Night group visit

BOOKED NIGHT GROUP VISIT
Every night except Christmas and Good Friday

Ideal for seniors, ESL and tourism groups, each tour is guided by an experienced astronomy educator, lasts for 90 minutes and includes: a flight through the solar system in our awesome 3-D space theatre, a look at the night sky in our bean bag planetarium and a viewing through a telescope (weather permitting). In the day time group members can safely view the moon, Venus, bright stars and the Sun using a special solar telescope.

Topics that can be covered during a visit include astronomy and space exploration themes, the site history of Sydney Observatory and the history of Australian astronomy. Please do not hesitate to phone us on (02) 9921 3485 to discuss your group's particular needs and access requirements with our education staff.

A Sydney Observatory night session provides a unique opportunity for visiting groups to learn about astronomy and space exploration. Our highly trained astronomy educators can tailor visits to meet the unique needs of scouts, seniors, tourism or other community groups. Visitors can view the Moon, the planets, double stars, star clusters and nebulae using the Observatory's large refracting (lens) telescope and modern computer controlled reflecting (mirrored) telescope.

Each tour is guided by an experienced astronomy educator, lasts for just under two hours and makes use of the telescopes for viewing (weather permitting), 3-D space theatre and the exhibits. On nights when cloud makes telescope viewing difficult, time is spent in the bean bag planetarium.

Bookings are essential for night sessions, and they are held regardless of weather.

Group size: minimum of 15 and maximum of 20 persons per group. We can accommodate up to 60 (3 groups of 20) each session. (Larger groups from regional areas or interstate can be accommodated

You might also want to check to see what special events are coming up at Sydney Observatory.

 

Booked night group visit session times
(approximately 90 minutes duration):
April to September (two sessions when there are more hours of darkness nightly) 6.15pm and
8.15pm
October and November 8.15pm
December and January 8.30pm
February and March 8.15pm

 

Booked night group visit charges:
Adult group $250 for each group of up to 20 persons – deposit of 25% required
Cub, scouts or youth groups of under 18s $200 for each group of up to 20 (including teacher/s)
Supervision: two supervisors per 20 children essential
Deposit of 25% required
Special needs groups Price on application


How to arrange a visit
Please consider several dates before making your booking, in case your first preference has already been taken.

Cancellations and transfers can only be made more than one week before the date of any booked tour; there will be no refunds or transfers if less than one week's notice is given.

To make a booking call (02) 9921 3485 (10am to 5pm daily). Please have the following information ready:

- Name of group or school, address, telephone, fax and email details, and name of contact person
- Time of arrival and departure (allow for travel time)
- Number of people in group
- Ages of children in group and/or class year/s of school group
- Number of supervisors according to the following ratios: one teacher per 20 students
- Any students or group members with special needs
- How and when to contact you if a return call is necessary

Once a date is confirmed, you will receive a booking confirmation form and invoice, plus background material and information. When you receive this information:
- Check that all booking details are correct
- Sign and return the form