Skip navigation
The Australian National University

The Exploratory - SSO visitor 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

Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 4pm
Satuday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10am to 4pm.
 

School Holiday Walking Tours of Siding Spring Observatory

The Siding Spring Observatory and Café will be open over the School holidays from 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4pm on Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Take a closer look around Siding Spring Observatory. Join our Guide and explore this special astronomy site and learn about the importance of this area to astronomy research and the natural environment. Enjoy a walk with breathtaking views of the Warrumbungle Ranges and parts of the ancient volcano. Learn more about the various telescopes and organisations on site.

See how the site was affected and is recovering from the January 2013 Wambelong Bushfire.

Tours are being held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 12:30pm of the school holidays as follows.

Monday 15th & 22nd April

Wednesday 17th & 24th April

Friday 19th & 26th April

The tours take up to 2 hours and there are some hills involved.

 

Please note it the weather here can be quite variable. It can be quite warm or at the other extreme quite cool. Sunscreen, a hat, water and a warm coat/jacket are advisable. The approximately 2km walk takes place over some hilly and uneven ground so sensible and closed in foot wear is essential. Bookings are required as numbers are limited per tour and tours do require a maximum of 12 people to go ahead.

 

Bookings should be made on 02 6842 6363.

More informaion or details by contacting 02 6842 6363 or email: ssovc@mso.anu.edu.au

 
Please note: that since we are a working Research Facility - there is no public access after 4:00pm. There is no telescope viewing conducted on site for the public.
 

Contact us

To contact our staff for further information:

Where to find us

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

Updated: 17 April 2013/ Responsible Officer:  Director, RSAA / Page Contact:  RSAA webmaster