Contact Us

Contact Details

If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, please feel free to contact us using one of the methods below.

We wont be able to be contacted during any of the sessions as we will be busy entertaining our guests.

Contact

What is the difference between the Night Sky and Telescope Viewing and the Premium Tour?

The Night Sky & Telescope Viewing is the general session and is the first session of the evening. Lasting for a minimum of one hour, it can have a maximum of 50 people attend. The show includes an astronomy presentation followed by telescope viewing. Bring a compatible camera (see camera FAQ below) for a free astrophoto through the telescope!

The Premium session lasts for a minimum of 1 hour 45 minutes with a maximum of 6 people. View more objects through the telescopes, as well as with a pair of astronomy binoculars! We’ll take four astrophotos through the main telescope with your compatible DSLR camera (see camera FAQ below), and you’ll get a free photo card of a previously captured object. This session is held after the Night Sky & Telescope Viewing session.

Where is the Observatory?

The observatory is located 6 km from the town centre.

Our address is 17L Camp Road.

From the Newell Hwy, turn left on Obley Rd, then right onto Camp Rd. We are on the left.

Alternatively, from the Newell Hwy, drive past the Obley Rd turn off, turn left on Camp Rd, we are on the right.

What happens if I need to cancel my ticket?

Night Sky & Telescope Viewing Session: You can cancel your ticket, but no refund is given unless we can resell your ticket.

Premium, Private, Astrophotography sessions: A refund is given if more than 3 days notice is given. If less than 3 days notice is given, a refund is given if we can resell your ticket.

Gift Certificates and credits: No refund is given. We can issue a credit if we can resell your ticket.

You can cancel your ticket by emailing the observatory directly at [email protected]. Please do not contact the ticketing agency.

What happens if it’s overcast or raining?

Night Sky & Telescope Viewing Session: On arrival you’ll get the choice of a credit for a future available session of the same value in the next 3 years, or to continue with the show. In some cases, we may contact you by text giving you the choice. Where you choose to continue with the session, the show starts as normal with the 30 minute astronomy presentation. If it is raining, this is held indoors. If it remains overcast we extend the presentation.

Premium / Private/ Astrophotography Sessions: The show is cancelled. You can decide to either to receive a refund or credit to use for a future session of the same value.

Can I bring my children to the Observatory?

Children 5 years of age and older are welcome. They must have a ticket to the session and be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.

Children under 5 years of age are not permitted.

Which cameras are compatible with the telescopes?

DSLR cameras: Canon, Nikon. We use the camera body and attach our adapter. Adapters are brand specific.

Mirrorless cameras: Sony.

Do I get to look through a telescope?

Night Sky & Telescope Viewing Session: Yes if the sky is clear. If it is overcast you may not get to look through a telescope.

Premium and Private Sessions. Yes you get to look through a telescope.

Astrophotography Session: You do not view through a telescope, just take photographs.

Is the show suitable for children?

The shows (particularly the presentation) are more targeted to teenagers and adults, but is suitable for children with an interest in space, the night sky, and astronomy.

Young children usually don’t have the ability to view objects through a telescope. Children under 5 years of age are not permitted except for the Private Session.

Why can’t I bring children under 5 years of age?

Young children usually cannot see through an eyepiece and do not get anything out of the show.

The telescopes are delicate instruments and not toys. Young children often touch and handle parts of the telescope, which can put the telescopes out of alignment for the rest of the session.

We have had instances where significant damage has been done to telescopes, including a case which cost $5000 to repair and the telescope being out of action for months waiting for spare parts.

Very young children usually get bored very quickly, get cold, or tired and can disrupt the session for others.

Do you accept companion cards?

The companion pays the child price. A valid companion card must be shown.

Is there wheelchair access?

There is wheelchair access to the main building and the outdoor telescope platform. There is no access to the observatory. To view through a telescope, you will need to stand briefly. Occasionally you may need to use a stepladder.

What time is the observatory open?

We have sessions that start at specific times at night and these times vary throughout the year. Timings are for tonight’s show are on the home page. For other days, go to the ticketing site.

Do I need to book?

You require a ticket to attend one of our sessions.

Night Sky & Telescope Session: Tickets are available online in the first instance up to an hour before start time. Unsold tickets are sold at the door 15 minutes before start time.

Premium Session: Tickets sold online only.

Private Session and Astrophotography Session: Contact by email [email protected]

When should I purchase a ticket?

We recommend you purchase tickets on or close to the day so you know what the weather is doing. The clearer the sky, the more we see.

However, shows normally sell out on long weekends, April, July, September/October school holidays, between Christmas and New Year, and the first week of January. In these periods it is best to book a day or two in advance. You can get an idea of how full a session is if you check the ticketing site, it will tell you how many tickets are left.

Are you dog friendly?

Dogs and other pets are not permitted at the observatory.

However assistance dogs for medical/ disability reasons are an exception.

How long will I be there?

Night Sky & Telescope Viewing: Minimum 1 hour, usually hour and 15 minutes.

Premium Session: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Astrophotography session: 2 hours

What if I don’t have a camera, but want a photo?

You can bring a standard size SD card that fits our canon camera.

You can buy an SD card here to use. If you do, you can have 2 photos taken.

We sell photos we have taken through the telescope.

What should I wear?

We are outdoors so you need to dress to the weather conditions

Winter: It can be very cold, wear as much as you can, and wearing a beanie, scarf and gloves really makes a difference.

Summer: We can get some mosquitos at dusk, so please wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt and apply an insect repellent on any exposed areas.

Enclosed shoes are required.

Do you provide transport to the observatory?

No, we do not provide transport.

What if I am running late?

If you arrive late without prior notice, you will notice the door is closed and a sign saying a session is in progress. You will not be allowed in. You will not be allowed entry and there is no refund.

If you think you will be late, you can call before start time an advise. When you arrive, send a text only (don’t call) and we will come out and get you.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes we sell astronomy related books, DVDs, toys, pictures, and more!

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