I was a little embarrassed to admit to myself and my travelling companion that it had been the best part of 45years since I last visited this part of western New South Wales as a tourist. Naturally, my memories were a little foggy on the detail, but my enthusiasm was high and I was more than ready to immerse myself in all things space, science and astronomy-related.
…and then my brain exploded! 😊
Join me for an overwhelming deep dive into deep space at the Siding Spring Observatory.
What Is Siding Spring Observatory?
- In 1962, Siding Spring was selected as the new site for an optical astronomical observatory because of its dark and cloud-free skies. This site provides some of the best observing conditions for astronomers in Australia, especially the complete absence of light pollution. It is one of the darkest astronomical observing sites in the World.
- Siding Spring Observatory is the most amazing collection of, at the most recent count, 20 individual observatories containing around 92 different telescopes! That fact alone boggled my mind as my dim memories recalled only one large observatory housing one large telescope. See what happens when you don’t visit for 45 years? 😊
- These observatories are operated by a veritable United Nations of countries including Australia, United Kingdom, Thailand, France, Italy, USA, Poland, Chile and many more. I was fascinated to learn that so many countries wanted a piece of our night skies.
- Interestingly, the vast majority of those telescopes are operated remotely – picture white-coated scientists directing their telescope from the comfort of a computer in their home countries. Ah, the wonders of modern technology.
- The establishment of so many observatories in one spot led the area to be classified in 2016 as Australia’s, and the Southern Hemisphere’s, first Dark Sky Park. This means that government legislation is in place to control the amount and strength of outdoor lighting that can be installed anywhere within a +250km radius!
- A café and Visitor Centre appeared to be the most popular element on the Observatory site. We didn’t partake in the café and can’t comment on its quality, but the Visitor Centre was excellent.
- The Visitor Centre has an extensive history and astronomy display, and this is where my little brain truly went into meltdown. I thought it would be a fascinating place to visit, and it was, however I quickly realised that I just don’t have a ‘science’ brain. 😊 There were graphs, diagrams, models and audiovisual displays all describing the development of the observatory site and the physics of space. Science boffins would be in absolute heaven!
- As well as the Visitor Centre, it’s possible to go inside the huge Australian Astronomical Observatory and see the equally huge telescope set up inside. Apparently, it’s the largest optical telescope in Australia. There are even more audiovisual and information displays here explaining the mechanics of this telescope.
- If you would like even more information, you can sign up for a paid, guided tour of the site. There are a few different ones to choose from.
- Otherwise, the place is free to visit
Where is It?
- Siding Spring Observatory is located approximately 27 km west of Coonabarabran on the Timor Road.
- Coonabarabran is 590km north-west of Sydney and is located on the main north-south Newell Highway.
When to Visit?
- Siding Spring Observatory is open seven days per week although the café and Visitor Centre are closed on Tuesdays.
- Opening hours are 830am-4pm and I recommend getting there early to make the most of the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Why visit?
- As mentioned above, this place is Cosmos Central. Even if you are not a science person like me, it is still a highly worthwhile place to visit. The interactive displays opened my eyes to the peculiarities of space, including a tactile display showing the vast differences between planets and how things weigh differently on each one. This was explained via weighted 1litre milk cartons. Picking up each 1litre carton, it was quite a revelation to feel the significant differences in weight.
- There was also a fabulous set of scales you could stand on and it would show you what YOU weighed on the various planets. As the scales showed my weight about 15kg lighter than I actually am, they became my favourite part of the exhibition! 😊
- If science is not your thing, the views are spectacular. Located on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park and on the highest mountain in the area, you can see for miles.
How to Get There?
- There is no public transport servicing this area and you will need your own car to access the site.
- If you are towing a caravan or trailer, please note that you must unhitch it and leave it in the parking area at the base of the mountain (1,160m). The road up to the Observatory is very steep, narrow and twisting.
- Check with the Coonabarabran Visitor Centre if guided tours from the town will pick you up and take you out to the site.
Who is it for?
- For a slightly off-the-beaten track destination, I was surprised to see how busy the place was with families travelling on school holidays, grey nomads and seniors’ bus tours etc.
- Lovers of all things space and astronomy will be in their element here.
General Comments:
- I am so glad we included the Observatory on our itinerary in the area. It reinforced the extent, complexity and importance of science in our World, and how we humans are merely small players on a much bigger stage.
- I also really liked the idea that this is an important site for international collaboration. When there is so much fighting and unrest in the World, it’s nice to know that we can still work together when it suits us.
- And this would be the perfect place to walk on a Monday with Jo. Only a short walk, but a fascinating one.
Do you have a science brain? When were you last boggled?
#travelinspo #DarkSkyPark #Coonabarabran #WarrumbunglesNationalPark #observatories #telescopes #nightskies #space #deepspace #AngloAustralianTelescope #astronomy #science #westernNSW #stars #planets #SidingSpringObservatory #internationalcollaboration #interpretivecentres #eyeopening
Life...one big adventure 
This look is incredible. I had never heard of it before, still a little far for me to drive to so nice to see it from your post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I can imagine it would be a bit far for you to visit, 🙂 but thanks for dropping by. Mel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I can imagine it would be a bit far for you to visit, 🙂 but thanks for dropping by. Mel
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, impressive structure! By the looks of the landscape, I bet it’s much darker than urban areas for night viewing of the stars! ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
The night skies are simply breath-taking – absolutely crystal clear and covered in sparkling stars. A wonderful thing to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can’t beat enthusiasm even if time hadn’t allowed you to revisit until now. This is something we would’ve enjoyed visiting. Goodness knows why we didn’t. Never say never. Interesting write-up, and I’ll remember it if I get a chance to head that way. Thanks, Mel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And of course you’ll drop in to see me on the way! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We quite often drive through Coonabarabran with our caravan as we head north during winter and often thought about stopping to visit the observatory and walk in the Warrumbungles but the cold weather puts us off. Having read your post we should definitely plan to stay in Coonabarabran, but at a different time of the year when the weather is warmer. Thanks Mel. Cheers, Mark
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Mark – do drop in as it is a nice halfway point (or so) from Victoria. There’s a perfect place to camp out at the Warrumbungles called Camp Blackman – powered sites and everything. It would be a great place to base yourself for a couple of days. And Yes, the nights are cold in Winter, but the days are glorious for walking. Bye, Mel
LikeLiked by 1 person
I most definitely don’t have a science brain, Mel, but what an amazing place. I found myself peering at the photo to see how I could help but I needed a telescope to see it. I’ll have to come in person! I understand so little of how the universe works. It’s incredible to me that people have managed to work all this stuff out. Thanks for leading me up the hill xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Jo and Yes, do come in person! I’d love to take you there. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aah, at least 30 years since I’ve visited too – perhaps I should make a trip while I can! It looks even more awesome than I remember.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You would be in your element! And I sense a road trip in the making. xx
LikeLike
I’m sure you’re right, although I have another trip to Japan to make before that happens! Only two weeks this time (leaving next Wed), but I’ll be on Kyushu for my birthday which will be pretty exciting 😊 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting! Bon voyage to you. We will have to plan a looooooonnnnngggg lunch in January to catch up on each others adventures! I look forward to your emails from Japan. xx
LikeLike
This is so cool! The former wanna-be-astronomer in me would have just absolutely the best time here. Sadly, I found my brain is no match for the complexity of physics, which brought a fairly quick end to that dream…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m hearin’ ya! 😉 But you should still come and visit as you would enjoy the walks in the area (posts to come). 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an interesting museum. I did study many subjects in science, but not astronomy, so it would be interesting to visit. Maggie
LikeLike
I think I enjoyed it because it was something completely different to the normal places I visit. Having said that, 99.9% of it went completely over my head!! 🙂 Have a good day, Maggie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the milk idea! Which one was the heaviest?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bugger! I can’t remember! What was I saying about my brain??? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I most definitely do not have a science brain, but it would be interesting to visit just the same. The Husband, of course, would love it. Double ha! Like you, the human weight scale would be my favorite part of the exhibit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 – we are so alike! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a place. I just can’t wrap my head around the origin of the universe, and how we’re made up of particles formed in stars – it just feels absolutely beyond the reach of my intellectual capability! But I’d love to read all about it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same, same. I am sure it is the perfect theory, but my brain just doesn’t compute! 😉
LikeLike
That looks great. It’s a shame it isn’t accessible by public transport or by guided tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our distances are so great and our population so sparse in Aus that public transport is just not viable in these remoter areas. A nice thought though. Thanks and have a good week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems that the night skies of our two countries are very popular! Sutherland (in the Karoo) is considered one of the best places on Earth to stargaze 😲. We visited Sutherland a few years ago, and my brain also couldn’t get around all the ‘science language’. But … I’m looking for that scale that makes you weigh less!! Such a mind-blowing place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, there are so many similarities between our countries and stunning night skies is only one.
LikeLiked by 1 person