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Sydney Observatory

Watson Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
02 9921 3485
Website
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Ranked #69 of 266 attractions in Sydney
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: Built in 1858 Sydney Observatory is a fascinating heritage site and public observatory. 90 minute Night tours include telescope viewing and a 3d Space... more » Owner description: Built in 1858 Sydney Observatory is a fascinating heritage site and public observatory. 90 minute Night tours include telescope viewing and a 3d Space Theatre experience with a planetarium experience in cloudy weather. Day tours include solar viewing (weather permitting) and a 3d Space Theatre in a 30 minute tour. Entry to the Observatory is free during the day, tours are a small extra charge but well worth it to experience modern astronomy and solar viewing with an astronomer. Night tours must be booked and prepaid. « less
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84 reviews from our community

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Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Great historic building of Sydney which is full of interesting astronomy. A great blend of the old and new.

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See 5 more reviews by Diane C for Sydney
Queanbeyan, Australia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013 via mobile

I lived in Sydney in the 90s, but only visited the observatory this year. Wish I'd gone sooner - it's a fascinating little gem! The historic observatory building is just gorgeous! The exhibition details the history of astronomy and weather observations in Sydney. The facility itself was in use untl the early 1980s. Visiting the observatory is a great way... More

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See 3 more reviews by Nicole R for Sydney
Leeds, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

A very nice attraction. The 3D theater is really really well done. We went with our family (teenagers) and they liked it as well. This is the first thing we did when we got into the city. Perfect!

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See 2 more reviews by Dany E for Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2013

Great place, great staff - great with kids - want to go back for the night tours- gorgeous old building - great views - very informative

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See 2 more reviews by Leis5 for Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
28 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013

It's okay for a look around and if this is your interest...good. I found it more set up for students as visitors and not particularly of interest to me. But it's a piece of Sydneys history and a great position on the hill.

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See 10 more reviews by boozybub for Sydney
sydney
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

This is great for adults and kids. We liked the 3D theatre where you can see whatever movie is selected for your booking. We've watched documentaries on the sun, saturn and mars on separate visits. We've turned up to a special night event a few years back. It was a little chaotic, with lots of people. The school holidays events... More

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See 4 more reviews by greenrock7 for Sydney
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

you must go to the Manly Beach. With shore club hotel ,mexico resteraunt and great beach, it can be very fun for couples and families.have fun.

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Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Well, what a knowledgable young tour guide. He seemed so keen to share his knowledge and made sure everyone got a good look through the telescopes. Was great to see star clusters and SATURN! My daughter just loved the experience. Even just going up to the domes and watching them move was an experience.

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See 4 more reviews by Maikalsie for Sydney
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

these places have to be kept up to date or they become relics from another age, this place needs to get some new attractions and attract youngers visitors with some videos or whatever

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See 3 more reviews by patburtonny for Sydney
Sydney O, Manager at Sydney Observatory, responded to this review
13 April 2013

Hi, thank you for your review. Yes you are right that our interactive exhibits have not been changed for 15 years and the interpretation does need to be refreshed somewhat. However it is a shame you did not do a tour because we have a brand new Digital Planetarium and a spectacular 3D Space Theatre which families are enjoying this... More

Worcester, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Good value for money! I found it so amazing, the tour guide we had was so knowledgable! We asked lots of questions and he showed us lots of planets! It was great!

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See 8 more reviews by beckys2011 for Sydney
Sydney O, Manager at Sydney Observatory, responded to this review
13 April 2013

Hi, Thanks for your positive review and taking a tour. Sydney Observatory astronomy guides have a wealth of knowledge and they are a very important part of the entire experience. You likely saw Saturn and it is one of the most spectacular planets to view through telescopes. Keep star gazing on your travels, you obviously enjoy it! More

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