Following is a list of places of astronomical interest. These facilities cater to the public with tours and/or displays. Information is subject to change.
Note: The places listed here may be affected by pandemic restrictions. See their websites or contact for details.
Bathurst Observatory Research Facility
They operate their ‘Open Nights’ public observatory tours on a regular basis, catering for school groups and the general public. The facility is also dedicated to meteorite research and the meteorite collection is open by request. Information on tour dates and times can be found on the web site. Regular updates are also on their facebook page.
Contact:Web: www.bathurstobservatory.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BathurstObservatory
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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (Tidbinbilla)
The Complex, located 35 km southwest of Canberra, is a major link in NASA’s Deep Space Network and is managed on their behalf by CSIRO. The facility provides two-way radio communication with distant robotic spacecraft exploring the Solar System and beyond. The centrepiece is the 70-metre antenna dish, the largest in Australia. The Visitor Centre incorporates audio/visual presentations, exhibits, models and images from spacecraft and includes a real Moon rock. Enjoy a meal at the Deep Space Cafe. The gift shop is open for space themed items and souvenirs.
Address: Discovery Drive (off Paddy’s River Rd), TidbinbillaContact: Korinne McDonnell (02) 6201 7809, (02) 6201 7838
Web: www.cdscc.nasa.gov/
Facebook: facebook.com/CanberraDSN
Instagram: instagram.com/CanberraDSN
Twitter: x.com/CanberraDSN
YouTube: youtube.com/CanberraDSN
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CSIRO Parkes Observatory
Located 20 km north of Parkes on Wiradjuri Country, is the home of Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope. The striking telescope at the heart of the observatory, owned and operated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is a cutting-edge instrument used by astronomers all over the world. The observatory’s visitor centre caters for those curious about radio astronomy, space technologies, and the history of this Australian science icon. There’s also a 3D theatre, interactive exhibits, a playground, and souvenirs to collect.
Address: CSIRO Parkes Observatory, Newell Hwy, Parkes NSW 2870Contact: (02) 6861 1777
Web: www.csiro.au/parkes
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Dubbo Observatory
Dubbo’s ‘Star Attraction’ is located next to the Western Plains Zoo. Sky presentations are projected in their theatrette, followed by viewing through their telescopes including a large 17″. Bring your SLR camera to take astrophotos through this scope or over the internet with their CCD camera.
Address: 17L Camp Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830Contact: 0488 425 940
Web: www.dubboobservatory.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DubboObservatory/
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Green Point Observatory
The observatory is operated by the volunteers of Sutherland Astronomical Society Inc (SASI) in Sydney. The building houses 41 cm and 35 cm telescopes. Visitors are welcome first three Thursdays of the month at 7:30 pm. Please contact the secretary by email before your visit. The society also runs regular open nights for the general public.
Address: Cnr Green Point & Caravan Head Road, Oyster Bay NSW 2225Contact: Secretary, Corinne Feldmann
Web: www.sasi.net.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sutherland-Astronomical-Society-Incorporated-197498333646458
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Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory
Located at Macquarie University (North Ryde campus), this observatory is open to the public every Friday and Saturday night (weather permitting) throughout the year, see website for dates and ticket information. Their knowledgeable astronomy guides, who are typically Astronomy students, will guide you through the Universe with a range of on-site telescopes. They also offer private events for schools, Scouts, or other interested groups on other nights of the week.
Address: 5 Gymnasium Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113Contact:
Web: www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-mathematical-and-physical-sciences/engage-with-us/night-sky-discovery
Web: www.eventbrite.com.au/o/association-for-astronomy-macquarie-university-1947206697
Facebook: www.facebook.com/macquarieastronomy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/associationforastronomy
Twitter: twitter.com/MacAstronomy
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjnBwz5uK76Cgjh0eGTvR2g
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Milroy Observatory
Milroy Observatory at Coonabarabran operates nightly stargazing sessions with Donna the Astronomer on most clear nights. They cater for the general public, groups of amateur astronomers or school groups. Please call to make a booking. Also on TikTok as donnatheastronomer.
Address: 20 Morrisseys Rd (off Baradine Rd), Coonabarabran NSWContact: Donna 0428 288 244
or message on Facebook
Web: www.donnatheastronomer.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milroyCoonabarabran
Instagram: donnatheastronomer
YouTube: donnatheastronomer
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Mudgee Observatory
Mudgee Observatory caters for school groups, organised tours and the general public. The observatory is situated 15 mins west of Mudgee. The theatre and flat screen planetarium run features on the night sky and the Sun. A variety of telescopes and binoculars are available for visitors as well as conducted tours of the night sky. Bookings are essential.
Address: 961 Old Grattai Rd Mudgee NSW 2850Contact: (02) 6373 3431, 0428 560 039
Web: www.mudgeeobservatory.com.au
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Port Macquarie Observatory
Please visit their website for more information.
Address: 1A Steward Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444Contact:
Web: portastronomy.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/portobservatory
Instagram: @portobservatory
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The Rock Regional Observatory
Open every Saturday (weather permitting), the facility provides opportunities for young and old to learn and enjoy the wonders of space. Our aim is to provide a space that will provide a bright future and a place to inspire the public and young minds. The Rock Regional Observatory is run by volunteers who are passionate about sharing their love of space science with the community.
Address: Lockhart-the Rock Rd, The Rock NSW 2655Web: therockregionalobservatory.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VisitLockhartShire/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/visitlockhartshire/?hl=en
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Science Space
Operated by the University of Wollongong, this public science centre includes the full dome planetarium, an observatory, exhibits and a gift and resource shop. The planetarium has the latest immersive full-dome technology. The observatory houses a telescope used to observe the Sun and stars. The Science Shop has a range of educational materials and telescopes.
Address: Science Space, Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong 2500Contact: (02) 4286 5000 (option 2)
Web: www.sciencespace.com.au
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Siding Spring Observatory
Siding Spring Observatory (SSO) is Australia’s premier optical astronomy research facility and is home to telescopes from many organisations within Australia and around the world. These include Australia’s two largest optical telescopes, the Australian National University’s 3.9 metre Anglo Australian Telescope and the 2.3 metre Advanced Technology Telescope. Siding Spring nestles into the Warrumbungle mountains at the entrance to the Warrumbungle National Park, 30 minutes west of Coonabarabran. The Visitor Centre includes a cafee serving light meals, souvenir shop and an astronomy exhibit. From the Visitor Centre there is access to the viewing gallery of the 3.9 m AAT and special tours can be organised on request for groups, information can be found on their website. StarFest is a celebration of astronomy at SSO every October long weekend, more information on the web.
Address: 418 Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357Web: www.sidingspring.com.au
Web: www.starfest.org.au
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Sydney Observatory
This historic observatory is situated near The Rocks on Observatory Hill, overlooking Sydney Harbour. It offers a variety of tours and displays. See website for details. Sydney Observatory is part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000Web: powerhouse.com.au/visit/sydney-observatory
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Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre
The Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club Inc runs the Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre, open to the general public (see website for days and times) to view the range of scientific displays, minerals & mega-fauna, planetarium, 34 inch Hewitt Camera and other large telescopes. It is adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, Piper St, Tamworth.
Address: Piper St, Tamworth.Contact:
Web: www.tamworthastronomy.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/427835424074950/
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CSIRO Paul Wild Observatory
Found just 25 km west of Narrabri on Gomeroi Country is the CSIRO Australia Telescope Compact Array. A world-class radio telescope operated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, it is made up of six identical dishes weighing around 270 tonnes each. Five dishes move along a three-kilometre railway track right in front of the observatory’s visitors centre – creating an impressive sight of Australian engineering.
Find out more about radio astronomy and the history of the site at the self-guided visitor’s centre. Enjoy the garden displays, watch the kangaroos and stay for a picnic!
Contact: (02) 6861 1777
Web: www.csiro.au/atca
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Charleville Cosmos Centre
Unlock the universe through a unique experience where the expanse of the cosmos meets the wild and natural beauty of Outback Queensland.
Through a combination of education and storytelling, the Charleville Cosmos Centre is dedicated to igniting curiosity, deepening understanding, and creating memories that reach beyond the stars.
Defy logic while viewing the Sun directly through specialised telescopes, immerse yourself in Queensland’s largest planetarium, look into the past at celestial objects thousands of light years away and hear timeless stories that have shaped cultures around the globe.
Prepare for launch. Next stop: Infinity
Contact: (07) 4656 8377
Web: www.cosmoscentre.com
Web: www.experiencecharleville.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlevilleCosmosCentre
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cosmoscentre/
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Springbrook Mountain Observatory
Springbrook National Park is high in the McPherson Range, and the observatory is located 700 m above sea level away from light pollution. The drive from Surfers Paradise is only 45 minutes. They are open to the general public, astronomical groups, schools, and researchers by appointment. This facility houses a number of telescopes for night time viewing. See website or contact them on Facebook for details.
Address: 2337 Springbrook Road, Springbrook Qld 4213Web: www.springbrookobservatory.com.au
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The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
This world class planetarium is located at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, at Toowong in Brisbane. Programs are presented in their Cosmic Skydome. All astronomy shows include a current night sky tour recreated in the dome. The Planetarium upgraded its digital projection system in 2019 and can now recreate the observable universe at 7K resolution with many more astronomical features available. The display areas contain astronomical and space items including a large display concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy. The shop has educational products and souvenirs. School shows are also available during weekdays. Open Tuesday to Sunday (open on Monday during Qld school holidays).
Address: Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong Qld 4066Contact: (07) 3403 8888
Web: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planetarium/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrisbanePlanetarium
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The Jump-Up Dark Sky Sanctuary
The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary, located on a 1,400-hectare mesa, 24 km southeast of Winton in Central West Queensland, is Australia’s first International Dark-Sky Sanctuary and home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History. This remote location offers pristine dark-sky conditions with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing due to clear skies, low humidity and the absence of urban and industrial pollutants. The Sanctuary aligns with the Museum’s mission to safeguard natural history and enrich public understanding of the past. Featuring the free-access Star Gallery and the Gondwana Stars Observatory, the Museum advocates for and preserves dark skies, with sky quality often exceeding 21.5 MPSAS.
Address: Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, The Jump-Up Dark-Sky Sanctuary, Winton Qld 4735Contact: (07) 4657 0078
Web: www.australianageofdinosaurs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/australianageofdinosaurs/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/australianageofdinosaurs/
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Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Resort
Located in the northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola has a range of accommodation and Advanced Ecotourism accredited products including three astronomy tours and the Ridgetop Tour. There are also many unguided bushwalks and driving tracks. Arkaroola has:
Two 3 metre dome observatories with equatorial fork mount Celestron C14 ƒ/11 telescopes for eyepiece viewing.
One 3 metre robotic dome observatory for real time astro imaging. This observatory contains one Celestron C14 ƒ/11 telescope with ZWO ASI186MC camera, a C14 ƒ/2 FastStar telescope with ZWO ASI6200MC camera and a Coronado 60 mm Hydrogen Alpha telescope with ZWO ASI1600MC camera, all on a Software Bisque ME mount.
One roll-off roof observatory with a Skywatcher 150 mm ƒ/7 ED refractor on a Losmandi G11 mount, a Skywatcher 16″ ƒ/4.5 GoTo Dobsonian and spare piers and wedges suitable for BYO telescopes.
Contact: (08) 8648 4848 or
Web: www.arkaroola.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arkaroola
Instagram: www.instagram.com/arkaroolaofficial
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Stockport Observatory
Owned and operated by the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA), the observatory is located in the small town of Stockport, approximately 80 km north of Adelaide. Public star parties are held in February, May, August and November. See web site for details.
Address: Observatory Road, Stockport SA 5410Contact: ASSA Info Line 0401 702 772
Web: www.assa.org.au/facilities/stockport/
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The Backyard Universe
Multicultural guided tours of South Australia’s night sky with laser pointer and large telescope. Enjoy an evening of traditional stargazing and modern astronomy in a small group tour with an experienced local guide. Experience a night sky that’s practically as dark as the Outback but much closer to Adelaide. Also available for schools, events & private group tours at your venue. Bookings are essential, see website for details.
Contact:Web: www.thebackyarduniverse.com.au
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The Heights Observatory
The Heights School Observatory is located at the Heights School, Modbury Heights, Adelaide. There are two main telescopes, a 14″ and a research quality 12.5″ plus two Coronado solar scopes. Private bookings are accepted. Ph (08) 8242 8900
Address: Brunel Drive, Modbury HeightsContact: Meg Fay
Web: www.theheights.sa.edu.au/observatory.html
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The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve
The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve consists of over 3300 kmxx2 of rural land within the Mid Murray Council area in South Australia, situated between the eastern slopes of the Adelaide Hills and the River Murray. It is Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve. The Reserve’s core is in the Swan Reach Conservation Park, whilst its public Education centre is at Meldanda, a 100 acre property just outside the hamlet of Cambrai, where camping is available for a small fee per head. A well equipped hall is also available, and two large (300 m x 600 m) car-accessible flat astro paddocks, well away from any road, are available with very low horizons, along with a portable loo. A number of concrete telescope pads are provided throughout the Reserve.
Address: 106 Bundilla Road, CambraiContact: Mid Murray Landcare SA (08) 8564 6044
Web: www.rivermurraydarkskyreserve.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RiverMurrayDarkSkyReserve/
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University of South Australia, Adelaide Planetarium
The Adelaide Planetarium is open seven days a week by appointment for school, group and private bookings. Adult education courses are held throughout the year along with school holiday programs. Public Viewing sessions are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. See website for session times and other information. Bookings essential.
Address: University of South Australia, Building P, Level 2, Mawson Lakes CampusContact: (08) 8302 3138
Web: www.unisa.edu.au/planetarium/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdelaidePlanetarium
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Launceston Planetarium
The Launceston Planetarium is at the Queen Victoria Museum’s Inveresk site. See their web site for details of shows.
Address: Queen Victoria Museum, 2 Invermay Road Launceston Tas 7250Contact: (03) 6323 3777
Web: www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Planetarium
Facebook: www.facebook.com/QVMAG/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/qvmag_official/
Twitter: x.com/qvmag
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCLKqG3HgXOSIXasi4gofp2g
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Grote Reber Museum
The University of Tasmania School of Physical Sciences runs a museum at its Mt. Pleasant Radio Telescope Observatory just off Richmond Road, Cambridge (turn off at the Frogmore Creek Winery). The radio observatory has been operating for more than 20 years, with its distinctive 26m diameter radio "dish". Sharing this beautiful spot overlooking the Coal River Valley is a museum that showcases the life and work of Tasmanian radio astronomer, Grote Reber. The museum also showcases the radio telescopes and radio astronomy work of the University of Tasmania. See web site for details.
Address: 90 Denholms Rd, Cambridge TAS 7170Contact: (03) 6226 1959
Web: www.utas.edu.au/groterebermuseum/home
Twitter: twitter.com/GroteReber?t=DfUwS3e9l6lroVz1YZ9RyQ&s=09
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Ulverstone Planitarium
Hive is the region’s first cultural precinct and serves as both a community hub and a drawcard destination for visitors to the region. It has been developed by the Central Coast Council, with funding from the Commonwealth and Tasmanian governments. Inspired by the concept of a beehive, Hive has been designed as a space for community to gather, explore, share and grow. This bold undertaking represents a vital new asset for our community. They’re excited to share that Hive includes the largest dome planetarium in Tasmania and the first Tasmanian Science Centre. See web site for details.
Address: 50 Main St, Ulverstone TAS 7315Contact: (03) 6425 2839
Web: www.hivetasmania.com.au/planetarium/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HiveTas/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hivetasmania/
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AstroTours Swinburne
The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology is offering public 3D tours through the Universe in the Virtual Reality theatre during school holidays. AstroTour sessions can also be booked for school groups (Years 3 – 12) throughout the year.
Address: The Virtual Reality theatre is located on the ground floor of the AR building in room AR104, Hawthorn campus, Swinburne University of Technology.Contact:
Web: astronomy.swin.edu.au/astrotour/
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Ballarat Municipal Observatory
The observatory has several historic telescopes including the Jelbart (125 mm refractor), the Oddie (220 mm Newtonian), the Baker Great Equatorial Telescope (650 mm Newtonian) and a 300 mm Newtonian. The Adcock-Federation telescope (406 mm) has disabled-access. Observatory open Tuesday to Saturday. Bookings essential. See website for open times and calendar of events.
Address: 439 Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, Vic 3352PO Box 284 Ballarat 3353
Contact: open hours (03) 5332 7526 or after hours for bookings 0429 199 312
Web: ballaratobservatory.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ObservatoryBAS/
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Bendigo Planetarium @ Discovery
This small planetarium inside The Discovery Science and Technology Centre, is interactive and engaging.
Address: Discovery Science and Technology Centre7 Railway Place Bendigo
Web: www.discovery.asn.au
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Melbourne Planetarium
This planetarium is at Scienceworks in Spotswood. It regularly screens full-dome films for adults and families, as well as presenter-led tours through the night sky. See website for details.
Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood Vic 3015Web: museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/visiting/melbourne-planetarium/
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Mount Burnett Observatory
Community Observatory and Science Organisation. New members are most welcome. Individuals and families wanting to look through the telescopes can join in one of their Public Events. School, scout and community events are also catered for. All sessions must be pre-booked. Email or phone for further details. Members’ events include onsite and online events, dedicated sessions for young observers and a radio astronomy group.
Address: 420 Paternoster Road, Mt Burnett, VIC 3781Contact:
Web: mbo.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MtBurnettObservatory
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mtburnettobservatory
Twitter: @mbobservatory
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GDC Observatory
The Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory is part of the Gravity Precinct and shares its bushland with the OzGrav research facilities, the Zadko Telescope Facility and the USAFA Falcon Telescope Network. The observatory boasts professional staff and five telescopes including one of the largest for public observing in WA. Along with regular night tours, other special events include, Local Aboriginal Astronomy nights, Tame Your Telescope and Astrophotography classes. Added to this is the annual Gingin Dark Sky Star Party, held under protected Dark Skies an hours drive north of Perth.
Address: 1098 Military Road, Yeal 6503Contact: (08) 9575 7577 (Office) or
Web: www.gravitycentre.com.au/observatory
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Perth Observatory
Located in the breathtaking Perth Hills, a mere 40-minute drive east of Perth, lies the illustrious Perth Observatory. As Western Australia’s oldest astronomical institution, it boasts a rich legacy of cutting-edge research and dedicated public outreach. Proudly managed by the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, they provide a wide array of captivating night and daytime tours, catering even to school groups. Beyond the confines of its tranquil location, the Observatory hosts riveting stargazing events across WA, and they offer an enchanting star adoption program. For those eager to embark on a celestial journey, visit their website to book and for further information.
Address: 337 Walnut Road, Bickley WA 6076End of Walnut Road in Bickley, WA, 15 minutes east of Kalamunda.
Contact: (08) 9293 8255
Web: www.perthobservatory.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/PerthObservatory
Instagram: instagram.com/perthobservatory
Twitter: x.com/perthobs
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/PerthobservatoryAu
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