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.
2021/2022 Night Sky Tours
Our experienced and passionate tour guides will operate our unique collection of modern and historic telescopes to give evening visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of astronomy, space science and astrophotography.
Viewing targets will differ depending on the month, the weather and the lighting conditions (dark, moonlit and full moon). Types of objects usually seen through the eyepiece include globular clusters, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Sometimes satellites and meteors flash across the sky unexpectedly too.
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.
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.
On The Road Again! Perth Observatory Is Travelling Up North
Date: 12th to the 14th of August
Where: Geraldton, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction
Nightscape Photography Workshops
Are you interested in nightscape photography and want to take it to the next level? Well, let's help you get there and what a great location to learn, at the Walkaway Wind Farm Lookout in Geraldton and Rocky Pool in Carnarvon. These workshops is for anyone from beginners to more experienced astrophotographers. We will meet you at these locations at so you can take advantage of the winter Milky Way.
Geraldton Workshop
Date: 12th of August
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Walkaway Wind Farm Lookout
Price: $120 per person
Carnarvon Workshop
Date: 13th of August
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Rocky Pool
Price: $120 per person
Kalbarri Workshop
Date: 15th of August
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Kalbarri Skywalk
Price: $120 per person
Stargazing at the Junction
Date: 14th of August
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Gascoyne Junction Pavilion
Price: Free, but booking is essential
Join us and the Gascoyne Development Commission at Gascoyne Junction and experience the amazing night Sky. You'll be able to see the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, nebulas and star clusters on the night and enjoy a lovely camp dinner.
More InfoSpring Equinox Morning Tea
Date: 26th of September
When: 9:30 am - 11:30 am (Gates on at 9 am)
Price: $30 per adult and $25 per concession
The Spring Equinox in September marks the first day of astronomical spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It is when the length of day and night is nearly equal. This is a time of renewal, balance, growth, and gratitude.
This Spring Equinox, join us at the Perth Observatory between 9.30 am and 11.30 am to celebrate this astronomical event. There will be a guided tour of the observatory grounds and then a lovely morning tea on our back lawn with live music, refreshments, and a native seedling, donated from Zanthorrea Nursery, for you to take home and plant.
