Sydney Observatory

Observatory · Millers Point

Sydney Observatory

Observatory · Millers Point

4

1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia

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Sydney Observatory by User Submitted
Sydney Observatory by Shotsy (Atlas Obscura User)
Sydney Observatory by Photo by Manfred Gottschalk / age fotostock
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Sydney Observatory by User Submitted
Sydney Observatory by User Submitted
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Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null
Sydney Observatory by null

Highlights

Sydney Observatory, perched on a hill with harbor views, blends historic telescopes, a planetarium, and stunning night sky tours into a stellar day out.  

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1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia Get directions

powerhouse.com.au
@powerhousemuseum

Information

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1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia Get directions

+61 2 9217 0222
powerhouse.com.au
@powerhousemuseum
𝕏
@sydneyobs

Features

gender neutral restroom
crowd lgbtq friendly
crowd trans safespace
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@atlasobscura

20 Out-of-This-World Stargazing Spots

"The Sydney Observatory is home to a working refracting lens telescope which has been in use for over 135 years. It is the oldest working refracting lens telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. In some ways, however, the observatory was built simply to keep another instrument, the “time ball,” functioning.  The Time Ball is a large yellow ball, easily visible from the sea, that is dropped at exactly 1:00pm every day. Built in 1858, before the advent of radio, it served as a clear visual signal of the time. Its main purpose was to help ships set their chronometers which kept them on schedule and from running into one another. Initially, the city planned to build only the time ball, but soon realized that without setting the ball to the cosmic clock, it would be useless. Hence an observatory was built and staffed with an astronomer.  The ball was originally dropped at noon, but that was soon changed to 1:00pm as Rev. Scott, the Government Astronomer, was generally busy at noon watching the sun cross the north-south meridian. Today the time ball still drops at 1:00pm sharp, but its clock is no longer controlled by an astronomer but by an atomic master clock. The observatory itself remains; it is now a museum of astronomy and pays homage to captain James Cook and his famed voyage following the transit of Venus around the globe.  If you go at night you will be able to observe the night sky through both a modern telescope and the historic original telescope from 1874. If it’s a cloudy night, visitors are invited to participate in a planetarium show in a very small planetarium instead. The planetarium show is an experience in itself. You will also still get to use the telescope on a cloudy evening if you’d like, of course, but instead of focusing on the planet Jupiter the astronomers on hand have other fascinating tricks up their sleeve. These include training the telescope at a clock miles away from where you are standing, allowing you to read the time on its face as if you’re standing right in front of it." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/stargazing-spots
View Postcard for Sydney Observatory
@afar

"In the 1850s, a rugged hill overlooking Sydney Harbour was capped with the Sydney Observatoryat the behest of English astronomer and clergyman William Scott. What started as a sandstone structure used primarily for time-keeping and navigation developed into an observatory that has been illuminating the southern sky for more than a century. Sydney has much more light pollution today, but the original retractable copper dome does a good job of blocking it out to bring distant constellations and nebulae into view. The resident astronomer will target planets such as Jupiter and Saturn as well as only-in-the-southern-hemisphere sights such as the Southern Cross constellation or the astronomer's favorite: Jewel Box, a rare cluster of glimmering stars whose different colors reflect distinct ages."

Sydney's Best Museums and Cultural Attractions
View Postcard for Sydney Observatory
@afar

"In the 1850s, a rugged hill overlooking Sydney Harbour was capped with the Sydney Observatoryat the behest of English astronomer and clergyman William Scott. What started as a sandstone structure used primarily for time-keeping and navigation developed into an observatory that has been illuminating the southern sky for more than a century. Sydney has much more light pollution today, but the original retractable copper dome does a good job of blocking it out to bring distant constellations and nebulae into view. The resident astronomer will target planets such as Jupiter and Saturn as well as only-in-the-southern-hemisphere sights such as the Southern Cross constellation or the astronomer's favorite: Jewel Box, a rare cluster of glimmering stars whose different colors reflect distinct ages."

The Best Things to Do in Sydney
View Postcard for Sydney Observatory
@cntraveler

15 Best Museums in Sydney | Condé Nast Traveler

"Part of Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (MAAS), this state-listed heritage site houses telescope domes, a 3D Space Theatre, and the Sydney Planetarium. Essential to shipping, navigation, meteorology, and timekeeping, the observatory was exclusively used by government astrologers during the 19th and 20th centuries. It wasn't until 1982 that the building was turned into a museum and public observatory. On view are two heritage timekeeping devices—the Flag Staff and Time Ball—plus Australia's oldest telescope. The digital Planetarium shows films about astronomy, space flight, and the constellations, plus Aboriginal tales of the cosmos." - Sophie Davies

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-sydney
View Postcard for Sydney Observatory

Upamali Dharmasena

Google
My friend and I booked in for the guided tour and had the best time! The guides are knowledgeable and they make it fun! If you get a good group, and if you are into stars and planets, trust me and book the tour :) seeing Jupiter through the telescope was a core memory! I wish they offered more views with the telescopes, it’s only a small part of the tour. Overall though, it was a beautiful memory. Would recommend.

Steven Devol

Google
Excellent tour of the observatory and its many scientific roles, not just as a place to view the heavens but its role in signaling, timekeeping and meteorology. Take a nighttime tour so you can look through the scopes at whatever's cool on a given night. Aliyah was an excellent, engaging guide.

Map Roy

Google
My visit to Sydney Observatory was ok but a bit disappointing. From Thursday to Saturday, the centre is open and has free entry to limited areas. There really was not much to see in the places we had access to. There were a few historical astonomic tools spread across a few rooms of the main house. The grounds/ garden and view from the property were nice. Our while visit did not take long to do.

Zara Duursma

Google
Had the pleasure of enjoying a beautifully guided night tour here, lead by Nada. Her knowledge and expertise about astronomy was clearly used to support with what we were learning about the colonial history of the site. She made sure everyone in the tour was involved in the history and had equal opportunities to see stars and planets through the observatories telescopes. I went to the tour with two other friends, and we all thought Nada's acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land we were on was intertwined within the tour material in a respectful way. Truly the best tour guide I have ever had, and an overall great experience. Have already recommended it to many other people in my life!

Alex Martin

Google
This was an immensely educational experience enriched by the knowledge of our guide and the beauty of the surrounding city. The observatory is great fun for kids too, so I recommend the family tour - and it's quieter during the weekday day-time. There is still plenty to see (we looked at the moon!) We learned lots of new facts about telescopes, Flag Masters, the history of the observatory and the moon itself. I want to give a particular shout out to the team, Stef, Amelia (our guide) and Jack who were so friendly and welcoming and who entertained our daughter while waiting for the tour to start. An amazing team that made the whole experience absolutely fantastic. This was a highlight of the whole holiday.

Schedulie

Google
🌿 (True) I was feeling sick before coming here, but after resting and enjoying the scenery, I felt better 🤣 💎 I’ll write about the best spots for laying out a picnic mat and recommended visiting times in the main text! Highly recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing day enjoying beautiful natural scenery in the heart of Sydney 🧘🏻‍♀️🏕️ 🔎 Best spot: Next to a big tree in the park 🌳 (It’s relatively less crowded but the view is fantastic!)
🔎 Recommended visiting time: 🌆 Visit 1-2 hours before sunset and stay to watch the sunset! 📍 Sydney Observatory

Marco Nero

Google
An educational and memorable experience for all ages. Consider a Day or Night tour of the heritage-listed Observatory site. Observe the heavens during a night tour via modern and vintage telescopes - and observe the planets or terrestrial subjects live (weather permitting). We were able to view the rings of Saturn on our trip. Some narrow stairs are to be ascended when entering the telescope domes. Numerous historical artifacts from the Powerhouse Museum Collection are on display within the observatory. Highly recommended and affordably priced. GUIDED FAMILY TOURS: For ages 6+ Friday - Saturday. SYDNEY OBSERVATORY GUIDED TOURS: For ages 12+ Wednesday - Saturday.

LeeJentaylor

Google
Stargazing is not my thing but I wanted to fill my day today so I booked a ticket for the tour here. Emelia (a self-proclaimed non-physicist!) was outstanding. She was engaging, knowledgeable, passionate and friendly. Emelia was not phased by any questions thrown at her and was very patient with our group. And…the tour wasn’t just about stars…it was fascinating. I would highly recommend a visit there. I’ll also be reading the book she recommended: How Stones From Outerspace Made Our World by Tim Gregory (something I wouldn’t ordinarily do.) Thank you so much, Emelia.
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Sarah S.

Yelp
I took the evening tour as a solo traveler and it did not disappoint. I had grown use to my norther hemisphere skies but was delighted to view life from the southern side. The tour was small and personal giving everyone a chance to look through the vintage telescopes. Located high above the city, it made for a beautiful evening of sightseeing.
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Joe C.

Yelp
The Sydney Observatory's evening tour is perhaps the perfect thing for the novice interested in astronomy. It's a museum, now, of course, on account of the light pollution, but it was very interesting to see the artifacts throughout the building. When you add in the guided tour and an opportunity to be oriented with the southern sky, it couldn't be better. We had a tremendously patient guide who handled the basic questions from our group (yes, the Sun is a star) and the more complicated ones (why is the something something elliptical quark quantum mechanics?*) with aplomb. He explained the basics of the evening sky very well indeed,** and of course nothing compares to getting to look through a high-quality telescope to see proof that Alpha Centauri is a binary system, the rings of Saturn, and of course the highly defined craters of our own moon. For someone like me who had never looked through a telescope before, the experience is simply incredible. Sydney Observatory is certainly worth the tour and the evening viewing, though I'd say those above "beginner" astronomy would find it more interesting as a museum or curiosity than as an opportunity for actual observation. Definitely recommended. * I admit, that one went a bit over my head, so I'm paraphrasing. ** I've seen the Southern Cross now. Crosby et. al. can get off my back already.
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Shandos C.

Yelp
Visiting the Sydney Observatory for the World Record Stargazing event was an unexpected surprise. Located in an out-of-the-way part of Sydney (due to the hill and the Harbour Bridge approach), I'd never been there before. The buildings are impressive, mainly built between 1857 and 1859 from beautiful Sydney sandstone. I also found it was free to enter the grounds and view the exhibits inside (I went back later to see the buildings during daylight). At the moment there is a wonderful exhibits of astronomical photography on. It does however cost for a tour during the day or evening ($10 for adults during the day, $18 in the evening), which includes entry to the planetarium and viewing through the telescopes - best done during the evening of course. The highlight for me was viewing the rings of Saturn through a telescope for the first time, plus taking part in my first world record!
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David S.

Yelp
Now this is one of those places where you can let your inner geek run wild. Basically it is a museum, but it is also a fully functional observatory. Okay, the telescopes are hardly top of the range (and in fact they still have one of the really telescopes operating here). While the museum is open during the day, it is the night tours, if you are lucky, that really show the awesomeness of this place. Okay, as I said, you have to be really lucky because even if there is a little bit of cloud cover you aren't going to be seeing any stars. However I happened to have been quite lucky when I came here, and the sky was beautifully empty, which meant we go to look into some telescopes and even go to see Saturn. You do have to book ahead, so there is some keeping your fingers crossed, but as I said I ended up hitting it lucky and ended up having one awesome night.
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Danielle L.

Yelp
Space is cool - and not "space" like the "I can stretch out" space I'm talking about outer space - planets, moons, stars and beyond.... Now before you think my glasses got misted up and my calculator needs tweaking - think again - Im not the kinda girl who goes gaga for space.... but the Sydney Observatory did get me excited to learn more.... This is a place to become an astronomer for the night as you learn all about the great wide universe. They have a 3D movie ( a bit daggy) and a telescope (super cool) which allows you to see the stars - provided its not too cloudy... It's open during the day, but if you're gonna visit - i suggest head over at night for a greater experience..... it's a fun place for kids and adults.... in fact I think its a great place to take a date.... nothing like kissing under the stars....
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Jenny K.

Yelp
We had tickets to head to Stargazing at the Observatory. It really was a spectacular night with passed hordeavors and champs We had the opportunity to look through the telescope, but because it was a cloudy night couldn't see any stars. Would recommend taking the family up to view the harbor and the telescope on a clearer night.
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Ciaran B.

Yelp
This was magical. On the hottest day so far - I think it was at 36 degrees that my blood officially turned to magma - off we pranced to the observatory for a night viewing. At $18 bucks a ticket, it was absolutely worth every cent. Our tour guide and resident stellar feller was Raj; personable, knowledgeable and clearly so passionate about astronomy, he was a great and fearless leader. The tour was broken into three parts. First up, we were taken outside to view the night sky with our very own eyes, where Raj pointed out the particulars of the heavenly firmament with the aid of a laser pen and iPad. It was SO en trende, darling. Next up, we were bought into the two observatory domes. They are wondrous. Through the 'scopes (when you've been, you too can use the lexicon of the enlightened), we gazed at the moon with staggering clarity, womens' own Venus, and a patch of stars that played like fireflies in the sky. We then were treated to a video session, which, while interesting, was a little too much for a brain saturated by our preposterous insignificance. I cannot recommend this highly enough. We should all do something every day to reaffirm our complete minisculity. It will stop you making that snarky comment, or getting pissed at someone cutting you up. You see that number up there? Give it a call. Now. Bring someone you love.
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Suicidal B.

Yelp
Geek night out anyone? See the night sky in stylish fashion and book a night visit or private viewing. ($18 or $1000+).
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Monique O.

Yelp
Came here for the Guinness world record attempt of the most amount of people start gazing at once! This place is pretty cool. It is smaller than I had thought,but that doesn't take away any of the awesome that this place holds! The museum itself is multiple levels, and has heaps of awesome sciencey astronomy displays that will tickle your inner school child! Oh and best of all its all free!!!! P.s has an awesome view of the bridge and Luna park!
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Sharn G.

Yelp
I took my partner here for a night of viewing stars and teenage groping in the dark. It footed the bill, it was informative and he learnt so much about the stars above us in Sydney that he had no idea before. We saw the rings of Saturn and a cluster of stars. Well worth a visit if you love star gazing, even more so if you don't own your own telescope, because the ones they have there kick ass like no one's business.
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Kiera S.

Yelp
Everything you ever wanted to know about telescopes and the transit of Venus. And probably more. That said, this review is based on day-time visit... I have no doubt that, this being an observatory, it's far more interesting after dark.
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Matthew S.

Yelp
Now a museum (closed as a functioning astronomical lab in the 80s), this place is a warren. Grounds outside are great and signposted well with historical and astronomy markers. Inside you can't turn your head for all the history around. All the old parts for the astronomy functionality is great. They have an external viewing are upstairs. I've been told the tours are good, though have not made one myself yet. Maybe in the future.

Elle H.

Yelp
Sydney's best kept secret! I took my son here during school holidays. There is so much yu can see for free around the grounds and through the museum. We paid for tickets to see a short 3D movie and then went upstairs to the telescope. I had thought going during the day we wouldn't get to see anything but we were able to see the sun! Pretty cool stuff. My son LOVED it! And then to top it off they had a room with a huge table filled with Lego. He was in heaven. A great day out and not many people about so we were able to enjoy the place at our leisure.
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Brian C.

Yelp
Really cool experience. We did the 8:15 tour and got lucky with the weather. The guide was really knowledgeable, and we saw some cool stars and planets in the big telescopes. Don't go if you are tired, the movie is shown in a dark room, perfect for dozing off.
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Julia W.

Yelp
The enchanting Sydney Observatory is the perfect place to indulge your love of astronomy. I have long been fascinated by the night sky and recently signed up to one of the 'Adult Astronomy' classes. Being a beginning I elected 'Exploring The Heavens' which is a five-week introductory course to the stars, planets and constellations. You'll also get the chance to look through the oldest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere plus a basic understating of the different types of telescopes. The course is run by Dr Paul Payne whose passion and enthusiasm for astronomy is infectious (he has over 20 years experience). Paul also extends an invitation to his class to join him for dinner at The Lord Nelson which is a great chance to chat further about the night sky! The course costs $150 for adults. Highly recommended.
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Paul J.

Yelp
I find myself instantly captivated by anything having to do with astronomy. There's something awe-inspiring about looking so far up into the sky that you can see different worlds, places that we'll never go. The Sydney Observatory is located in The Rocks, perched up on the top of a hill that offers panoramic views of the Harbor Bridge, North Sydney, Pyrmont, and Balmain. I strongly recommend coming for one of their telescope viewings. They offer one during the day (what's the point of coming then?) and at night, when you can look through the oldest working telescope in Australia. It's super cool. On a clear night, not only can you see stars, but also other planets, nebulae, and a very up close and personal view of the moon. A really cool 3D movie is also shown that gives you a little background on what you're looking at, and astronomy in general. Remember to book before you go, it's $18 for adults at night.
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Gemma C.

Yelp
I have enjoyed many a school occasion trips to The Observatory and have found the talks to be incredibly fascinating. You get a glimpse into the world of out space with a guide offering plenty of information to provide a greater insight and understanding. The location of the Sydney Observatory couldn't be better. Situated in a park with a view of the Sydney Harbour, groups flock to the Observatory for a day out followed by lunch in the park. The highlight of the visit? Peeking through their age old telescope which is famous for being the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Pack a picnic and enjoy a wonderful day out with family and friends!

Andrew P.

Yelp
Not so much during the day. The grounds has great views of the Sydney harbor, but the displays themselves were a bit on the boring side. The upside is it's pretty close to everything and is a quick stop, then you move on with the rest of your day.