Sydney Observatory and Observatory Park
Sydney Observatory is a historic site, a museum and a park all in one

The Sydney Observatory is our only attraction to be listed under three different categories. In addition to being a historical site it is also a museum and the surrounding gardens are a lovely park with superb views.
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.
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Sydney Observatory
Fee: Park access and a self-guided tour of exhibits with some restrictions is free. Admission required for full access to all activities and observatory towers. See the official website for full details.Closed Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- Monday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Tuesday: 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Wednesday: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Thursday: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Category: Museums
Address:
1003 Upper Fort St
Sydney New South Wales 2000
Australia
Phone: +61 2 9921 3485
Reviews
Sarah S. May-10-2021
I took the evening tour as a solo traveler and it did not disappoint. I had grown use to my norther hemisphere skies but was delighted to view life from the... Read More
Joe C. Jul-31-2015
The Sydney Observatory's evening tour is perhaps the perfect thing for the novice interested in astronomy. It's a museum, now, of course, on account of the... Read More
Shandos C. Aug-26-2015
Visiting the Sydney Observatory for the World Record Stargazing event was an unexpected surprise. Located in an out-of-the-way part of Sydney (due to the... Read More
Accommodations near Sydney Observatory:
Directions
Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
L2, T2, T3, T8 or Ferry | Circular Quay | 12 minutes |
How to get to Sydney Observatory by
By Train or Ferry: Make your way to Circular Quay Station; exit and proceed west and north through the park to Argyle Street. Go west on Argyle continuing through the pedestrian plaza and the bridge approach underpass. Take the steps to your left across from Garrison Church to Watson Road and follow it uphill to the park entrance.
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Photo Gallery
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Sydney Observatory from another angle cc licensed photo by MD111 Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sv1ambo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sv1ambo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sv1ambo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr