Sydney Observatory, Sydney

Name: Sydney Observatory
Address: Upper Fort St, Sydney, 2000, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9217 0111

#37 among attractions in Sydney

Museum, Observatories and planetariums, Science museum

Gallery (15)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

Perched atop Observatory Hill with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Observatory is not just a museum but a journey through time and space. Established in 1858, this heritage-listed site is Australia’s oldest observatory and one of the most significant sites in the nation's scientific history.

The Sydney Observatory was originally built for the purpose of astronomical research and meteorology, and over the years, it has evolved into a museum of astronomy and related fields. Visitors can explore a collection of historic instruments, including a working telescope from 1874, and engage with interactive exhibits that delve into the wonders of the universe.

The observatory's sandstone structure is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, and its location offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney. By day, guests can wander through the exhibit spaces, learning about timekeeping, meteorology, and the history of astronomy in Australia. But it's after dusk that the observatory truly comes to life.

As night falls, the observatory operates as a public observatory, offering stargazing sessions that allow visitors to gaze into the cosmos through powerful, modern telescopes. These sessions are led by knowledgeable guides who explain the celestial sights, from constellations and planets to the moon’s craters.

The Sydney Observatory also offers a range of educational programs and resources for schools and groups, fostering a love for science and the night sky in the next generation. It is a place where history meets science, offering an educational and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.

Alternative names: Built: 1857 (167 years ago)Coordinates: 33°51'35"S, 151°12'18"E

Address

Upper Fort StCentral Business District (Observatory Hill)Sydney 2000 Australia

Contact

+61 2 9217 0111

Website

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Sydney

Day trips

Sydney Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Garrison Church, Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, Hero of Waterloo Hotel, St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church.

~500 ftNE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Garrison Church, Sydney
3 min walk • The Garrison Church is a heritage-listed active Anglican church building located at Argyle Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Henry Ginn, Edmund Blacket and built from 1840 to 1846 by Edward Flood and George Patton.
~730 ftNW
Nightlife
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, Sydney
4 min walk • The Lord Nelson Hotel is a heritage-listed pub and hotel located at 19 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built by James Dempsey around 1814 to 1815. James Dempsey was originally a Stone Mason born in Ireland.
~730 ftN
Nightlife
Hero of Waterloo Hotel, Sydney
4 min walk • Hero of Waterloo Hotel is a heritage-listed pub located at 81-83 Lower Fort Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1843 to 1844. The property is privately owned.
~510 ftNW
Church
St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Sydney
3 min walk • St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic church building located at 14, 16 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church & School, St Brigid's, and St Bridget's.
~730 ftSW
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney
4 min walk • The S.H. Ervin Gallery is a major public art institution housed in the historic National Trust Centre in Observatory Park, Sydney.
~560 ftNW
Nightlife
Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
3 min walk • The Captain Cook Hotel is a heritage-listed pub located at 33-35 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
~40 ftN
Park
Observatory Park, Sydney
1 min walk • Observatory Park is located in the heart of the Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is near the Harbour Bridge and is bounded by Kent Street, Watson Road, Upper Fort Street and Bradfield Highway, Millers Point.
~490 ftW
Victorian architecture, Italianate architecture
71-73 Kent Street, Sydney
3 min walk • 71-73 Kent Street, Millers Point are heritage-listed terrace houses located at 7-73 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia.
~550 ftN
Victorian architecture, Italianate architecture
62-64 Argyle Place, Sydney
3 min walk • 62-64 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a heritage-listed row of two terrace houses located at 62-64 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
~510 ftW
Victorian architecture
49-51 Kent Street, Sydney
3 min walk • 49-51 Kent Street, Millers Point is a heritage-listed residence located at 49-51 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1855 to 1862. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
~550 ftN
Victorian architecture
Undercliffe Terrace, Sydney
3 min walk • Undercliffe Terrace is a heritage-listed row of terrace houses located at 52-60 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property is also known as Grimes' Buildings. was added to...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Sydney Observatory open?

Sydney Observatory is open:

Monday 10 am - 10 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 10 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 10 pm
Thursday 10 am - 10 pm
Friday 10 am - 10 pm
Saturday 10 am - 10 pm
Sunday 10 am - 10 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Sydney Observatory?

Nearby attractions include Observatory Park, Sydney (1 min walk), 52-54 Kent Street, Sydney (2 min walk), 48-50 Kent Street, Sydney (2 min walk), 56-58 Kent Street, Sydney (2 min walk).

How to get to Sydney Observatory by public transport?

The nearest stations to Sydney Observatory:

Bus

Lang Park • Lines: 290 (8 min walk)
Stand Q, Wynyard • Lines: 607X, 610 (10 min walk)

Ferry

Circular Quay Wharf 5 • Lines: F3, F4 (9 min walk)
Circular Quay Wharf 4 • Lines: F5, F6 (9 min walk)

Light rail

Circular Quay • Lines: L2, L3 (9 min walk)
Bridge Street • Lines: L2, L3 (9 min walk)

Train

Circular Quay (9 min walk)
Wynyard (12 min walk)