Stargazing with Anglo-Australian Telescope in Coonabarabran
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity, but some walking is involved in the tour
Overview
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.
Anglo-Australian Telescope Tours
Ages 4+ • 1.5 hours • Explore Australia's Largest Telescope!
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About This Adventure
Experience the awe of Australia’s largest telescope, the 4m AAT, in a thrilling 1.5-hour tour. Ascend to the telescope floor and brave the dome catwalk for breathtaking views of the Warrumbungles from 50 meters high. Discover the rich history of astronomy and the telescope's ongoing contributions to the field.
Get ready to be amazed by the spectacle that is the 4m AAT, Australia's largest telescope!
Duration
1.5 hours
About
Welcome to the AAT, Australia's largest telescope. Take in the sheer size of the dome as you hear stories about how Siding Springs was founded. Take a trip from the ground floor up to the telescope floor and view the telescope from inside the dome. Next stop is only for the brave as we go up to the 6th floor and out onto the dome catwalk. Gaze out over the entirety of the Warrumbungles from nearly 50m above the ground. You'll be astounded by the history and what these telescopes have done for astronomy as well as what they still do today.
More info
- No children under 4
- No wheelchair access
What to bring
- Enclosed shoes
- Children between 4-15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of your booking
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Koalas in the eucalypts
- Emus wandering the plains
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm clothing
Nighttime in the outback can be cold, so layers are essential.
winter specific
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.