Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory (Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney) – this structure, built in 1858, was originally a fort. It was eventually converted into an observatory. From the late 19th well into the 20th century, the Observatory was essential to shipping, navigation, meteorology and timekeeping, as well as to the study of the stars seen from the Southern Hemisphere. The government astronomers worked and lived in the building until 1982 — when Sydney Observatory became part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Today the Observatory is a museum and public observatory with an important role in astronomy education and public telescope viewing. It contains an 1874 29cm lens telescope, a 42cm computer-controlled telescope and a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, able to be viewed through by visitors during booked sessions. There are also a virtual reality 3-D space theatre, exhibitions about astronomy, meteorology and the history of Sydney Observatory, cozy planetarium, lecture theatrette, souvenir shop and beautiful gardens.
Daytime admission for a self-guided visit to the gardens and the Observatory exhibitions is free – but does not include visits to the telescope towers, telescope viewings and 3D theatre sessions.
Day charge (for telescope/3D theatre sessions): A$8 (adult), A$6 (seniors, and children 4 to 15 years), A$22 (family of two adults & two children); night charge (for telescope/3D theatre sessions): A$18 (adult), A$14 (seniors), A$12 (children 4 to 15 years), A$50 (family of two adults & two children). Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (daily). Note: advance booking necessary for night sessions.