- Hours and charges
- Night visit (online bookings)
- Day visit
- Night group visit
- Day group visit
- Special events
- Booking conditions
- How to get here
- Facilities, food, access
- Tourist operators
- Private telescope viewing
- Birthday parties
FACILITIES, FOOD, ACCESS, PARKING
Food and refreshments
There is a self-serve cold drink dispenser (soft drinks and mineral water) but no restaurant or café at Sydney Observatory. However you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy it in our grounds.
The National Trust café is the closest café – less than five minutes walk away (opening hours: Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm; ph 9258 0175). A couple of minutes further, down the steps to Kent Street is the Splendid café and sandwich bar where you can get a tasty gourmet foccacia ($7 to $9).
There are many other cafes, bars and restaurants within about a ten minute walk in the historic Rocks area. Occasionally Sydney Observatory provides refreshments or meals in association with special events, such as occasional star-viewing pizza nights. See our special events for information about any such events coming up.
Wi-Fi access
You can relax in the Russell Room or gardens of Sydney Observatory and access your emails or the web via the 'unwired' system freely available at Sydney Observatory.
Observatory Hotel dinner deal
Guests of Sydney Observatory can enjoy a main course from the Chef’s special menu and a glass of wine as selected by the resident Sommelier in the Globe Bar at The Observatory Hotel for $29.00. Offer is valid seven days between 5pm and 9pm and reservations are essential to be certain you can secure this offer (you'll need to provide your Sydney Observatory booking number). To book, phone 9256 9103.
Inclement weather
In case of inclement weather, Sydney Observatory provides a beanbag planetarium session in place of the telescope viewing. Booked sessions take place irrespective of weather.
Parking
There is metred parking on the streets around Sydney Observatory. Parking onsite is extremely limited, so is only available for visitors with disabilities. Onsite parking needs to be pre-booked two weeks in advance for a good chance of securing a place by telephoning 9921 3485. Onsite parking may not be available at all requested times.
Wheelchair access
Sydney Observatory gardens, 3D space theatre and ground floor exhibitions have wheelchair access; additionally, an outdoor telescope can be installed by prior arrangement.
Souvenir shop
Astronomically themed items and books are available for sale at our small shop, just near the admission counter.
Books include the '2010 Australian sky guide', written by our own astronomer, Dr Nick Lomb. It is a comprehensive guide to the Australian night sky for each month from December 2009 to December 2010 (inclusive).
