Siding Spring Observatory
Warrumbungles, NSW
Australia's premier optical observatory on Mount Woorut — telescopes, exhibition and Warrumbungle views by day.
About this place
Siding Spring sits at 1,165 m on the eastern edge of Warrumbungle National Park, 27 km west of Coonabarabran, and is home to the 3.9 m Anglo-Australian Telescope. The Exploratory exhibition, cafe and gift shop are open most days, and a free public gallery inside the AAT dome lets you see the telescope; a lookout behind the building overlooks the volcanic skyline. This is a working research site, so it is not open at night — pair a daytime visit with Dark Sky Park stargazing in the national park. Guided tours are run by third-party operators.
Access & getting there
Open to the public 8:30 am-4:00 pm daily. Cafe and Exploratory closed Tuesdays; AAT Visitor Gallery open seven days. Caravans are not allowed on the narrow mountain road. Closed in extreme fire danger.
Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran NSW 2357
Safety notes
Working research facility — stay in public areas. Weather on the mountain can be cold even in summer. Not open at night.
Gear notes
Sunscreen, hat, water and a warm jacket. Binoculars useful at the lookout.
On the map
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Events nearby
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Connected challenges
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