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Astronomical Observatory

The observatory is open to the public every Friday night from March to November inclusive (excluding public holidays), subject to bookings (see table below), unless raining or heavy cloud cover.  If the weather is bad, we will make a call by 5:00 pm on the day of the session and post it in the table below, as well as Facebook and Twitter.  You can also call 9850 8914 and listen for the automated response.

The observatory can also be booked by school, scout, or other community groups.  We tailor programs to suit your needs, so contact us for more info at starinfo@mq.edu.au.

On clear nights, our professional trained staff will show you the moon (when up), planets, binary stars, nebulae, star clusters, and bright galaxies through our 12" and 16" in-dome telescopes.  Friday night telescope viewings at the Astronomical Observatory begin on Friday, March 2nd, but space is limited so book now!

Friday Night Telescope Viewing Sessions: March 2012

Please note that the observatory is closed from December through February inclusive.

Location

The Observatory is located within the grounds of Macquarie University, which can be found in any Sydney street directory.  Access is via Gymnasium Rd., near the Culloden & Waterloo Roads roundabout (see map).

Parking

There is on-campus parking in the N3 car park off Gymnasium Rd.  Parking is free for the first two hours (with a ticket) and after 8pm.

A "Pay and Display" ticket must be acquired from the machine in the N3 car park. Without entering any coins, press the OK button to obtain your two-hour free parking ticket to be displayed on your dash.

Parking fees for daytime parking in excess of two hours are strictly enforced and heavy fines are levied for non-payment.