Experience the awe of Australia’s largest telescope on a tour of the Anglo-Australian Telescope in Coonabarabran, and get a stellar view of the Warrumbungles from 50 meters high at night.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity, but some walking is involved in the tour
Wildlife
History
The Warrumbungles became a national park in 1954, recognized for both their geological significance and starry skies, earning the status as Australia's first Dark Sky Park.
Conservation
Efforts focus on protecting the dark skies by limiting light pollution and conserving native flora and fauna.
Coonabarabran Stargazing
Experience the awe of Australia’s largest telescope on a tour of the Anglo-Australian Telescope in Coonabarabran, and get a stellar view of the Warrumbungles from 50 meters high at night.
Coonabarabran Stargazing operates guided astronomy tours and experiences based in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, with a focus on Siding Spring Observatory and the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The business offers a structured range of public programs — from 1.5-hour night shows using personal telescopes to full-day visits that include multiple observatory sites. Tours provide direct access to significant astronomy sites on Mt Woorut, including the 4-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope and the historic UK Schmidt Telescope dome.
Guides lead visitors through telescope floors, dome catwalks, and outdoor observing sessions, presenting factual information about instrument history, current research contributions, and simple observing techniques. Several experiences emphasize local context: visitors see panoramic views of the Warrumbungles and learn about the mountain environment, native flora, and fauna encountered on walking tours.
Offerings include the Anglo-Australian Telescope Tours, Night Shows at The Getaway Tourist Park, an All Day Tour, Siding Spring Walking Tours, and the UK Schmidt Telescope Tour. Typical public tours run for 1.5 hours, while the All Day Tour delivers an extended observatory experience with guided commentary and onsite souvenirs.
Coonabarabran Stargazing positions itself as a specialist operator for visitors seeking factual, guided access to Australia’s major telescopes and the dark skies of Coonabarabran, serving tourists, amateur astronomers, and school groups looking for educational and observational astronomy experiences.
Location
Coonabarabran, NSW
Gateway to Siding Spring Observatory
Typical Duration
1.5 hrs
Most tours run for one and a half hours
Observatory Access
Siding Spring & AAT
Guided access to major telescopes
Tours Offered
5 tours
Range of night, walking and full-day tours
Reserve a seat for an Anglo-Australian Telescope tour, a night show, or a full-day Siding Spring experience — limited spaces at popular observing times.
Dress warmly for nighttime
Temperatures can drop significantly on the dome's catwalk, so bring layers.
Book in advance
Tours fill quickly, especially during clear sky nights.
Bring a flashlight
A small flashlight helps navigate the dome safely.
Arrive early
Get comfortable and listen to the introduction about the telescope’s history.
Warm clothing
Nighttime in the outback can be cold, so layers are essential.
winter
Headlamp or small flashlight
Helps with safe navigation around the dome.
Notebook and pen
Good for jotting down astronomical notes or observations.
Camera with manual settings
Capture the stunning views and the telescope itself.