Night Time Session – Sydney Observatory

Ages – All

About: Here is one that is just a little unusual and yet very special at the same time. Imagine spending a couple of hours gazing at the stars and moon with your date and then finishing it off with either a picnic with a glass of wine in the park or a romantic candle lite dinner over looking the harbour at one of the fantastic dinning place in the area. This is a night to remember and why not have a star named after her just to top off the evening?

The Sydney Observatory is located on a hill now known as ‘Observatory Hill’ in an area in the centre of Sydney. The site evolved from a fort built on ‘Windmill Hill’ in the early 19th century to an astronomical observatory during the nineteenth century. It is now a working museum where evening visitors can observe the stars and planets through a modern 40 cm schmidt-cassegrain telescope and a historic 29 cm.

The Sydney Observatory has sessions both during the day and during the night. Each of the different session times gives you a unique and fascinating perspective on the stars and the universe we live in.

Night Telescope Session: Includes a stunning 3D space movie as well as time to explore the astronomy and meteorology exhibit. Booked night telescope viewing sessions take place regardless of the weather. In the case of unclear viewing conditions, the telescope viewing session is replaced with a fun session in our beanbag planetarium. bookings are essential and charges apply.

Name a Star Information:

With Valentin’s day approaching quickly the Sydney Observatory has put together a special Valentine’s night special: Sydney Observatory’s Name A Star package makes a perfect gift for that someone special. By adding a viewing pass ($50) to the package, you can come and view your star through our telescopes and as a special Valentine offer, the first 10 couples to book a Name A Star viewing on Valentine’s night will not only get to see their star but also enjoy a glass of sparking wine and a chocolate before or after their viewing!

Name A Star links a name with a star in our catalogue and your donation funds the heritage and collection program at Sydney Observatory, a non-profit organisation, part of the Powerhouse Museum. This means that your individual Name A Star gift is fully tax-deductible. Your chosen name for the star in the catalogue is kept in the Observatory’s records.

Name a star price: Individuals $300

What you get in the individual Name a Star Package:

Certificate (suitable for framing)
Letter to the person receiving the package, and another to the person giving the package
Star charts and co-ordinates showing where the star is located in the night sky
Postage via Express Post in Australia
Tax receipt for your donation

Admission Price at the door:

Night time session for Sydney Observatory’s 3D Theatre and Telescope Session (bookings are essential so please contact the observatory for further information)

Adults $18
Concession Card Holders (must show card) $14
Children (4-16years old) $12
Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + up to 3 children) $50

Opening Hours:

Open 10am–5pm daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday holidays)

Session times for telescope/3D Theatre:

Nighttime (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday holidays) Bookings are essential for the Sydney Observatory Night sessions and charges apply:

April to September 6.15pm to 8pm and 8.15pm to 10pm
October and November 8.15pm to 10pm
December and January 8.30pm to 10.15pm
February and March 8.15pm to 10pm

Things to Bring:

Camera (flash cameras will NOT work)
Food and drink; there is a vending machine on the premise which has a limited amount of snacks and drinks available. You are welcome to bring your own food and picnic on the grounds. There are a number of cafe around the area but they are a 10 minute walk.
ATM – There are no ATM’s at the observatory

How to get there:

Please note when taking public transport that the Sydney Observatory is located on the top of Observatory Hill in the middle of the park so you will be required to walk up the hill.

Train: A short easy walk from Wynyard Station, York Street exit from .
Bus: Take buses on routes 431, 432, 433, 308, 339 and 343 to Millers Point and stop at the bottom of Watson Road in Argyle Street. Services on routes 431 and 432 which travel along George Street to Millers Point are the most frequent.
Ferries: From Circular Quay, walk north along George Street to Argyle Street, through the Argyle Cut and up the steps opposite the Garrison Church. Continue up Watson Road and walk through Observatory Park.
Parking: Visitors can either park in Watson Road or Argyle Street both of which are metered. The Observatory is then only a short walk up Watson Road and through the Observatory Hill Park.Onsite parking is not available except when booked for persons with a disability by calling 9921 3485 to make a booking.

Contact Information:

Information Number: (02) 9921 3485

Address: Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks.

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