Mount Stromlo Observatory

Overview

UPDATE — May 4, 2021: Mount Stromlo Observatory Visitor Centre is closed until further notice and its public astronomy nights are not currently running. But, you can still check out the Mount Stromlo Observatory site (including the Heritage Trail) and Director's Residence, which are open 8am–6pm and 9am–5pm respectively.

When you want to take a break from staring at the tourist sites, you can cast your gaze upwards to watching the night sky come alive with twinkling stars. Out in Canberra, away from the big cities, the stargazing is out of this world. The clear night sky offers the chance to see the rings of Saturn, the Milky Way, the craters of the moon and more — with the right gadgets, that is.

At Mount Stromlo Observatory, the open roof displays the panoramic night sky, revealing views of the brightest stars in the Southern Hemisphere. Astronomers will take you through a two-hour tour of the universe with the help of a few telescopes. And the best part? It's completely free (although a gold coin donation is encouraged).