Welcome To The Perth Observatory
Your Gateway To The Universe
Welcome to the Perth Observatory Website
Western Australia’s oldest observatory is located 25 km east of Perth in Bickley. The Observatory has served WA for over 120 years and remains actively involved in the service of public education. In recognition of its scientific, cultural and historical significance, the Observatory was entered on the state’s Heritage Register in 2005. The Observatory is now run under a community partnership agreement between the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group.
Unfortunately due to the continued spread of the Coronavirus and the fact that WA has recorded infections through community spread, our board has decided to cancel this weekend’s tours (29th to the 31st of May). The board is deciding week to week if the tours are going ahead out or not due to how much the situation is changing throughout the week, so we’ll be contacting people on our tours early each week to let them know if the tours going ahead.
Live Streaming On YouTube
Date: Thursday (Talks) and Saturday (Virtual Star Parties)
Time: Nights at 7:30 pm
Price: It's free
We're going crazy not being able to show the public the night sky so on Thursday nights we'll be live streaming public talks at 7:30 pm and on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm, we'll be live streaming cool stuff in our amazing Southern Sky for you on YouTube from one of our telescopes. Not only will we show you the objects, we'll also talk about them so you can learn about how cool our night sky is in the Southern Hemisphere.
Join us on our Discord Channel and ask questions while you watch the YouTube Live Stream.
Winter Night Tours
Astronomers say the best time for viewing our southern skies is during Winter. Well, this year our passionate volunteers at the Perth Observatory are offering to brave the cooler weather to show you planets, and the galactic centre passing overhead revealing many deep-sky treasures that you can’t see in Summer.
If there are clouds or even rain on the night we’ll then provide you with an amazing guided tour of the Observatory. Either way, we give out hot chocolate at the end of the night so why not put on your warmest coat, beanie and boots on and join us on the hilltop for a very different experience.
School Day Tours
Our primary school day tours have been designed for primary school excursions and relate directly to the Australian National Curriculum. The students will participate in activities around the Observatory’s grounds to broaden their knowledge of astronomy and physics while seeing our range of modern and historical telescopes.
Our day tours can be adapted for other groups of children aged between 7 and 12. Please contact us with full details if you are interested in a student tour outside this age range. The maximum number of students that we can cater for in one tour is 60.
Currently stopped due to the Coronavirus situation
Adopt A Star
Looking for an awesome gift for that special someone?
Our star adoption program provides a unique gift and is a way to recognise a family member or friend through the adoption of a star. All available stars in the program are between stars that are visible to the naked eye or stars that are visible in binoculars, all in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sunday Guided Day Tours
Wondering where to go for your Sunday drive? Meander through the beautiful Bickley Valley and join us for a special Guided Day Tour of the Perth Observatory.
Discover what Perth Observatory looks like in the day whilst walking our grounds and learning about our amazing history.
Sunday Guided Day Tours from 2 to 4pm on the first Sunday of each month.
Prices are just $20 adult, $10 concession, $5 children. There’s no need to book, just pop in and we’ll meet you. The AstroShop will be open for drinks, ice cream, novelties or a memento of your visit.
Next Tour: 7th of June
Abseiling & Telescopes Night
Date: 4th of July
Sessions From: 4 pm and 7 pm
Price:
$60 per adult for 3 abseils
$50 per concession for 3 abseils
$40 per child for 3 abseils
Need a bit of thrill in your life? Perth Observatory and Spacechameleon Adventure Co have organised a family friendly event where you can abseil our Lowell Telescope Dome. Each participant will get 3 abseils through the dome’s trap door and descend the full 12m in a controlled free fall to the ground.
On the night, we’ll be able to show you the Moon, nebulas and star clusters. If it’s cloudy we’ll then provide you with an amazing guided tour of the Observatory and an astronomical presentation.
