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Places of Astronomical Interest

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Following is a list of places of astronomical interest. Locations below cater to the public in regards to tours and/or displays. Some also offer accommodation.

State Area Location
New South Wales & ACT    Bathurst    Bathurst Observatory
    Canberra    Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (Tidbinbilla)
    Sofala    Chesleigh Homestead
    Blue Mountains    Crago Observatory
    Parkes    CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope
    Cowra    Darby Falls Observatory
    Dubbo    Dubbo Observatory
    Gilgandra    Gilgandra Observatory
    Sydney    Green Point Observatory
    Bathurst    Grove Creek Observatory
    Blue Mountains    Kings Tableland Observatory
    Cessnock    Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre
    Blue Mountains    Linden Observatory
    Sydney    Macquarie University Observatory
    Goulburn    Magellan Observatory
    Canberra    Mt. Stromlo Observatory
    Port Macquarie    Port Macquarie Observatory
    Bathurst    Ryder Homestead Observatory
    Coonabarabran    Siding Spring Observatory
    Coonabarabran    Skywatch Observatory
    Sydney    Sydney Observatory
    Narrabri    The Australia Telescope - Narrabri Array
    Canberra    The Canberra Space Dome and Observatory
    West Sydney    University of Western Sydney Observatory
    Wollongong    Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium
Northern Territory    Alice Springs    Spirit Of The Night Sky - The Milky Way Cafe
Queensland    Bundaberg    Alloway Observatory
    Charleville    Cosmos Centre and Observatory Charleville
    Maidenwell    Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
    Springbrook    Springbrook Mountain Observatory
    Hamilton Island    The Great Barrier Reef Observatory
    Brisbane    The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
South Australia    Flinders Ranges    Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Resort
    Woomera    International Cangaroo Project
    Adelaide    The Heights Observatory
    Adelaide    University of South Australia Planetarium
    Woomera    Woomera Observatory
Tasmania    Launceston    Launceston Planetarium
Victoria    Melbourne    AstroTours
    Ballarat    Ballaarat Municipal Observatory
    Pomonal (western Vic)    Grampian Stars
    Melbourne    Melbourne Planetarium
    Melbourne    Old Melbourne Observatory
    Talbot    Talbot Observatory
Western Australia    Perth    Perth Observatory
    Pingelly    Pingelly Heights Observatory (Astro Ventures)
    Perth    Southern Cross Cosmos Centre

  

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Bathurst Observatory

The observatory caters mainly for schools and groups, and features a new 200 seat theatrette planetarium as well as an observatory with a 14 inch telescope for night viewing, bookings essential.~
~The original Bathurst Observatory has become the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility and studies continue at this site.

Address: Bathurst Goldfields, Mt Panorama, Bathurst NSW 2795
Contact: Bathurst Goldfields (02) 6332 2022
Web: http://bathurstobservatory.com.au

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Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (Tidbinbilla)

The complex is located 35km southwest of Canberra (Tourist Drive 5) and is a major link in NASA's Deep Space Network. Tidbinbilla sends and receives radio signals from distant spacecraft as they explore our Solar System and beyond. The centrepiece is the 70 - metre antenna. The Visitor Centre incorporates audio/visual presentations, exhibits, models and images from the spacecraft. A highlight is an actual Moon rock. There is also a cafe and giftshop, where meals and souvenirs are available.

Address: Tourist Drive 5, Discovery Drive (off Paddy's River Rd), Tidbinbilla
Hours: 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week (except Dec 25)
Web: http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/

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Chesleigh Homestead

The homestead has accommodation for couples to large groups. Chesleigh offers observing to patrons through a 12 inch reflector telescope, taking full advantage of its clean, dark sky site.

Address: Chesleigh Homestead, 319 Hill End Rd, Sofala 2795
Web: http://www.sofala.net.au

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Crago Observatory

This observatory is operated by the Astronomical Society of NSW. It is located on Bowen Mountain near North Richmond (north west of Sydney). It houses a 40cm Dobsonian telescope. The observatory is open on Saturday nights (nearest to Last Quarter Moon phase). Visitors are most welcome.

Address: Burralow Fire Trail, Bowen Mountain
Hours: 8pm till late
Cost: Donation
Contact: Adrian Saw (02) 4572 1568
Web: http://www.asnsw.com/crago/index.html

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CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope

The famous Parkes observatory, 'The Dish', is located 20km north of Parkes (just off the Newell Highway). This landmark radio telescope is 45 years old, but still considered to be one of the best single dish radio telescopes in the world. As well as a great view of the telescope, the visitors centre has displays, audiovisual and 3D presentations. There is also the Dish Cafe and a picnic area with free gas barbecues. Souvenirs and educational material are available.

Address: Radio Telescope Visitors Centre, Telescope Rd (PO Box 276), Parkes NSW 2870
Hours: 8:30am to 4:15pm - daily except Christmas and Boxing Day
Cost: Admission to the visitor's centre is free. A modest charge is made for the audio visual and 3D presentations.
Contact: (02) 6861 1777
Web: http://www.csiro.au/parkesdish

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Darby Falls Observatory

The observatory is located on Observatory Road (off the road to Mt. McDonald) Darby Falls, Cowra. It offers one of the largest telescopes accessible to the public, a 500mm Newtonian. Also available are 400mm, 300mm and 200mm instruments, a 6" refractor and a flat screen planetarium.

Hours: Winter: 7 - 10pm, Summer: 8:30 - 11pm, or by appointment. Coaches and schools welcome.
Contact: Mark Monk (02) 6345 1900 fax (02) 6345 1920

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Dubbo Observatory

Dubbo's 'Star Attraction' is located next to the world renowned Western Plains Zoo. Stage one of the observatory is running, which includes viewing the night sky through three 300mm Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes and large binoculars. There is a well-stocked gift shop. An eighteen hole mini-golf course with an astronomical theme is open during the day.

Address: 13L Camp Rd (PO Box 308) Dubbo NSW 2830
Hours: Open daily (except Christmas) from 10am until late. Bookings essential for night sessions.
Cost: Adults $15, family of four $42
Contact: Peter Neilson (manager) (02) 6885 3022 fax (02) 6885 3012
Web: http://www.hwy.com.au/~dubbobs/

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Gilgandra Observatory

The Gilgandra Observatory is in the centre of town, just off the Newell Highway, opposite the Three Ways Motel. It provides a 31cm telescope for public use. Tours of the night sky are held each night except Sundays. During NSW School holidays daytime by appointment. Booking is advised.

Address: Willie Street, Gilgandra NSW 2827
Hours: 7pm to 10pm (daylight saving 8:30pm to 10pm)
Cost: Adults $9, pensioners $7, children $6, family $25.
Contact: (02) 6847 2646 fax (02) 6847 2845
Web: http://www.gilobs.com.au

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Green Point Observatory

The observatory is operated by the Sutherland Astronomical Society (SAS) in Sydney. The two buildings house 41cm and 35cm telescopes. Visitors are welcome any Thursday night, with guest speakers on the 1st Thursday of the month. The society also run regular open nights for the general public.

Address: Cnr Green Point&Caravan Head Roads, Oyster Bay (PO Box 31, Sutherland NSW 1499)
Hours: from 8pm
Cost: Gold coin donation appreciated
Contact: Secretary (02) 9589 1014 (voicemail phone/fax)
Web: http://www.sasi.net.au

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Grove Creek Observatory

This observatory is located 60km south of Bathurst and is run as a non-profit organisation. The facility caters for amateur astronomers who are looking to use large aperture telescopes under very dark skies. The facility boasts a C14, a 12.5 inch Newtonian, Meade LX-200s with astrophotography and CCD cameras. The observatory has on-site accommodation, sleeping up to eight people.

Cost: $120 per person
Contact: (02) 6368 8611 or 0418 866 179, 2pm - 9pm
Web: http://www.gco.org.au

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Kings Tableland Observatory

The observatory is located in the Blue Mountains at Wentworth Falls. It offers dark skies while still close to Sydney. It is open to any interested people or groups. There is a flat screen planetarium and two modern telescopes in a dome. Classes for the Nepean Community College are also conducted on the night sky, astrophotography and telescopes. It is also open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm for solar observing.

Hours: Flexible to meet demand
Contact: Roger North, Sybil Barber (02) 4757 2954

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Koolang Observatory and Space Science Centre

Located on the border of the Central Coast and Lower Hunter, the centre is no more than two hours from most Sydney and Newcastle suburbs. Bookings are essential. Koolang staff have also developed curriculum and theme based presentations to cover all school levels K-12.

Address: Great North Road, Bucketty NSW
Hours: Group bookings - 7 days and nights. Individuals and families Friday and Saturday nights. Night shows start about an hour after sunset. Starting times vary, and booking is essential.
Cost: Public night shows: adults $15, concession $13, child $10; group discounts available. Special prices and hours for schools.
Contact: (02) 4998 8216
Web: http://www.koolang.com.au

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Linden Observatory

WSAAG (Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group) holds two observing nights a month, where anyone can drop in and look through their telescopes. Observing nights are usually held on Saturdays closest to the New Moon. Dates can be obtained by visiting the WSAAG website.

Address: 105 Glossop Road, Linden NSW 2778
Cost: Donation to Linden Trust @ $5 per person
Contact: Western Sydney Amateur Astronomy Group
Web: http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/wsaag/

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Macquarie University Observatory

Located on the Macquarie University campus at North Ryde, this observatory is open to the public on Friday nights unless raining from March to November inclusive. Astronomy students will guide you with a range of telescopes. On cloudy nights, the program includes slide shows and Solar System demonstrations.

Address: Macquarie University via Culloden Rd
Hours: 8:30pm to 10pm (Nov and Mar), 7:30pm to 9pm (Apr - Oct).
Cost: $5 per person.
Contact: Lesa Moore 0427 433 388
Web: http://www.physics.mq.edu.au/astronomy/publicObs.html

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Magellan Observatory

Situated three hours drive south of Sydney, Magellan Observatory has an extensive range of equipment for hire and comfortable accommodation in a dark sky location. Equipment includes a 24" computer controlled telescope in a 4 metre dome , an 18" telescope used for their 'Sky Tours', a Borg 5" APO refractor on a Takahashi mount, and a 10" f3.5 astrograph on a Losmandy mount in a 2.3 metre dome. Also a wide variety of cameras for CCD, DSLR or film imaging.

Address: 461 Covan Creek Road, Lake Bathurst NSW 2580
Contact: (02) 4849 4489
Web: http://www.goulburn.net.au/~magellan

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Mt. Stromlo Observatory

The oldest fully operational research observatory in Australia, Mt Stromlo Observatory (along with its sister observatory at Siding Spring) is part of the Australian National University. Once housing telescopes dating back to 1868, Mt Stromlo Observatory was devastated by the fire storms on 18 January 2003. However, Mt Stromlo Observatory is rebuilding and the site is now open for visitors. Self-guided walking tour brochures are available from the Visitor's Centre. BBQ facilities are also available.

Address: 15 minutes from Canberra City, Mt Stromlo Observatory, off Cotter Road, Weston Creek, ACT (On Tourist Drive 5)
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Night programs are run once a month by the Canberra Astronomical Society. Please see their web site for details (www.mso.anu.edu.au/cas/).
Cost: Day visits are free
Contact: Cafe D'Lish on Stromlo (02) 6287 1883
Web: http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/msovc/

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Port Macquarie Observatory

This facility, operated by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association, is situated in Rotary Park (opposite Town Beach) Port Macquarie. A multimedia presentation is given and celestial objects can be viewed through the 14 inch telescope. Special nights can be arranged for groups.

Address: PO Box 1453, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Hours: Sunday&Wednesday evenings (no bookings required) at 7:30 pm (8:15 pm during daylight savings). Doors open 15 minutes before session times.
Cost: $5 adults, $4 children, $15 family (2+2)
Contact: Matthew Wallace (02) 6584 9164 or Jim Daniel (02) 6583 1933
Web: http://www.pmobs.org.au

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Ryder Homestead Observatory

As well as providing accommodation in self contained log cabins, Ryder Homestead offers guests guided star gazing tours. Located 30 minutes north of Bathurst the Homestead enjoys very dark country skies.

Address: 130 Thompson Street, Wattle Flat NSW 2795
Cost: Homestead guests free, otherwise adult $8, child $5, family $25
Contact: Rodney Watters on (02) 6337 7171
Web: http://www.ryderhome.com.au

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Siding Spring Observatory

Siding Spring is home to eleven telescopes, including the Anglo-Australian Telescope - the largest in Australia. A 12th observatory, Skymapper is under construction. Siding Spring nestles into the Warrumbungle's at the entrance to the national park, 30 minutes west of Coonabarabran. Their visitor's centre includes a cafe, The Exploratory, and Sun viewing through a telescope. The Exploratory offers hands on displays, videos, and interactive computers and much more.~
~Guided tours are available Monday to Friday at 11am as well as on the Easter and October long weekends. Special tours are available upon request. An open day is generally held in October in conjunction with the Festival of the Stars. Astrocamp for High Schools is also held in May.

Address: Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
Hours: 9:30am to 4pm Mon to Friday except Christmas Day~
~10am to 2pm Sat to Sun, and public holidays
Cost: Exploratory: adult $5.50, child/pensioners $3.50, family $13.50~
~Tours, including Exploratory: adult $11, child/pensioner $9, family $27
Contact: (02) 6842 6211, fax (02) 6842 6226
Web: http://www.sidingspringexploratory.com.au

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Skywatch Observatory

Skywatch Observatory is in Coonabarabran, the home of the Siding Spring Observatory. It is open to the public day and night and is located on Timor Rd, 2km west of the Coonabarabran Clock Tower. During the day the exhibition features hands-on activities, a theatrette, computers and displays. At night there is guided telescope viewing. There is also Astro Mini-Golf, a planetarium and a restaurant/cafe.

Address: Timor Rd, 2km west of the Clock Tower
Hours: 10:30 am until late - Tour times vary so it's a good idea to call ahead. Bookings not required, but appreciated, particularly during holidays. Groups welcome but please book ahead to obtain group rates. Open every day except Christmas Day.
Contact: Merril Sana (02) 6842 3303 fax (02) 6842 2978
Web: http://www.skywatchobservatory.com

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Sydney Observatory

This is Australia's oldest observatory, situated near The Rocks on Observatory Hill and overlooking Sydney Harbour. It offers a 3-D Space Theatre and telescope tours, fascinating historic and interactive displays and night telescope tours (which include stargazing through the observatory's telescopes). There is also a mini-planetarium on offer during wet weather. Day tours include the 3 - D Space Theatre, a dome tour and solar viewing (weather permitting). Sydney Observatory is part of the Powerhouse Museum.

Address: Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks Sydney
Hours: 10am to 5pm. Day 3 - D Theatre tours run at 11am, 12noon, 2:30pm and 3:30pm weekends and school holidays, 2:30pm and 3:30pm on weekdays. Night sessions are held every night of the week. Bookings required for evening tours. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Cost: See their web site
Contact: (02) 9921 3491
Web: http://www.sydneyobservatory.com

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The Australia Telescope - Narrabri Array

The Australia Telescope operates in the radio region of the spectrum. It uses high technology to combine the signals from a number of dishes, to obtain the performance of a single theoretical dish a number of kilometres in diameter. The Compact Array is located at the CSIRO's Paul Wild Observatory near Narrabri. It consists of six 22m dishes five of which are spaced along a 3km track with the sixth a further 3km to the west. From the visitor's centre there are great views of the dishes, displays and video presentations.

Address: Locked Bag 194, Narrabrai NSW 2390
Hours: 8am to 4pm daily; unstaffed, except by request for groups (15+).
Cost: No charge to visit the centre; $2 per person and three weeks notice for groups requesting a staff guide.
Contact: Outreach staff (02) 6790 4070
Web: http://www.csiro.au/narrabriobservatory

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The Canberra Space Dome and Observatory

The Canberra Space Dome (Planetarium) is a virtual reality star theatre. Experience night sky simulations, interplanetary space flight, and explore the night sky. The observatory features research-grade telescopes under domes.

Address: Hawdon Place, Dickson (off Antil Street)
Hours: Open to general public Tue - Sat evening; closed public holidays. Ring for session times and entry prices.
Contact: Phone (02) 6248 5333 fax (02) 6249 7238
Web: http://www.ctuc.asn.au/planetarium/

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University of Western Sydney Observatory

The UWS Observatory is open to the public and runs public astronomy nights, school programs, holiday programs, and group programs during the day or evening. It features a 0.6 metre (24 inch) telescope which is available for night viewing by the public.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday&Thursday 9am - 3pm
Cost: Adult $12, child/concession $7, family $30
Contact: Roslyn McCourt (02) 4736 0135

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Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium

Operated by the University of Wollongong, this public science centre includes a planetarium (BlueScope Steel Star Theatre), observatory, laser light shows, extensive interactive exhibits, demonstration theatre (Illawarra Coal Science Theatre), and a gift and resource shop. The BlueScope Steel Star Theatre has a state of the art Zeiss ZKP3 star projector, laser projector and full-dome show projector. The observatory houses a high quality computer controlled telescope which is used to observe the Sun and stars.

Address: Science Centre, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow 2519
Hours: 10am to 4pm, 7 days. Bookings are also available out of hours and there are scheduled astronomy evenings.
Cost: Child $7, concession $8, adult $10; discount on planetarium show tickets when purchased with general entry.
Contact: (02) 4286 5000 (ext 3) fax (02) 4283 6665
Web: http://sciencecentre.uow.edu.au

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Spirit Of The Night Sky - The Milky Way Cafe

The Spirit of the Night Sky is an acclaimed presentation of the southern night sky. This enthralling presentation will give you a new perspective of your place in the universe through factual and practical information and cultural storytelling.

Address: 90 Petrick Rd, Alice Springs NT 0870
Hours: Dinner&Tour from 6pm; tour only from 7pm. Times vary seasonally throughout year.
Cost: Self Drive Tour only - $55 adult, $30 child - includes supper.~
~Tour only - $75 adult, $40 child - includes transfers and supper.~
~Dinner&tour - $110 adult, $80 child - includes transfers.~
~Infants free - groups welcome - private tours available.
Contact: Reservations (08) 8950 3030
Web: http://www.ananguwaai.com.au

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Alloway Observatory

The observatory, situated approximately 6 km South of Bundaberg, is operated by The Bundaberg Astronomical Society. The 6 metre dome houses a 480mm Newtonian telescope and a 14 inch computerised Meade telescope with CCD imaging using ST8E and Starlight Express technology. The observatory opens to the public on Friday nights. Midweek opening can also be arranged for large groups.

Address: PO Box 4221, South Bundaberg Qld 4670
Hours: Every Friday night, other nights by appointment.
Cost: $12 family; $6 adult; $3 child, discounts for groups
Contact: Mac Jonsen (07) 4153 6469 or (07) 4159 7232 (ans. service)

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Cosmos Centre and Observatory Charleville

The public observatory is located on Cunnamulla Rd, near the airport. The centre includes an observatory for night viewing of the Cosmos and during the day, two theatre presentations, seven interactive displays and a meteorite collection. Sun viewing is also available.

Address: PO Box 681, Charleville 4470
Hours: High season (April to October): observatories open every night (bookings essential). Daytime centre open every day 10am - 6pm.~
~Low season (November to March): observatories open Mon, Wed, Fri&Sat nights (bookings essential). Daytime centre open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm.
Cost: General observatory session from $20 adult, $55 family, $18 student; 20 inch session from $35 per person.
Contact: Jane Morgan (07) 4654 7771
Web: http://http://www.cosmoscentre.com/

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Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory

The observatory is located in the heart of Maidenwell, near the Bunya Mountains, 2.5 hours drive NW of Brisbane. They are open to the general public in the early afternoon (other times by appointment) Thursdays - Tuesdays and conduct stargazing sessions 7 nights a week. Star Theatre showtimes 2pm and 4pm Thursdays to Tuesdays (Wed. by appointment). Live video images of the Sun in Hydrogen Alpha light are projected onto a giant screen. At night viewing is through three Meade LX200 GPS 14" telescopes. They give special audio/visual presentations to schools and social groups and have full wheelchair and amenities access. Camping and cooking facilities are close at hand on site. The roll off roof observation deck can seat up to 30 people at a time. They sell astro equipment and conduct a basic astronomy course once a year.

Address: Main Rd, Maidenwell Qld 4615
Hours: Spring/Summer: open from 2pm, night sessions 7:30pm&9pm.~
~Autumn/Winter: open from noon, night sessions 7pm&8:30pm
Cost: Star Theatre: adult $8.80, student $5.50~
~Night sessions: adult $11, student $5.50, pensioner $8.80; special rates for group bookings and schools.
Contact: Bookings are essential for Star Theatre and/or stargazing sessions, phone James (07) 4164 6194 or 0427 961 391
Web: http://www.sbstars.com

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Springbrook Mountain Observatory

Springbrook National Park is only a 45 - minute drive from Surfers Paradise. The observatory is open to the general public, astronomical groups, schools, and researchers by appointment. This facility has a C14 with Titan Robotic Mount, C11, 5.0", 4.5" refractor, CCD equipment, hydrogen alpha filter for solar prominence observation and sunspot viewing.

Address: 2337 Springbrook Road, Springbrook Qld 4213
Hours: By appointment
Cost: Adults $10, children $5
Contact: Andre Clayden (07) 5533 5200, fax (07) 5533 5457
Web: http://www.springbrookobservatory.com

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The Great Barrier Reef Observatory

Situated on Hamilton Island, the observatory is open to the public regularly during the dry months from April to November although the 2007 program may be interrupted by development work in the area. Viewing is complimentary. New for 2007 is a 6 metre portable planetarium showing full dome films suitable for all the family. This will operate regularly, particularly during school holidays; modest charges apply.

Address: PO Box 40, Hamilton Island Qld 4803
Contact: Ray Johnston (07) 4946 8686 or 0412 478 935
Web: http://www.stardreaming.com.au

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The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

This world class planetarium is located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, at Toowong in Brisbane. Programs are presented in the Cosmic Skydome which has an artificial sky projected onto the interior of a 12.5m dome. The Planetarium has been upgraded and is now in a digital format. All shows include a current night sky tour recreated in the Skydome. The display areas contain interesting astronomical and space items, short videos run in a mini theatre, and the shop has astronomical and educational products. The Planetarium observatory has a variety of telescopes and sessions must be pre-booked. School shows are also available during weekdays.

Address: Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong Qld 4066
Hours: Tuesday - Friday: school shows and one afternoon public show. Saturday/Sunday: multiple public shows and children's shows. School shows are on a booking basis only. Additional weekday shows run during Queensland school holidays.
Cost: Show charges apply
Contact: (07) 3403 2578
Web: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planetarium/

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Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Resort

Located in the heart of the northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola have Advanced Ecotourism accredited ridgetop, waterhole and astronomy tours. There are also many guided and unguided bushwalks. They have three astronomical observatories offering two Celestron 360mm and three Meade Maksutov-Cassegrain computer assisted telescopes. There are also three 'star chairs' with 20x80 astro binoculars, spare piers and wedges suitable for BYO telescopes and astrophotography/CCD equipment.

Address: Private Bag 106, Port Augusta SA 5710
Hours: Tours run nightly on demand and weather permitting.
Cost: Cost is $40 (up to 1.5 hours per tour)
Contact: (08) 8648 4848 fax (08) 8648 4846
Web: http://www.arkaroola.com.au

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International Cangaroo Project

The CANGAROO III telescopes are used for high-energy astrophysical studies of pulsars, supernovae, gamma ray bursts and black holes. Their four 10m diameter light collecting telescopes which are used for detecting optical light produced when very high energy gamma-rays reach our atmosphere. The telescopes are located inside the Woomera Security Area. There is a display in the Woomera Heritage Centre.

Web: http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/astrophysics/cangaroo/index.html

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The Heights Observatory

The Heights School Observatory is located at the Heights School, Modbury, Adelaide. It was formed primarily for students of the school with an interest in astronomy, but anyone is encouraged to join. There are two main telescopes and a classroom. During the day solar observations are made.

Web: http://theheights.webzone.net.au/observatory.shtml

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University of South Australia Planetarium

The planetarium has sessions for primary/secondary schools as well as the general public. Sessions are by appointment only. An open to the public session is available on the first Saturday of the month at 2:45pm.

Address: University of South Australia, Building P, Mawson Lakes Campus
Cost: $5 adults, $3.50 students and concession
Contact: (08) 8302 3138
Web: http://www.unisa.edu.au/planetarium/

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Woomera Observatory

The observatory houses a 10 inch LX200 Meade, an ST7 CCD and 35mm accessories. The telescope is controlled by computer with either Sky IV or Cartes du Ciel. BYO flash drive or floppy disc if CCD imaging.

Address: PO Box 161, Woomera SA 5720
Hours: Viewing can be virtually any night
Cost: $10 pp or $20 per family for 2 - 3 hour viewing
Contact: Rob Dillon c/o the Woomera Post office Ph (08) 8673 7755, Fax (08) 8673 7373
Web: http://www.woomera.com.au/attractions/observatory.htm

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Launceston Planetarium

The planetarium is in the Queen Victoria Museum in Wellington St.

Address: Queen Victoria Museum, Wellington St, Launceston Tas 7250
Hours: See web site for costs and times.
Contact: (03) 6323 3777
Web: http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/planetarium.html

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AstroTours

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 the school holidays.

Address: The Virtual Reality theatre is in room AS406 on the fourth floor of the Applied Science building. Enter from Burwood Road.
Cost: $10
Contact: Vicki Redrup (03) 9214 5569 (bookings)
Web: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/astrotour/

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Ballaarat Municipal Observatory

The observatory contains three historic telescopes: The Jelbart - a 125mm refractor, the Oddie - a 220 mm Newtonian, the Baker Great Equatorial Telescope - a 650mm Newtonian (commissioned in 1886) and a 300mm Newtonian. The Adcock-Federation telescope (406mm Cassegrain-Springfield) has disabled-access. They are open every Friday and Saturday evening, other times bookings are required. There are regular events at other times, updates on website. Astrotour 3D Movies are available in conjunction with Swinburne University of Technology.

Address: Cnr of Magpie and Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, Ballarat East~
~PO Box 284 Ballarat 3353
Hours: Friday and Saturday from 7pm, add 1 hr for summer time
Cost: Various, see web site
Contact: (03) 5332 7526
Web: http://observatory.ballarat.net

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Grampian Stars

The observatory is approximately 250km west of Melbourne, on a dark sky site 20km south from Stawell, off the Western Highway. A 356mm SCT robotic telescope, which includes computerised CCD imaging technology was previously planned for 2006. Due to the 2006 bushfires, this is now planned for 2007. Regular weekend viewing by interested persons or groups and accommodation is available by prior arrangement.

Contact: Robert&Kerrie Freund
Web: http://www.grampianstars.com.au/astro_index.htm

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Melbourne Planetarium

This is Australia's first digital planetarium and is at Scienceworks in Spotswood. The theatre seats 135, and produces shows for all ages. The planetarium is open seven days a week from 10am (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) and runs special evening sessions from January to March.

Address: 2 Booker St, Spotswood Vic
Cost: See their web site
Contact: (03) 9392 4800
Web: http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/planetarium/index.html

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Old Melbourne Observatory

The historic Old Melbourne Observatory is located in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. There is a Monday night program called the 'Southern Night Sky Experience' and a program focused on the moon, called 'Lunar Tours'. Bookings are essential for both programs. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has a visitor centre, function rooms, Observatory Cafe, Terrace Tearooms and a Gardens Shop.

Address: Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra Vic 3141
Hours: Southern Night Sky Experience: Monday evening (times change depending on month). Lunar Tours: first Thursday of every month (times change depending on month).
Cost: Night tour: $15.50 adult, $11 concession, $37.50 family (2+3).
Contact: Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens (03) 9252 2429
Web: http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au

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Talbot Observatory

The observatory is located next door to Talbot Post Office. Talbot is a small town in a dark sky site between Ballarat and Maryborough. The two observatories house a 0.5m Cassegrain reflector, and a 15cm long focus refractor for planetary work. There are nightly sky tours and informal talks. Comfortable accommodation is also available (two bedroom unit).

Address: 9 Camp St, Talbot Vic 3371
Hours: Open every friday and saturday nights, all year, 7pm in winter, and 9pm in summer-time. On other nights, groups can be accommodated by arrangement.
Cost: adult $8, children 8 - 13 $4, under 8 free.
Contact: Robert Holmes (03) 5463 2029
Web: http://www.talbottourism.org

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Perth Observatory

Situated in the Darling Ranges, 40km inland from the West Coast, Perth Observatory conducts international standard astronomical research and wide ranging educational outreach activities.~
~Star Viewing Nights are conducted as part of the observatory's public education program, using a dedicated facility with several large telescopes. The observatory also has transportable telescopes to conduct Astronomy Field Nights at remote sites.~
~Guided tours in the day time are also conducted and can include viewing of historical astronomical artefacts in our museum, a demonstration of the operation of old and new research telescopes, a safe view of the Sun with a dedicated solar telescope, and a general or specific astronomy computer presentation.

Address: 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley
Hours: Normal office hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm. ~
~Star Viewing Nights: October to May - bookings essential, session lasts approximately 1.5 hours. ~
~Daytime Guided Tours: 10am and 12:30pm - bookings essential, session lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Cost: All services attract charges, contact the observatory for details.
Contact: (08) 9293 8255 fax (08) 9293 8138 info Line (08) 9293 8109
Web: http://www.wa.gov.au/perthobs/

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Pingelly Heights Observatory (Astro Ventures)

This facility specialises in the presentation of astronomical information and the viewing of the night sky through their telescopes. The observatory is one and a half hours drive from Perth. The property is Sunarise, 25 Pingelly Heights Rd (off Aldersyde Road), Pingelly. Astro Ventures caters for schools, various community organisations and private parties on request.

Address: PO Box 512, Pingelly WA 6308
Hours: Summer: 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, (other nights by appointment). They are closed from May 1 to September 30.
Cost: Adults $25, child/pensioner/concession $15, family (2+2) $60
Contact: For further information and reservations ring Susie or Trevor on (08) 9887 0088, 0407 380 922 or write to Astro Ventures.
Web: http://members.westnet.com.au/astroventures/

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Southern Cross Cosmos Centre

The Southern Cross Cosmos Centre is an observatory situated in the Shire of Gingin, an hour north of Perth. Their main instrument is the 25 inch Brodie-Hall telescope. They have five other telescopes ranging from 11" to 16" as well as six pairs of binoculars. The SCCC specialises in school programs and community groups.

Hours: See web site for costs and times.
Contact: Barbara King (08) 9575 7577
Web: http://www.gdc.asn.au/seestars.php

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Last Updated: 19 February, 2007.
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