Perth Observatory - a large white building with a dome on top of it
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Perth Observatory

4.8
·644 reviews·Bickley, Australia

A historic, working observatory offering public tours and a window into the wonders of the night sky.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear Weeknights

Fewer crowds, better stargazing

CrowdLow
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Perth Observatory - a large white building with a dome on top of it

Perth Observatory

Best Time

Clear Weeknights

Fewer crowds, better stargazing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic, working observatory offering public tours and a window into the wonders of the night sky.

4.8
(644 reviews)

"The volunteers do an amazing job to make it a great experience and make everyone feel included and welcome."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book 'Perth Observatory Night Tour'

Essential for stargazing! Book well in advance as tours sell out quickly.

🧥 Dress for the Hills

It gets cooler at night. Bring layers and a jacket for comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Night Sky Tour

Night Sky Tour

Telescope Viewing Area

Gaze at planets, nebulae, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. A truly magical experience under the vast Australian sky.

InstagramReddit
Historical Observatory Buildings

Historical Observatory Buildings

Main Observatory Site

Explore a heritage-listed site with over 125 years of astronomical discovery and research.

Instagram
Informative Astronomy Talks

Informative Astronomy Talks

Lecture Hall / Viewing Areas

Engaging presentations by passionate staff and volunteers about the cosmos and Perth's role in space exploration.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Night Tour in Advance

Perth Observatory night tours are incredibly popular, especially for stargazing. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot, as they often sell out. Check their website for available dates and times, and consider booking a 'Perth Observatory Night Tour' well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Prepare for the Perth Hills Weather

The Perth Observatory is located in the Perth Hills, which can be cooler and windier than the city. Dress in layers, even on warm days, and bring a jacket for evening tours. If clouds roll in, the experience shifts to fascinating talks about astronomy and the observatory's history. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Clear Weeknights
Why
Fewer crowds, better stargazing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, popular tours
Crowd
High
When
Daytime Tours
Why
Explore history, less crowded
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Underwater Observatory Tour on the Busselton Jetty is mad cool imo #perthdudefood #busseltonjetty #underwater #fish
@perthdudefood
34.4K likes • 458.6K views

🎯 Book 'Perth Observatory Night Tour'

Essential for stargazing! Book well in advance as tours sell out quickly. Reddit

🧥 Dress for the Hills

It gets cooler at night. Bring layers and a jacket for comfort. TikTok

La plus belle vue de Busan 📍Hwangnyeong Mountain Observatory #Busan #SouthKorea #VisitKorea #TravelKorea#HwangnyeongObservatory #Travel #TravelPhotography #Nature #Landscape #Cityscape #Panorama #Sunset #NightView #FYP #pourtoi #Viral #Trending #Explore #voyagesreveurs
@voyagesreveurs
20.1K likes • 125.9K views
Here’s a fun activity to do in Perth. 🪐✨ Located just 40 minutes east in the Perth Hills, the @PerthObservatory offers a unique window into the wonders of the universe. Serving Western Australia for over 125 years, this heritage-listed site has been a mainstay of astronomical exploration, boasting a legacy of groundbreaking discoveries - from mapping the positions of over 25,000 stars to co-disco...
perth.local
3.3K likes • 197.8K views

☁️ Cloudy? Still Worth It!

Fascinating talks and history await even if the sky is covered. Reddit

☕ Free Hot Choc & Cookies

Enjoy a warm treat at the end of your night tour! Reddit

🌕Next appearance: 2037🌕 Just a girl armed with a telescope and her iPhone embarks on a solo date to the Perth Observatory to capture a closer glimpse of the Super Blue Moon!🔭📸 Was also lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Saturn!🪐 This luna event held such a special fascination with sky watchers because of their rarity. You won’t be shocked to learn that a super blue moon is a combination of two...
dashkovsky
146 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book 'Perth Observatory Night Tour'

Essential for stargazing! Book well in advance as tours sell out quickly. Reddit

🧥 Dress for the Hills

It gets cooler at night. Bring layers and a jacket for comfort. TikTok

☁️ Cloudy? Still Worth It!

Fascinating talks and history await even if the sky is covered. Reddit

☕ Free Hot Choc & Cookies

Enjoy a warm treat at the end of your night tour! Reddit

📱 Use Your Phone for Pics

Capture the moon and planets with your phone through the telescope! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(644 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Perth Observatory for its passionate staff and volunteers who make astronomy accessible and exciting. The night sky tours, offering glimpses of planets and stars, are a major highlight, with many appreciating the complimentary treats. While cloudy weather can impact stargazing, the informative talks and historical insights ensure a valuable experience regardless of the skies. InstagramReddit

"Staff members are very friendly and passionate to guide us to view different stars , and free hot chocolate and cookies are provided at the end of tour. However, if dense clouds stay in the sky, you cannot see stars clearly."

Ray

"It's a lovely experience that you get to see the night skies as you wouldn't have the opportunity if you live in the city. The experience with the telescopes and detailed explanation by the staff makes it a very meaningful experience. You will look at the stars in a different light. Kudos to the volunteers for the wonderful night. Oh they made it kids friendly too."

Isaias JL

"Even with cloudy skies, we had an amazing time at Perth Observatory! The tour was fascinating—full of insights about Perth’s role in space exploration and the observatory’s rich history. The staff were knowledgeable and passionate, and we learned so much despite the weather not cooperating. We’ll definitely be back on a clear night for some stargazing!"

Karlos Belle

What People Like

Passionate and knowledgeable staff
Amazing stargazing opportunities
Engaging for all ages

What People Dislike

Cloudy weather impacts viewing
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Perth Observatory is located about 40 minutes east of Perth city in the Perth Hills. Driving is the most common way to get there. There is ample parking available on site. Public transport options are limited, so check current bus routes and schedules if you plan to use them. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at the Perth Observatory. It's generally ample, especially for daytime visits. For popular night tours, arriving a little early can ensure a good spot. Reddit

While driving is the easiest option, some visitors have managed using public transport combined with a taxi or rideshare for the final leg. It's recommended to check current Perth public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

The drive is scenic, taking you into the beautiful Perth Hills. The roads are generally well-maintained, but can be winding in places. Allow extra time for potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Instagram

The observatory has made efforts to improve accessibility, but being a heritage site, some areas may have limitations. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific needs and accessibility options for tours and facilities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the type of tour or event. Night tours, which include telescope viewing, are generally more expensive than daytime historical tours. Check the official Perth Observatory website for the most current pricing and booking information. Reddit

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular 'Perth Observatory Night Tour'. These tours often sell out, so securing your tickets online ahead of time is crucial. Reddit

Opening hours vary depending on the season and whether you are visiting for a daytime tour or a nighttime event. It's best to check the official Perth Observatory website for their current operating hours and tour schedules. Instagram

For specific tours and events, especially the night sky tours, pre-booked tickets are usually required. While some daytime visits might be more flexible, it's always safest to book in advance to guarantee entry. Reddit

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or family packages. Special events might also have different pricing structures. Check the observatory's website or contact them directly for any available discount information. Reddit

🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience

On a clear night, you can expect to see planets like Saturn and Jupiter, nebulae, star clusters, and the Moon through powerful telescopes. Even on cloudy nights, you'll enjoy fascinating talks about astronomy and the observatory's history. InstagramReddit

It's recommended to wear layers as the Perth Hills can get cool after sunset. A jacket or warm sweater is advisable, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed. Many visitors enjoy capturing images of the Moon and planets through their phone cameras held up to the telescope eyepieces. Instagram

Absolutely! The observatory is very family-friendly. Staff and volunteers are great at making the experience engaging and educational for kids, explaining complex concepts in an understandable way. Reddit

If clouds obscure the view, the tour will focus on informative talks about astronomy, the history of the observatory, and its role in scientific discovery. Many visitors find these sessions just as captivating. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During night tours, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are often provided, which is a lovely touch. For other times, it's best to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit, as extensive dining facilities are not typically available. Reddit

Bringing your own water bottle is always a good idea. For other food, it's best to consume it in designated areas or before/after your tour to maintain the observatory's environment. Check their specific policies if you plan to bring a picnic. Reddit

The observatory is located in the Perth Hills, which has charming cafes and restaurants in nearby towns like Kalamunda. These offer a great opportunity to dine before or after your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

While the observatory provides telescopes, for astrophotography, a tripod and a camera with manual settings are essential. Experiment with long exposures and high ISO. Capturing the Moon or planets through the telescope with your phone is also popular. Instagram

Flash photography is generally discouraged during tours and telescope viewings to avoid disturbing other visitors and to preserve night vision. Always check with staff or volunteers if unsure. Instagram

You can capture stunning images of the Moon, planets like Saturn and Jupiter (often through the telescope with a phone adapter), and potentially nebulae or star clusters if conditions are perfect and you have the right equipment. Instagram

While not always advertised as dedicated photography tours, special events or workshops might cater to photographers. It's worth checking their events calendar or contacting them directly for any photography-focused opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perth Observatory is a fantastic destination for families. The night sky tours are designed to be engaging for children, with passionate guides who explain astronomy in fun, understandable ways. Kids often love the chance to look through the telescopes and spot planets. Reddit

Even if the weather isn't perfect for stargazing, the historical talks and the observatory's setting provide an educational and enjoyable experience. The complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at the end of night tours are a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit

🌌 Astronomy Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in astronomy, Perth Observatory offers a deep dive into both history and the cosmos. You'll appreciate the heritage-listed site and its ongoing contributions to research. The night sky tours provide excellent opportunities to view celestial objects through professional-grade telescopes. InstagramReddit

Engage with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are eager to share their passion and expertise. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the equipment, astronomical phenomena, or the observatory's history. Special events and talks can offer even more in-depth learning experiences. Reddit

📸 Amateur Photographers

Amateur photographers can find unique opportunities at Perth Observatory. While dedicated astrophotography setups might be challenging due to lighting conditions, capturing the Moon and planets through the telescope with a smartphone is a popular and achievable goal. Instagram

Consider visiting during daytime tours to capture the historic buildings and scenic Perth Hills surroundings. For night photography, focus on capturing the atmosphere of the observatory itself, or experiment with long exposures if you have the right equipment and permission. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Perth Observatory

Established in 1896, the Perth Observatory is a heritage-listed site with a rich history of astronomical research and discovery. It has played a significant role in mapping the southern sky and contributing to scientific knowledge for over 125 years. The observatory is not just a historical monument; it's a working facility that continues to contribute to astronomical research. Instagram

Visitors can explore the historic buildings and learn about the groundbreaking work that has taken place here. The passionate staff and volunteers are eager to share stories of its past, from early mapping projects to its ongoing contributions to understanding the universe. This blend of history and active science makes for a truly unique experience. Reddit

Beyond its research legacy, the observatory has also been instrumental in public outreach, fostering a love for astronomy in generations of Western Australians. Its dedication to education and public engagement is evident in the well-crafted tours and events offered. Instagram

Stargazing Experience: What to Expect

The highlight for many visitors is the Perth Observatory Night Tour, offering a chance to peer into the cosmos. On clear nights, you'll have the opportunity to view celestial objects through powerful telescopes. Popular targets include the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and various nebulae and star clusters. InstagramReddit

Even if clouds obscure the stars, the experience remains highly rewarding. The knowledgeable guides and volunteers provide engaging talks about astronomy, the solar system, and the observatory's historical significance. They are adept at making complex topics accessible and exciting for all ages. Reddit

Visitors often rave about the personal touch, with volunteers going the extra mile to ensure everyone feels included and has a memorable experience. The complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at the end of the night tour are a delightful bonus that adds to the overall charm. Reddit

Photography at the Observatory

Capturing the night sky at Perth Observatory can be a rewarding endeavor. While the observatory's telescopes are primarily for viewing, many visitors find success photographing celestial bodies like the Moon and planets by holding their smartphone up to the eyepiece. This technique, often referred to as 'afocal photography,' can yield surprisingly good results. Instagram

For more serious astrophotography, bringing a tripod and a camera with manual controls is recommended. Experimenting with long exposure settings and high ISO can help capture fainter objects. However, remember that light pollution can still be a factor, and the observatory's primary focus is on providing a viewing experience rather than a dedicated astrophotography workshop. Instagram

It's always a good idea to check with the staff about the best times and locations for photography, and to be mindful of other visitors. Respecting the dark environment needed for stargazing is paramount. Instagram

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