The Sydney Observatory

Sydney Observatory
Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks
NSW Australia
Phone +61 2 9921 3485


One sunday night in Autumn, together with hubby and family we went to the Sydney Observatory or the Planetarium to experience an out of this world activity. After a scrumptious dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks, we headed towards the Observatory Hill where we had an 800PM confirmed tour. Night tour costs about AUD15 per adult and AUD10 per child, which is very worth it as it included telescope viewing, entry to the exhibits, and a 3D movie about the universe. Family discounts available. The tour was conducted by a part time astronomer himself who has been interested in our skies and galaxy and all that ever since he was a little boy.


We were taken to the South Dome, where there was a huge high technology telescope that would position itself automatically to track the stars, per human command entry on the amazingly intelligent computer. This dome was so acoustically great as it could hear even the softest of whispers. The guide advised us to not mention any secret while in it otherwise the whole group would know. This dome had a vertical opening that gave us a glimpse of the sky. That night was so clear that we actually saw Saturn! Saturn, viewed from the telescope appeared to be a white ball with white rings around it. It was such a surreal moment. Imagine getting a glimpse of one of our planet neighbours! We also had a look at a few cluster of stars.

After the dome, we headed outside to have a look at the moon, and the Alpha Centauri. Did you know that the Alpha Centauri is actually composed of two different stars that are so far apart, but since the Earth is even further away these two stars appear to be one? Cool trivias and information were learnt that night. Call me a geek, but once in a while I enjoy places such as this, where one couldn't imagine the scope of the universe. Makes one feel so small amidst all collosal world and universe we live in.


We also visited and had a look around the exhibition area, which had heaps of photos of the beginnings of the Sydney Observatory. There were a few ancient telescopes found in the hall as well.

Before ending the tour, we watched a film on Mars. A film that was made to simulate how the journey to Mars would be like, and what could be found on that planet. Among other trivial things we were told that there are things underway to have a human being stationed permanently on Mars! Isn't that frieky! Imagine living there. I can't imagine being inside a capsule of a transportation that would take 3 months per way just to reach Mars. So that would mean just to travel roundtrip to Mars from Earth, would take half a year!


What an interesting evening we had at the Sydney Observatory! Should you wish to take part in their day or night tours, bookings are essential. See link above for details.