Following is a list of events of astronomical interest. Information is subject to change.
Note: The events listed here may be affected by pandemic restrictions. See their websites or contact for details.
| State | Area | Facility |
| Australia | National Science Week | |
| New South Wales | Parkes | CWAS AstroFest |
| Sydney | Macquarie University Astronomy Open Nights | |
| Tamworth | NACAA | |
| Ilford | South Pacific Star Party | |
| Queensland | Duckadang, Qld | Queensland Astrofest (Duckadang, Qld) |
| Brisbane | Urban Observers | |
| South Australia | Nhill, western Vic | VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party |
| Victoria | Ballarat | VASTROC (Vic) |
| Nhill, western Vic | VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party | |
| Western Australia | Bentley, WA | Astrofest WA |
National Science Week
Held in August each year, it celebrates Australian science and aims to increase public awareness of the role that science, engineering, mathematics, innovation and technology play in our daily lives and to encourage younger people to become involved. Astronomy is a key component, and amateur societies are ideally placed for such outreach. Support is available for event holders. See the web site for more information.
Web: www.scienceweek.net.auFacebook: www.facebook.com/nationalscienceweek
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nationalscienceweek/
Twitter: x.com/Aus_ScienceWeek
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CWAS AstroFest
The CWAS AstroFest is sponsored by the Central West Astronomical Society and held annually in July. The AstroFest incorporates a two day conference and related activities including the David Malin Astrophotography Exhibition and Competition which is open to all amateur astrophotographers. World-renowned professional and amateur astronomers also share their knowledge and experiences.
Address: CWAS AstroFest, PO Box 819 Parkes NSW 2870Contact: John Sarkissian (Local Organising Committee)
Web: www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CWASAstroFest
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Macquarie University Astronomy Open Nights
These nights are designed for the general public. Activities include a special guest speaker, commercial stands and telescopes operated by MQ academic/research staff and local amateurs. They are held once a year on a Saturday night around a First Quarter Moon. The venue is Macquarie University in North Ryde, Sydney. See website and search for ‘Astronomy Open Night’ for details.
Address: School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Macquarie Uni NSW 2109Contact:
Web: mq.edu.au
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NACAA
The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers is a regular national forum at which amateur astronomers can exchange experiences, stay abreast of the latest trends, foster co-operative activities between individuals, societies and the professional sphere. They are held over Easter every two years. The 32nd NACAA will be held in Tamworth, NSW in 2026, hosted by the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club. This is being planned as hybrid event, both at Tamworth and streamed online. See website for more details when available.
Web: www.nacaa.org.auFacebook: www.facebook.com/NACAAInc
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South Pacific Star Party
An annual national gathering of amateurs for observing under country skies. It is held at the Astronomical Society of NSW’s property at Ilford, NSW. This major event now attracts over 300 people. Advance registrations required. See the society web site for more details.
Contact:Web: www.asnsw.com/spsp
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Queensland Astrofest (Duckadang, Qld)
The 2025 Queensland Astrofest will be the 30th camp held annually at the Lions Club Camp Duckadang, situated at Linville, 160 km northwest of Brisbane. There is bunk house accommodation and limited sites for camping and caravans. Power is also available. Queensland Astrofest boasts a nine day format and will be held from Friday 23 May to morning Sunday 1 June 2025. Each Saturday has a guest speaker. Workshops throughout the event are run covering various topics. The renowned Astro-Feast is held on the last Saturday Lunch. More details are on the Web site. Registration to open February 2025, early bookings are recommended.
Address: Lions Camp Duckadang, 117 Avoca Creek Rd, Linville Qld 4306Contact: registrar
Web: www.qldastrofest.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/QLDAstrofest
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Urban Observers
The South East Queensland Astronomical Society holds free public viewing nights ‘Urban Observers’ at the Barrett Street Reserve, Bracken Ridge (entry off Jude St) on the Saturday night around First Quarter Moon of each month (weather permitting). Special events are also organised. All welcome.
Address: SEQAS, PO Box 60, Everton Park Qld 4053Contact: Julie Straayer 0411 047 439
Web: www.seqas.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Urban-Observers-Group-252697488136642/
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VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party
See entry for VicSouth under Victoria.
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VASTROC (Vic)
Victorian Amateur Astronomical Societies’ Conventions (VASTROC) are held every second year (alternating years with NACAA). Activities include speakers, workshops, displays, observing and the convention dinner.
Contact: , see websiteWeb: vastroc.net
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VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party
The VicSouth Desert Spring Star Party is an annual weekend of astronomy, held at the Little Desert Nature Lodge about 16 km south of Nhill in western Victoria, roughly equidistant between Melbourne and Adelaide. It offers a weekend of social, astronomical and observing activities. See website for more details.
Web: www.vicsouth.infoBack to Contents
Astrofest WA
WA’s biggest astronomy festival is held in Perth annually. 2019 was the 10th anniversary. It’s free and great family fun with multiple telescopes to look through, special guest presenters, hands on activities for kids, astrophotography exhibition, space shows, space domes and information stalls. Discover more about astronomy and stargazing in WA and how you can get involved, start studying or begin a career. More details on the next one on their website when available. Hosted by Astronomy WA.
Contact:Web: www.astronomywa.net.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AstronomyWA/
Twitter: x.com/astronomywa
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