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Siding Spring Observatory

On the peak of Mount Woorut in the Warrumbungle Mountains is the home of Australia’s premier optical and infrared observatory.

The Australian National University’s Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the nation's primary university centre for astronomical research, operates its research telescopes and hosts those of other institution at this spectacular location next to the picturesque Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran, NSW. You can learn more about the various telescopes and organisations that operate them on the Telescopes of Siding Spring page.

The Observatory is a working research facility and as such it has no public star gazing facilities.The Observatory and its surrounds are closed to the general public from 4pm.

There are, however, a range of activities for visitors to the observatory, including:

• A visitor centre with informative and educational displays on astronomy and telescopes
• Access to the viewing gallery within the Anglo-Australian Telescope run by the Australian Astronomical Observatory.
• Spectacular views of the Warrumbungle National Park.
• We hold an annual Open Day where you can meet our Astronomers and discover more about the individual telescopes.
• School holiday activities, including talks by local astronomers and guided site walking tours are held at the observatory.
• Tours for groups of all ages available can be organised on request. Please contact the visitor centre in advance for pricing and availablility. A minimum group size of 15 applies for all tours.
• There is a cafe and shop on site, stocked with great food and gift ideas. Morning and afternoon teas and light lunches are available - contact us for group pricing.
• Email us for information about our school education programs,
• Ask an astronomer a question about astronomy or telescopes via email.

See the events and activities that are coming up on our Activities page.

The Exploratory - our visitor’s centre

The Siding Spring Exploratory houses a small astronomy exhibition area with hands on activities for the whole family. Enjoy a coffee and snack at the coffee shop and browse the great variety of souvenirs and gifts available.

Opening Hours

     Open: Mon-Fri 9.30am to 4pm
     Weekends and Public Holidays: 10am to 4pm
     Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday 

Contact Us

To contact our staff for further information:

• E-mail: ssovc@mso.anu.edu.au

• Telephone: 02 68426211

Where to find us:

We are located 28 km from the town clock in Coonabarabran. If you are coming from Coonabarabran, follow the signs to Siding Spring Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park. If you are coming from Gilgandra or Dubbo, take the Tooraweenah tourist drive through the National Park and we are 400 metres on the left as you exit the Park.

You can also follow the Worlds Largest Virtual Solar System Drive if you are coming from Dubbo, Tamworth, Gulgong, Moree or Merriwa.