Bok lecture with astronomer Christian Wolf
Warrumbungle National Park
Overview
Join astronomer Christian Wolf for a journey through the evolution of the galaxy. The Bok lecture is part of Starfest and is held under the stars in Warrumbungle National Park – Australia’s first Dark Sky Park.
- When
Saturday 4 October 2024, 5 to 9pm.
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Grade
- Easy
- Price
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Adult/child $33 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults need to book and pay.
- Entry fees
- Price includes park entry fee
- What to
bring - Drinking water, blankets, suitable clothing, snacks, torch
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Make your booking for the Starfest Bok lecture with astronomers discussing cosmic wonders to educate and inspire you. Get ready to be inspired by Christian Wolf, Associate Professor of Astronomy at the Australian National University and Director of the iconic Siding Spring Observatory.
A leading force in modern astronomy, Christian has spent his career chasing the Universe’s most extreme objects – hungry black holes growing at record-breaking speeds. In fact, his team discovered the fastest-growing black hole ever found – twice. Christian led the groundbreaking SkyMapper Southern Survey, a 7-year mission to chart the entire Southern sky in stunning detail. His passion for the cosmos began under the starry skies of Sardinia and took him across the globe – from the US and Germany to Oxford University and now Australia.
From galaxy evolution to the mysteries of deep space, Christian brings science to life with stories as vast as the Universe itself. Don’t miss this chance to explore the cosmos with one of astronomy’s most dynamic voices.
Evening schedule
5:00pm Arrival
5:15pm to 6:00pm Christian Wolf – Bok lecture
6:00pm to 6:30pm Q&A session with the Dark Sky Committee
6:45pm to 7:45pm Explore the night sky presentation
7:45pm to 9:00pm Use the telescope
You can participate in a Q&A session hosted by the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park Committee, and gain local perspectives on the Warrumbungle Dark Sky from Branioc Rankin, Coonabarabran Stargazing.
Experience the wonders of the Warrumbungle Dark Sky firsthand by observing through multiple telescopes, offering a closer look at the celestial beauty above.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly, including gloves and beanies. Please bring additional items for comfort such as a torch, chair, and blanket. You might like to bring a thermos with a hot drink. If there is bad weather, the event will be relocated to the Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre. In this case, you will be notified, and chairs will not be permitted.
Bok background
The Bok lecture is named after Bart Bok. He was the Director of Mount Stromlo Observatory from 1957 to 1966 and crucial in the development of optical astronomy in Australia. Due to the ever-increasing threat of light pollution from Canberra, he established Siding Spring Observatory in 1962. He also supported the Anglo-Australian Telescope, Australia’s largest optical telescope, which turned 50 last year.
The Bok lecture is run every year during Starfest. It acknowledges Bart’s enormous contribution to Australian astronomy, his tireless work in promoting astronomy to the general public and his work in protecting our dark skies from light pollution.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/events/bok-lecture/local-alerts
Operated by
- Warrumbungle NP Visitor Information Centre
- 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
- warrumbungle.np@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828
Park info
- in Warrumbungle National Park in the Country NSW region
Warrumbungle National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bok lecture with astronomer Christian Wolf.
Maps and downloads
Visitor centre
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Warrumbungle Visitor Centre
4261 John Renshaw Parkway, Warrumbungle NSW 2828 - 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6825 4364
Learn more
Bok lecture with astronomer Christian Wolf is in Warrumbungle National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal dreamtime
Warrumbungle is a Gamilaraay word meaning crooked mountain, and for many thousands of years it has been a spiritual place for the custodians of this land, the Gamilaraay, the Wiradjuri and the Weilwan. The landscape, plants and animals of the park are a constant reminder of its sacred significance to Aboriginal people today. Take an Aboriginal Discovery guided tour to find out more about the Aboriginal cultural heritage.
- Tara Cave cultural tour Join this guided tour led by a local Aboriginal Discovery ranger. Discover the cultural heritage in the land of the Gamilaraay, Wiradjuri and Wailwan people in Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran.
- Tara Cave walking track Tara Cave walking track is a gentle 3.4km return bushwalk through Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and experience remarkable views.
Diversity of wildlife
Warrumbungle National Park has a diversity of landforms and microclimates, and provides a habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. Wildflowers and unique plants, such as the Warrumbungle star flower, golden cassinia and grey ray flower, flourish there. Over 190 bird species have been recorded in the park, including emus, wedge-tailed eagles and turquoise parrots. If you're lucky, you could also spot koalas, squirrel gliders, lace monitors and Warrumbungle black rock skinks high in the mountains. But for now, Warrumbungle's seriously endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies have been relocated to a remote feral cat and fox-free area within the park. It's a secure environment where the rock-wallaby population can recover and thrive, free from predators.
- Boots and brushes - guided walk and art tour Tap into your creativity on a 6km guided walk with a Discovery ranger in Warrumbungle National Park. Create your own personal artwork inspired by the iconic mountain landscape at Spirey View lookout.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
- Tara Cave cultural tour Join this guided tour led by a local Aboriginal Discovery ranger. Discover the cultural heritage in the land of the Gamilaraay, Wiradjuri and Wailwan people in Warrumbungle National Park, near Coonabarabran.
- Walk on the wild side at the Warrumbungles Join an experienced Discovery Ranger and explore the beauty of Warrumbungle National Park. This tour is designed to bring your senses alive as you explore the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful area.
- Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre Warrumbungle National Park Environmental Education Centre is operated by the NSW Department of Education. It's dedicated to supporting students and teachers with fieldwork and environmental education.
Landscape and geology
The landscape of Warrumbungle National Park has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion; spend some time looking at Crater Bluff and Belougery Spire and imagine the vents of magma that once erupted to create these formations. Layers of lava and volcanic rock created Mount Exmouth and Mount Woorut just outside the boundary of the park, and Belougery Split Rock and Bluff Mountain are great examples of igneous lava domes. One of the most iconic features in the park, The Breadknife, is a volcanic dyke which stands a massive 90m tall. You can learn more about the park's fascinating geological history, or take a self-guided geology tour, through the NSW GeoTours app.
- Bluff Mountain walking track Bluff Mountain walking track rewards experienced, fit bushwalkers with Warrumbungle National Park’s best views. This very long and challenging steep hike climbs past spectacular rock spires and domes—up to the summit of Bluff Mountain.
- Bok lecture with astronomer Christian Wolf Join astronomer Christian Wolf for a journey through the evolution of the galaxy. The Bok lecture is part of Starfest and is held under the stars in Warrumbungle National Park – Australia’s first Dark Sky Park.
- Boots and brushes - guided walk and art tour Tap into your creativity on a 6km guided walk with a Discovery ranger in Warrumbungle National Park. Create your own personal artwork inspired by the iconic mountain landscape at Spirey View lookout.
- Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk in Warrumbungle National Park, regarded as one of the best walks in NSW, offers close up views of the park’s iconic rock formations.
- Burbie Canyon walking track Burbie Canyon walking track in Warrumbungle National Park offers a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge, and is particularly popular for birdwatching.
Wish upon a star
Warrumbungle National Park is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. Nearby Coonabarabran is known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia'. Stargaze from your campsite, or if you want to see right up to the heavens, visit a local observatory. The dramatic mix of volcanic spires and domes, plateaus, forested ridges and tall volcanic dykes are bound to make even the youngest of photographers look good, so whatever you do ‐ don't forget your camera.
- Canyon picnic area Canyon picnic area is a fully accessible, family friendly picnic area in Warrumbungle National Park. Not far from the visitor centre, it features barbecues and tables.
- Warrumbungle Visitor Centre Visitor information is available at the Warrumbungle Visitor Centre, which is now back in its original location. Get great suggestions and tips for walking and camping in Warrumbungle National Park.
- Whitegum lookout Whitegum lookout in Warrumbungle National Park features spectacular views of the landscape and picnic tables. It is wheelchair accessible and an easy walk for children.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.
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Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)
The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.
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Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.
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Tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)
Found throughout Australia, the tawny frogmouth is often mistaken for an owl due to its wide, powerful beak, large head and nocturnal hunting habits. The ‘oom oom oom’ call of this native bird can be heard echoing throughout a range of habitats including heath, woodlands and urban areas.
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Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.