Regardless of what future damage will come out from my car the lookout made it all worth it. 

The lookout extends views as far North as Nowra, across Jervis Bay and down towards Ulladulla. 

If you are not interested in the astronomy side of travelling to the Jerrawangala national park at least come for the magnificent lookout.