Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), in the Warrumbungle Mountains near Coonabarabran, NSW, is Australia's premier optical and infrared observatory.

The Australian National University’s Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA), operates its research telescopes, and hosts those of other institutions, at this spectacular location next to the picturesque Warrumbungle National Park. You can learn more about the various telescopes and organisations that own and run them on the telescopes of SSO page.

SSO 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 each day.

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

• A visitor centre with informative and educational displays about telescopes and astronomy.
• Access to the viewing gallery of the Anglo-Australian Telescope, which is run by the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO)
• Spectacular views of the Warrumbungle National Park
• A cafe and shop at the visitor centre that is stocked with great food and gift ideas. Morning and afternoon teas and light lunches are available - contact us for group pricing.
• We also hold an annual open day where you can meet our astronomers and discover more about the individual telescopes at the observatory.
• School holiday activities, including talks by local astronomers and guided walking tours of the observatory, 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 availability. A minimum group size of 15 applies for all tours.

View upcoming events and activities at SSO on the activities page.

Email us for information about our school education programs, or Ask an Astronomer a question about astronomy or telescopes.

Where to find us

Directions to Siding Spring Observatory can be found on our Find us page.