Sydney Observatory

The Sydney Observatory is an iconic part of the city’s skyline and one of the most popular attractions nearby.

The Observatory is located within a beautiful sandstone building right in the middle of The Rocks, and the hill where the building is located is known as Observatory Hill.

Sydney Observatory, Night Tour, Hill Park, Tower Tickets & Parking

The site, which was once a fort, was converted into an astronomical observatory in the late 19th century. Today, the site is a functional museum where visitors can gaze at the planets and the stars through modern telescopes. Nothing beats the experience of looking at the southern sky light up at the city’s oldest observatory.

Experience an intimate guided tour of the iconic Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed site atop the highest natural point in Sydney Cove.

Join a walking tour of the grounds and Observatory building to discover the site’s rich history as a place of significance for Indigenous Australians and a centre for scientific activity, including milling, defence, signalling, timekeeping, astronomy and meteorology.

The tour will venture through the grounds to uncover the stories behind Fort Phillip, its bombproof shelter, the flagstaff, and the many buildings on site. Guests will be invited inside the Observatory building to explore objects from the Powerhouse collection and examine the site’s role in timekeeping, surveying and astronomy.

Climbing the building’s narrow staircases, guests will step inside the Observatory’s astronomy domes to see historic and modern telescopes in action. From this spectacular location, visitors will look across Sydney Harbour and view terrestrial objects through a telescope.

The tour includes around 125 stairs, including areas without wheelchair access due to narrow and steep staircases across the heritage-listed site.

Observatory Late is a monthly program presented under the stars on the grounds of the Sydney Observatory. This free program will be held each month, featuring a night of stargazing, talks from leading astronomers, music and performance.

The late-night series is led by events in the night sky, including live astronomy talks and telescopes for viewing. Musicians perform live, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Sydney Observatory Residents will present special programs for astronomical and calendar events and the Powerhouse collection.

The Sydney Observatory is just a few minutes from Walsh Bay and the CBD. Remember to enjoy the panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour from the hill.

Visitors can park on Watson Road or Argyle Street, which are metered. The Observatory is a short walk up Watson Road and through Observatory Hill Park.