Welcome To The Perth Observatory
Your Gateway To The Universe
Welcome to the Perth Observatory Website
Western Australia’s oldest observatory is located 35 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.
School Day Tours
Our primary school day tours have been designed for primary school excursions for students from Year 3 – Year 6 and relate to the Australian National Curriculum. The students will participate in activities around the Observatory’s grounds and buildings to broaden their knowledge of astronomy and physics while seeing our range of modern and historical telescopes.
The maximum number of students that we can cater for in one tour is 60 and can only be managed if five or more activities are chosen. Please contact us if you are interested in a student tour outside the year levels listed or have more than 60 students so we can suggest ways to accommodate you.
Please Note: The booking group must consist of ten students or more except in special circumstances approved by the School Day Tours Subcommittee.
Our Out of School Holiday Care tours cater for children from 4 – 11 years old
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 between 1pm and 4 pm.
Discover what Perth Observatory looks like in the day whilst walking our grounds and learning about our amazing history.
Tours will run at 1:30 pm, 2 pm, 2:30 pm and 3 pm.
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.
Virtual Star Parties
Time: Twice a month
Price: It's free
Can't get to the Observatory of one of our night tours? Don't worry we also hold virtual star parties on YouTube where we can show you amazing stuff in our Southern Sky through one of our telescopes, some of which you can't even see with your own eye and a telescope.
Join us on our Discord Channel and ask questions while you watch the YouTube Live Stream.
Towel Day Night Tour
Date: 25th of May
When: 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm
Price: $50 per adult, $35 per concession, $25 per child
Don't Panic!!! Towel Day is an annual celebration on the 25th of May, as a tribute to the late author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams (1952-2001). On that day, we fans around the universe carry a towel in his honour and this year Perth Observatory will be holding a Night Sky Tour in his honour.
We'll have prizes for the best adult and child costumes. So please come along with a towel to our Night Sky Tour on Towel Day
Total Lunar Eclipse
Date: 26th of May
When: 5:45 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 5 pm)
Price: $25 per adult, $20 per concession, $15 per child
Experience an amazing Total Lunar Eclipse from Perth Observatory on the 26th of May. Rug up, bring your camera and outdoor chairs or even a bean bag and enjoy watching the Moon become blood orange as it passes through the Earth's shadow.
Hot drinks will be provided on the night and Perth Observatory volunteers will be on hand to chat about why the eclipse is happening and answer any questions you have. We'll also have some telescopes set up so you can view the moon up close
Lowell 50th Anniversary
Date: Saturday, 29th of May
Time: Talk starts at 7 pm (Doors open at 4:30 pm)
Price:
$25 per adult
$15 per concession/child
Please Note: Due to the 3-day lockdown back in late April, We've had to move this event to Saturday the 29th of May
The Lowell dome and telescope are turning 50! Join us at the observatory for a tour of the birthday dome, new museum displays, presentations and food!
Celebrate WA Astronomical history and see Perth Observatories most famous telescope and the wonders it has discovered.
Astrophotography Workshop
Date: 7th of August
When: 1 pm to 10 pm (Doors open at 12:30 pm)
Price: $225 per person
Get started with astrophotography using your camera and a telescope. Learn what your equipment is capable of and how to make the most of what you have to get a start on astrophotography, as well as what equipment you may wish to consider in the future. The small group (max 12 participants) setting enables you to get maximum benefit from this workshop.
