Sydney Observatory — Attraction in Sydney

Such an exquisite experience. It was so much more than just looking at the observatory, because the surrounding buildings have history as well.

Our guide was lovely. There were not too many people who had questions, and I think she would’ve really welcomed those questions. There were children in the group, so we let them lead the way, but every time the guide had a question, I wanted to pipe up and answer, because I’m a total nerd, and Instead, we let some of the kids and teenagers answer, which is totally OK. I am a middle-aged woman; I should not have the floor. And the guide offered opportunities for us to participate at the observatory, like opening hatches and such, and again, we really tried to let the children and teenagers have those. But I’m such a fun kid inside, and I really wanted to do it myself! I know that sounds silly. And it really should not be part of the review, but I love the fact that our guide gave the people on her tour opportunities to be involved. Normally I’m the kid in the front row with her hand raised screaming “Mr. Carter, Mr. Carter!” If you don’t know that reference, you’re probably not from the United States. Or not Generation X. I enjoyed the tour on so many levels. I feel like a curious kid again.

So, here is how the tour worked. Of course, we were there to see the observatory, but what was unexpected was that we were also treated to a tour of the grounds and other buildings and learned elements such as the signal flags. This was a surprising highlight. I thought the tour simply included time at the observatory, but instead, the guide started with the grounds and the flags, and history of the observatory and the excavation underneath. It really contextualized the experience.

But, of course, the true highlight, was actually touching the telescope and looking out! We even got to look through a second telescope, the original. What a treat! In both cases we were present when they moved the dome. It was so steampunk as we watched the copper-plated dome move.

But again, the preamble to all of this, the flags and the building it was built on, and the grounds, and the history I thought would be a bit of an afterthought, was wonderful as well. So our guide was not simply an astronomer, but a bit of an historian, certainly an educator.

My only disappointment, so silly, is that every time I look at Saturn in a telescope… it looks like it’s fake. Like somebody put a little Saturn slide in there. I don’t think it is real. I’m trying not to sound like a flat-earther here!

The moon is different. When I look at the moon, it looks so real! Of course, she appears odd here in the southern hemisphere. I kept staring at her for weeks when I was in Australia in New Zealand, wondering who that imposter was up in the sky.

But gosh, Saturn? I don’t know what’s going to shake me out of the spell that I feel that it’s fake. How big of a telescope do I need? Do I have to go to Hubble? Anyway, tour guide was delightful; the surroundings were delightful. Gosh, just being up there made me wish to go back to the observatory to meditate and soak in the surroundings. Well done everybody. Five stars. I know this review...

Night tour.If weather changes suddenly,which can happen within an hour of the booking that you normally make a few weeks or so prior to the night.You can’t cancel under 24hrs,and get no refund.Rude Customer service. We booked about 2 weeks before was very expensive for 3 adults and a child,we drove over an hr to get there the day came ,it was clear all day so we didn’t cancel.The night came and still clear.Within an hour of the tour clouds came in.The tour guide just showed us a few Sydney buildings and the bridge with the major telescope.You normally have to book weeks or days in advance as they sell out. The tour guide just laughed it off the the clouds and that we had to now do this,like it was nothing,probably because he was getting paid and had seen the planets with the major telescope 500 times before,so was no big deal for him.Unlike us who first time there and were really looking forward to see them. It was sooooo disappointing as we were really looking forward to seeing the moon and planets. Little nephew was really into astronomy and was very disappointed and not happy like all of us. We rang the next day asking for a refund or just some replacement tickets as we didn’t receive what we went there for and did everything we could with watching the weather etc prior.The lady on the phone at observatory bluntly refused and said no for a refund.We said “can we get a manager or managers phone or email to ask them?” She just scoffed at the idea and said “yeah,good luck with that,that’ll never happen”.Very rude she was. We were always polite throughout so her manner was very inappropriate and unprofessional. So upon a very disappointing night,driving far,costly for us ,we aren’t rich.To then get that kind of rude customer service the next day asking for a full refund or another set of tickets even,to be scoffed at like that.Definetly would not recommend this place at all.Customer service is horrible and...

Sydney Observatory is one of those places that quietly steals the show. The walk up the hill from The Rocks shifts you out of the city rush, and suddenly you are in a pocket of lawn, jacarandas and sandstone with the harbour spread out like a painting. The building itself feels beautifully looked after, all brass fittings and creaking floorboards, and the little domes hint at what is upstairs. Arrive late afternoon if you can, watch the light slide across the bridge, then step inside as the rooms glow warm and the city begins to sparkle below.

By day it works as a small museum you can actually take in. Displays cover timekeeping and navigation, there are instruments you can see up close, and the stories are told simply enough that kids lean in without wandering off. Solar viewing sessions, when they run, are a neat way to put the sun into focus. At night the tone shifts from history to discovery. Guides are generous with their knowledge, pointing out the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds and whatever planets are playing nicely that week. Looking at Saturn’s rings through a telescope never gets old, and the planetarium show ties it all together so you know what you are seeing when you step back outside.

A couple of things made my visit better. Booking ahead is smart because sessions are intimate and they do fill. Give yourself extra minutes for the climb, the paths are short but steep in spots, and the hill can be breezy after dark so bring a layer. Cameras are welcome on the grounds, just keep screens dim during stargazing so everyone’s night vision survives. Families are well catered for, the staff are patient with questions, and the gift shop has the kind of science toys that actually get used. It is a calm, thoughtful way to spend a few hours and you leave seeing the sky with...