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Activities for Kids at Sydney Observatory
Built in 1858, Sydney Observatory is Australia's oldest observatory, and one of the most significant sites in the nation's scientific history. It is recognised as an item of 'state significance' by the New South Wales Government and is heritage listed. It is located near Sydney's historic Rocks district and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, and is easily accessed by bus, train, ferry or car.
The Observatory comprises a historic 29cm lens telescope built in 1874, a 42cm computer-controlled telescope and hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, a virtual reality 3-D space theatre, exhibitions about astronomy, meteorology and the history of Sydney Observatory, a lecture theatre, souvenir shop, beautiful gardens and the beanbag planetarium.
A visit to Sydney Observatory can include fascinating lectures, daily or nightly viewing through telescopes, a virtual reality 3-D space theatre show or launching a rocket at a school holiday workshop. At night time visitors can get fine views of the Moon, the planets and some of the best-loved features of the southern sky. During the New South Wales school terms, education programs for schools are run daily.Wednesday 03 July
10:30am–4pm
NEW DIGITAL PLANETARIUM
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Experience the new out-of-this-world planetarium, with different shows throughout the day. Sessions 40 min duration. 10:30am Space Shapes program and ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
11:40am–noon
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
12:40–1pm
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
3–5pm
Shared Sky
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds.
Make your own planisphere (star map) and learn about the oldest star watchers on the planet, the Indigenous people of ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
6:15–8:15pm
NIGHT TELESCOPE TOURS
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
On a clear winter night though our telescopes, you may see Saturn, Alpha Centauri (our next door neighbour), the constellation ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
Thursday 04 July
10am–4pm
Space LEGO
Suitable for 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 3-5 year olds.
Play with our array of space Lego and build a rocket ship to explore the Universe. For the younger kids ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
10:30am–4pm
NEW DIGITAL PLANETARIUM
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Experience the new out-of-this-world planetarium, with different shows throughout the day. Sessions 40 min duration. 10:30am Space Shapes program and ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
11:40am–noon
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
12:40–1pm
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
5–6pm
ROCKETMAN TWILIGHT PLANETARIUM SESSION
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Enjoy Rocket Man, a short history of space flight to Elton John's music in our new planetarium. Learn to navigate ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
6:15–8:15pm
NIGHT TELESCOPE TOURS
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
On a clear winter night though our telescopes, you may see Saturn, Alpha Centauri (our next door neighbour), the constellation ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
Friday 05 July
10am–2:30pm
FANTASY SPACE CRAFT
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Make a model of Saturn or alien face mask in a craft activity using recycled materials. Cost included with any ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
10am–4pm
Space LEGO
Suitable for 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 3-5 year olds.
Play with our array of space Lego and build a rocket ship to explore the Universe. For the younger kids ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
10:30am–noon
DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Suitable for 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds.
Become a hands-on archaeological detective and investigate the history of Fort Phillip and the site of Sydney Observatory. Experience a ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
10:30am–4pm
NEW DIGITAL PLANETARIUM
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Experience the new out-of-this-world planetarium, with different shows throughout the day. Sessions 40 min duration. 10:30am Space Shapes program and ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
11:40am–noon
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
12:40–1pm
It’s about time!
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Take a guided tour through the Observatory to see its key timepieces and learn about time keeping with the stars. ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
1–2:30pm
DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Suitable for 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds.
Become a hands-on archaeological detective and investigate the history of Fort Phillip and the site of Sydney Observatory. Experience a ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
5–6pm
ROCKETMAN TWILIGHT PLANETARIUM SESSION
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
Enjoy Rocket Man, a short history of space flight to Elton John's music in our new planetarium. Learn to navigate ...
presented by Sydney Observatory
6:15–8:15pm
NIGHT TELESCOPE TOURS
Suitable for 12-15 year olds, 10-12 year olds, 8-10 year olds, 5-8 year olds, 15-18 year olds.
On a clear winter night though our telescopes, you may see Saturn, Alpha Centauri (our next door neighbour), the constellation ...
presented by Sydney Observatory