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.
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.
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 July
Astronomy 101 Course
Starts: 3rd of July
Time: Wednesday evenings, 7 – 8:30 pm
Price: $125 per person
We've organised a 5-week beginners course so you can learn about our amazing universe. Each week we'll go through a different topic including ancient astronomy, space exploration, the life cycle of a star, the planets and how to use a telescope. We'll then have a Q & A session with tea and coffee before we head up to the telescopes for some hand on practical experience.
On completion of the 5 week course, each participant will receive a special Perth Observatory certificate
Moon Landing 50th Anniversary
Date: Sunday, 21st of July
Time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm (Gates open at: 5:30 pm)
Price:
$55 per adult
$45 per concession
$40 per child
On Sunday the 21st of July, slip on your 60's glad rags and join us at Perth Observatory as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the Moon. Not only will you learn about the Apollo 11 mission, but we'll have a telescope viewing session with 60's inspired canapes and music. At the end of the night we'll all gather together and watch the moon landing footage on our back lawn in true Aussie style.
Perth Observatory Fundraiser
Where: Boronia Room at the Lesmurdie Club
Date: Friday, 26th of July
Time: 6:30 pm to Late (Doors open at 6 pm)
Price: $55 per person
We are hosting a special fundraiser dinner for Perth Observatory Volunteer Group at the Lesmurdie Club on the night of Friday the 26th of July. Book your spot(s) now and come have a delightful two course dinner while listening to fantastic live music and talks on astronomy.
There'll also be lucky door prizes, raffles and silent auctions on the night
Abseiling At Perth Observatory
Date: Sunday, 4th of August
Sessions From: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm & 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Price:
$35 per adult for 3 abseils
$30 per concession for 3 abseils
$25 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 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.
