Those in search of stars can head to the shores of Palm Beach, a Sydney celebrity hot spot, or they can make their way to the Sydney Observatory, where astronomers and locals have been charting the skies of the southern hemisphere since 1858.
Self-guided walking tours through the observatory explore astronomy, meteorology, timekeeping and archaeology, and visitors can also travel through the observatory’s rich past by checking out the impressive array of informative exhibits. The facility’s world-class planetarium is a popular spot to visit, but the opportunity to view the night sky through a telescope is a one-of-a-kind treat. The oldest working telescope in Australia opens up the skies for guests, who can catch a glimpse of double stars, the moon and even planets.
Practical Info
The observatory is located on Observatory Hill on Watson Road, near Observatory Park, just west of Upper Fort Street. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Daytime entry is free for the gardens and observatory exhibitions, but travelers who want access to telescopes and 3D theater showings must pay additional fees of $10 for adults and $8 for children. Prices are higher for night visits, which require advance booking.