Image: Courtesy of Perth Observatory
Australia is blessed with some of the darkest night skies in the world which makes for a pretty good reason to stay up late and mesmerise at the wonders of the universe above.
If you want to find out a bit more about distant galaxies or you’re a budding astronomer who wants to peek through an impressive telescope, then take a look at these stellar spots for stargazing in Perth.
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Perth Observatory
For stargazing in the Perth hills head to the Perth Observatory in Bickley. Perth’s oldest observatory was first established on Mount Eliza 1859, which of course is present-day Kings Park. These days you’ll find the Perth Observatory on Walnut Drive in Bickley where a great team of very knowledgeable volunteers run regular night stargazing tours.
Take a peek at the universe through some seriously impressive telescopes, including the NASA installed Lowell Telescope which takes partial credit for the discovery of the rings around Uranus.
Also at the Perth Observatory is a great museum and shop. Find more information about opening times and tours here.
The Space Place Observatory
Located in Julimar near Toodjay, the aptly named Space Place is an open sky observatory. This simply means that the telescopes are not housed in a dome. What you get though, are beautifully dark night skies thanks to the location and an array of telescopes to look through.
The guides at the Space Place Observatory will help you understand the night sky and are on hand to answer all questions. Make a day of it, arrive early and have a picnic in the beautiful gardens.
Check out their website for special events and opening times.
Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory
The observatory is part of the Gravity Discovery Centre which allows visitors to experience science in a hands-on way. The observatory has plenty of state-of-the-art telescopes and welcomes visitors for night visits from Friday to Sunday.
The Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory is located about 90 minutes drive from Perth centre, between Yanchep National Park and Gingin. Find out more about the observatory here.
Stargazers Club WA
If you’re into stargazing and you want to take your hobby further, join the Stargazers Club. Run by the wonderfully named Galaxy Girl, aka Carol Redford, the Stargazers Club runs a range of events throughout the year in some of the best stargazing locations around the state.
Events include BYO Telescope Class to help you get the most out of your telescope and plenty of events to coincide with some of the most spectacular astronomical events during the year.
Find out more here.
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16 Comments
This is awesome. Such a great idea
I highly recommend it. Pick a nice clear night with no clouds.
Awesome Nina, I’ve always loved star gazing. Some great spots you’ve listed here too. I’ve been out Toodyay way and love that country. Great to hear we have some of the darkest skies, and go the Stargazers Club!
Stargazing rocks – not least because of all the conversations it stirs about.
Hopefully it’s clear on Valentine’s Day night as it would make for an awesome date night 🙂
Thanks Casey, date night under the starry night sky seems like a perfect Valentine’s Day to me.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Gravity Centre up near Gin Gin, and you’ve reminded me that its not that hard to get there. Just jump in the car …
That’s right Sal, not too far but make sure it’s a weekend.
[…] Where to go stargazing in Perth […]
I am planning to return back to Australia.
Please recommend me the several places (towns) to settle down in W.A in order to see stars, living, etc.
Hi James, it really depends on what you plan to do. Almost all towns in regional West Australia will provide you with those sorts of experiences.
Thanks for sharing this. I will visit Perth soon. I am so excited.
Hope you enjoy your trip to WA.
I have 3nights outside Perth to spent star ga big and will be driving up .can you recommend a route for me
Hi Celine, once you’re outside of Perth city, there is very little light pollution no matter where you go, therefore, if it’s a clear night you’ll see the milky way and a lot more. Some spots I can recommend though that are great for stargazing are The Pinnacles near Cervantes, Toodjay and the Wheatbelt area. You could also go to Gingin observatory or do a night tour at Perth Observatory.
[…] Where to go Stargazing in Perth […]