Perth Observatory is Western Australia’s oldest observatory, located 35 km east of Perth in the picturesque suburb of Bickley. For over 125 years, we have proudly served Western Australia and remain committed to public education through our Day Tours for schools and Night Sky Tours for the public.

Perth Observatory is managed and operated by the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, who are a not-for-profit organisation offering educational and tourist viewings of the southern hemisphere night sky through a variety of telescopes.

These tours are held at the observatory, although they also offer out-reach programs where groups travel to locations in regional WA with telescopes to offer viewings to those living outside the metropolitan Perth area.

For you to be able to experience something special when visiting Perth, here are the highlights of the calendar of the Perth Observatory.

Perth Observatory Guided Night Tours

Come and explore the breathtaking night sky with our impressive collection of telescopes. Our knowledgeable volunteers will guide you on a grand tour of the most captivating celestial wonders in the Southern Hemisphere, including nebulas, dying stars, enormous star clusters, and the Moon and planets when visible.  Prices are for Adult: $50.00, Concession: $40.00, Child (Ages 5 to 17): $30.00. The duration: 1½ to 2 hours.

When: Daily, and the start time depends on the time of the year, but it is from 7:30pm.  Click here to see the exact times and make a booking

Perth Observatory Guided Day Tours

Come up and see a state treasure and see why the Observatory was so important to help the growth of the state of Western Australia. Learn about the history of the Perth Observatory, our telescopes and our previous scientific accomplishments. See a meteorite in our museum or explore the beautiful bushland grounds (just watch out for the kangaroos!) Prices Adult: $25, Concessions: $20, Child: $15 and carers are free.

When: Depends on the group size and outside of school times, but these tours are available on request.  Click here to see the exact times and make a booking

Observatory Sundowner

Support our special fundraising evening for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) presented by “Team Turbo Safari” – a participant in the 2018 Outback Air Race. This unique sundowner starts with a welcome drink and canapes and a short presentation about the Outback Air Race. Then join a special guided tour of the two historical domes at the Observatory, the Astrograph Dome and The Lowell Dome, with the opportunity to observe the planet Venus at sunset.

As dusk falls, three of the Observatories telescopes will be available for viewing of deep space objects followed by a light supper and drinks. The telescopes will continue to be available for viewings during and after the supper. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the RFDS. Price $60 per person with all proceeds going to the RFDS. Please find more information about the event here.

When: Daily from 6:15 pm – 10 pm (gates open at 5:45 pm)

The Real Sing Concert

Come and experience a fun performance by the Real Sing Choir at the Perth Observatory. The Real Sing is an acapella choir who sing in four-part (and sometimes more!) harmony and on the 1st of March, they’ll be at here at the Perth Observatory to put on a fun performance which will be followed by a tour of the historical telescopes and telescope viewing of the Moon.

The choir has chosen a fun repertoire of songs for the evening with all songs linking to the planets, the earth, the moons, the stars and the galaxy! $30 Adult, $25 Concession and $20 Children.

When: Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Astrophotography Workshop

Experience Lunar Photography at Perth Observatory
Join us for a special night under the stars dedicated to capturing breathtaking images of the Moon. Using your own camera paired with some of the best telescopes in the region, you’ll learn how to photograph our closest celestial neighbour like never before.

Guided by Roger Groom from Astro Photography Australia, the evening begins with a one-hour theory session covering everything you need to know—equipment, software, and image processing techniques.

With group sizes capped at just 20 participants, you’ll enjoy plenty of hands-on time at the telescopes. A variety of focal lengths and telescope types will be available, giving you the chance to photograph the full lunar disk or zoom in for stunning high-magnification detail.

To make the most of the workshop, we encourage you to bring along your own camera T-ring adaptor and Barlow lenses if you have them. Working with your own gear not only produces the best results but also helps you gain confidence and familiarity with your equipment.

To ensure we can cater to all our guests appropriately, please provide details of your camera brand and model at the time of booking. Don’t miss this chance to capture stunning images of the Moon and learn from one of the best in the business!

Attendee: $120 per person

Location: Perth Observatory
Date: 3^rd of October
Time: 7 pm – 10 pm (Doors open at: 6:30 pm)

Spring Into Milky Way Photography

Want to capture breathtaking images of the Milky Way? Join the Perth Observatory’s upcoming Milky Way Photography Workshop and learn the art of photographing our galaxy just as the Milky Way season begins.

Over two inspiring nights, you’ll gain both knowledge and hands-on experience:

• Night One: A comprehensive guide to Milky Way photography, covering camera settings, essential equipment, and practical techniques.

• Night Two: Put theory into practice under the night sky at Perth Observatory, capturing your own stunning astrophotography shots.

And if the weather doesn’t cooperate? No problem. Instead, you’ll attend a two-hour beginner’s image processing workshop, where you’ll discover how to edit your Milky Way photos using techniques like noise reduction, colour balancing, and image stacking.

This is your chance to learn from the experts at Perth Observatory and take your photography skills to the next level.
Spots are limited—register today and get ready to bring the galaxy into focus!

Attendee: $210 per person for both nights

Location: Perth Observatory
Date: 17^th (theory) – 18^th (workshop) of September
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm (Doors open at: 6:30 pm)

For more information about the Perth Observatory events, check out their Facebook Page.