Siding Spring Observatory — Attraction in Coonabarabran

Staying in Coonabarabran on our caravanning trip south, we literally stumbled over this hidden gem! We went for a ticky tour after lunch and wandered the direction of the signage for Siding Spring Observatory. We were so fortunate to discover a delightful little cafe serving a wide range of homemade meals and an exceptional display of all things telescopes and stars based around Siding Spring. So when they announced the daily site tour, we happily paid our $33 per person and tagged along ( call before, in case it’s cancelled because of weather conditions). What a wonderful experience! Led by a passionate and super knowledgeable young tour guide, we spent about 2 hours inside the workings of the Observatory, and with great trepidation, joined him on the external platform to gaze at the views of the Warrumbungles and surrounds. Four story’s high ( 500 metres) was a bit daunting but nerves soon settled as we learnt about the history of the 15 observatories on this location and we relaxed as we took in the awe inspiring views. A magnificent effort from...

We came across this place by accident on our way back from NSW to VIC and it was actually a lot of fun finding the place. The road up to observatory is really pretty and there are a couple of places you can stop and take some really cool photos of the national park, observatory and even a picnic park. The road up is a really windy road so go slow, but it was safe. Once up there you can visit the observatory, inside and outside for free, or you can pay an extra $5.50 to go on a self-guided tour to find out more about astronomy and the town itself and why it’s famous. They have free parking and a little cafe inside and I think they also have an Inn if you wanted to stay the night. The walk up from the car park is a little steep but very short and there’s a lift up to the inside of the observatory. On the outside at the top you can take photos and see majority of the national park. Before you leave try and get some photos of the planets and in each town either towards QLD or VIC they have a new planet that you can take...

We are so lucky to have such a beautiful, sophisticated observatory in NSW. After 3 years, siding spring observatory is open to public. This happens only once a year but didn't happen for last 2 years due to COVID-19. We were lucky and could visit on the open day.

Totally 4 telescopes were open to public.

ANU telescope, the oldest one there and is managed completely by an operator. It is huge and has access to ramp outside with beautiful views.

Rotating building telescope. The building is rectangle and the whole building rotates not the telescope. How cool is that! We got see that in action.

itelescope has many little telescopes which can be rented and accessed by the public.

Last but not the least, huntsman telescope by our own Macquarie uni students. Many (maybe 10) Canon lens are mounted together to form a big telescope. The picture from each lens is overlayed to form one image. It is mirror less lens and is used for far far far far...