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.
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.
We offer group bookings and gift vouchers so contact us to find out more.
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.
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 $15 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: 8th of July
MARSFEST 2018!!!
On the night of the 27th of July, Mars will reach opposition and it'll be at its closest point to Earth since 2003 and it won’t be this close again until 2035 so it'll definitely be worth looking at.
We'll be putting on a winter night tour so you can look at Mars as well as Jupiter, Saturn, The Moon and star clusters which will also be on show. Hot drinks will be provided at the end of the night and Perth Observatory volunteers will be on hand to chat and answer any questions you have.
Abseiling At Perth Observatory
Date: Sunday the 25th of August
Time: 17:30 pm to 22:00 pm
Price:
$60 per adults for 3 abseils
$50 per concessions for 3 abseils
$40 per child for 3 abseils
Need a bit of thrill in your life? Perth Observatory is teaming up with Spacechameleon Adventure Co to organise a night where people can abseil our Lowell Telescope Dome. Each participant will get 3 abseils and we'll also have some of our telescope domes open, so you can gaze at the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
The Dome is approximately 40m high and you'll abseil through a trap door and descend its full length with a controlled free fall all the way to the ground. You can also abseil upside down just like Tom Cruise if you choose to do so ;)
