About the Sydney Observatory
Sydney
observatory Australia oldest building still in operation today located on
Observatory hill overlooking Dawns point in Sydney Harbour. Built in 1858 the
sandstone building in the Italian style and character is now heritage-listed.
One of the main functions of the observatory back in 1858 was to calculate the
correct time from the movement of the stars including the sun and to give time
through the time ball tower. In the 1850s, Sydney Harbour had become a very
busy part a need for correct time was essential for the ships to adjust and
calibrate their chronometers a special clock design for navigation even the
smallest error in time would affect navigation. The time ball was ready for use
and installed in the observation tower by the 5th June 1858 the first time ball
drop was at noon of that day. A few months later the government astronomer Rev
Scott changed the ball dropping time to 1 pm because, he was busy observing the
sun crossing the north south meridian at noon.
Free things to see
So many cameras have captured the views of observatory hill and the gardens so often because, of the alluring picturesque scenes of Sydney Harbour from the observatory. During the day, you can walk around the gardens and the free museum. The museum houses a remarkable historic an interactive exhibition. Take a free tour through time on a journey with Mathew Flinders during his famous voyage mapping and charting the Australian coastline in 1801. Other highlights include learning about the transit of Venus the observatory displays images and artifacts of this truly amazing event. The transit of Venus is a moment in time when Venus orbit brings it to a point directly between the sun and the earth. Use the touch screens and take a journey back in time see Dawns point from its humble beginnings to the present see how the panoramas from observatory hill have changed over the years.
Sydney observatory tours
The tours begin with the learning about indigenous astronomy
and a tour of the museum before climbing up into the two historical telescope
domes where you explore the sky with experienced guides. At night, view the
stars and planets within our solar system and celestial bodies' light years
away. If sky conditions are poor and prevent telescope viewing planetarium
session are held. 
3 D Movie
After the telescope viewings visit, the 3 D space theatre
travel to galaxies far away be amazed by the deepness and the vastness of
space.
Daytime visiting hours
Daily 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM (closed some public holidays)
Three entries for general admission to the building and
grounds are free
A telescope and three D space theatre tours
Weekdays 2.30 PM, 3.30 PM, 4.00 PM
Weekends and school holidays, 11.00 AM, 12.00 PM, 1.00 PM,
2.30 PM, 3:30 PM
Cost
$8.00 per adult, $6.00 child, $6.00 concession, $22.00
family
Night-time
visiting (bookings essential)
Monday –Saturday
(closed some public holidays) Seasonal Sunday openings need to check their web site for details
Three D space theatre tours and telescope viewing
December and January 8.30 PM
February, March, October and November -8.15 PM
April to September -6.15 PM and 8.15 PM
Cost
$18.00 adult, $12.00 child, $14.00 concession, $50.00 Family
Bookings are essential for night-time visits and special events
Sydney observatory: Address, Watson road, Observatory hill the rocks Sydney Tel: 02 992134 85
more information www.sydneyobservatory.com
Sydney is filled with hip and vibrant people as well as a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Last June, I was able to take some sydney day tours which allowed me to view Sydney's natural beauty. Its majestic blue mountains were truly the most beautiful masterpieces I've ever seen! The tour guide informed us that the oil mist and forest's water vapor scatter waves of light that give the mountains their distinctive blue color. I was able to interact with the Koala's and Kangaroos too which were a special treat, I love animals!
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