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's also a museum and the surrounding gardens form a lovely park with superb views.
Day or night it is free to enjoy a stroll around Observatory Hill Park where you will be treated to panoramic vistas of Sydney Harbour including the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Consider visiting during the early morning or at night to avoid the busiest times. You can also see the exterior of the heritage-listed Observatory through the gate.
Sydney Observatory Tour
If you would like to explore inside of the Observatory compound and enter the Observatory itself you can book a Sydney Observatory Tour. The one hour tour, available Wednesday to Saturday leads guests through the Observatory's grounds, revealing the stories behind Fort Phillip, the bombproof shelter, the flagstaff, and the numerous buildings on site. Visitors are invited to step inside the Observatory building to explore objects from the Powerhouse collection and investigate the site's role in surveying, timekeeping, and astronomy.
Ascending the Observatory's narrow staircases, guests will be able to venture into the astronomy domes, where they can witness historic and modern telescopes in action. From this stunning vantage point, visitors can take in the breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour and, when conditions are suitable, observe terrestrial objects through a telescope.
It is important to note that the tour includes approximately 125 stairs, some of which have no wheelchair access due to the steep and narrow staircases of the heritage-listed site.
Sydney Observatory Family Tour
A Family Tour that is more suited to families with younger children between age 6 and 12 operates on Friday and Saturday evening.
In the event of rain, tours will be cancelled and payments refunded. Cancellation notices will be sent to participants by email four hours prior to the start of the tour.
Sydney Observatory Late
Sydney Observatory Late is a free program occuring once each month and offers an evening of stargazing, lectures from distinguished astronomers, and live music and performances.
The program is tailored to events taking place in the night sky and includes informative astronomy talks, as well as telescopes for observing the stars. Guests can enjoy live music, and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Sydney Observatory History
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.
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 list of things to see and do in Sydney.
Nearby attractions include: Garrison Church, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Park access is free. Guided walking tours with access to the inside of the Observatory are subject to a fee and must be booked in advance. See the official website for details.Sydney Observatory Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Address: 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9217 0222
Official Website: Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory Reviews
Rated out of 5
Sydney Observatory is a wonderful place to visit, especially in the late afternoon. I was lucky to enjoy a beautiful sunset with golden hour from this location. The scenery is stunning, and the panoramic views of Sydney are absolutely worth seeing. I also loved the unique perspective of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the observatory. It's a peaceful and picturesque spot for taking photos, relaxing, and creating special memories. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Sydney.
Dike Dandari Sukmana - a month ago
We had an absolutely wonderful experience on the Sydney Observatory Family Tour. It was an incredibly insightful journey, made even more memorable by the exceptional staff. Amelia and Bajwa were both incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and kind, explaining complex astronomical concepts in a way that was engaging and easy to understand for all ages.
A special thank you also to the lovely staff member who set up the solar telescope for us. Seeing Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun all in one day was a truly unforgettable experience and something our family will remember for years to come.
The enthusiasm, patience, and expertise of the entire team made the tour both educational and inspiring. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the universe, I couldn't recommend this experience more highly. It was a fascinating day that left us all looking up at the sky with a renewed sense of wonder.
Sherean Najdi - a month ago
We need more places of conflict (here, a fort, for combat purposes and war) turned into places of discovery and appreciation and learning (an observatory of the heavens). The stones from the early 19th fort walls soon after initial laying were repurposed into the initial observatory building.
Take the Observatory tour ! The true love that our guide demonstrated for the subject and his (ty, Mtt !) knowledge of the history and the intricacies of the site’s construction and its transformation and global significance allowed us to have greater appreciation for the site.
We were able to look through telescopes, raise a yardarm flag, and tour the gorgeous buildings and grounds. Highly recommend.
Mg 0 - 4 months ago
We did a night tour. Marley was an excellent guide. We really enjoyed learning about the history, maths and science of the site. Highlight was seeing Jupiter through the telescope and witnessing the very old dome opening and moving.
Sarah Frankham - 3 months ago
Did the late tour and had a blast.
The tour of the observatory was absolutely great value for money and takes you through the history of the hill over the last two centuries. The history is quite fascinating and that so much of the historical is still there - from the signals cottage to defensive wall - is a great way to see some preserved history.
The tour did give us the opportunity to see Venus, and also look through an classic old telescope that was an impressive piece
A very well priced and enjoyable tour, with a passionate and engaged guide who clearly loves what he does.
Tour was about 75ish minutes
Nikolaus Beattie - 7 months ago
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Sydney Observatory:
Photo Gallery
-
Sydney Observatory from another angle cc licensed photo by MD111 -
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: Bob Linsdell - 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 -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr
