The first stop this morning was the Visitors Centre, a good plan, as the ranger was so helpful, providing us with a flyer that showed all the short walks in the park. We had already decided that we weren't up to any 14km walks. Did a bit of shopping while we were there - a booklet that provided detailed information on the walks, a Warrumbungles sticker, some socks for Claire, honey mustard dressing, a book and some coasters.
For lunch, we decided to go to Siding Springs Observatory (the only cafe in the park) We opted for a burger without the bun which was a bit 'ordinary'. After lunch, we checked out the telescope, taking the lift to the fourth floor. Jill thought it was a bit ho-hum but it is interesting - it is Australia's largest telescope.
The observatory is part of the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) at the Australian National University and incorporates the Anglo-Australian Telescope (that's what we were looking at) along with a collection of other telescopes owned by the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, and other institutions.
Some years ago, Warrumbungles National Park was formerly recognised as Australia's first Dark Sky Park. Low humidity and high elevation make it ideal to view the night sky (including the milky way) in all its glory. Just the place for a telescope.
We finished our day with a lovely walk at White Gums Lookout - a paved wheelchair-accessible walk to a lookout with a spectacular view of the Grand High Tops, Bluff Mountain and Mount Exmouth.
Back to camp where we again joined our neighbours around the campfire and the glorious sunset where split rock turns orange as the sun goes down.
