Sydney Observatory and Observatory Park

You have several options when visiting the observatory. During the day you can enjoy the park and grounds and a self guided tour of the observatory and its fascinating exhibits without charge. For a nominal fee you can add access to the observatory towers, a 3D space movie, and (weather permitting) telescope viewings. You can also experience a night time visit which includes the same activities, but they must be booked in advance. If the weather conditions don't permit the telescope viewings visitors are treated to a show in the planetarium instead.

Construction of the Observatory took place from 1857 to 1859. It is strategically located on the highest ground overlooking Sydney Harbour. The first purpose of the Observatory was to keep accurate track of the time based on the positions of the stars. A time ball located on a pole on top of a tower is dropped each day at exactly 1pm as a time signal to ships in the harbour. This tradition continues to this day.

Beginning in 1887 the Observatory participated in a world-wide project to map and photograph the entire sky. It was nearly 80 years later when the Sydney Observatory had finally completed the large portion of sky that was allocated to them.

The observatory was also responsible for keeping records of meteorological observations and, for over a century, it served as a signal station using various flags to relay information about arriving ships or to communicate weather conditions to the port authorities and to other points around the harbour.

Recent archaeological excavations have clearly revealed the foundation walls of Fort Philips which was built between 1804 and 1806. The Fort even had a bomb shelter, but its primary purpose soon changed to that of the shipping signal station described above.

Without a doubt, a visit to the Sydney Observatory and Observatory Park should be high on your lists of things to see and do in Sydney.

Nearby attractions include : Garrison Church, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge.