Sydney Observatory Tours

Days: Wednesday - Saturday

Time: Various

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Sydney Observatory, 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point

Price: Adult $36 | Concession $32 | Child (Recommended ages 12+) $24

Experience an intimate guided tour of Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed site atop the highest natural point in Sydney Cove.

Join a walking tour of the grounds and Observatory building to discover the rich history of the site as a place of significance for Indigenous Australians and a centre for scientific activity including milling, defence, signalling, timekeeping, astronomy and meteorology.

The tour will venture through the grounds to uncover the stories behind Fort Phillip and its bombproof shelter, the flagstaff and the many buildings on site. Guests will be invited inside the Observatory building to explore objects from the Powerhouse collection and examine the site’s role in timekeeping, surveying and astronomy.

Climbing the building’s narrow staircases, guests will step inside the Observatory’s astronomy domes to see historic and modern telescopes in action. From this spectacular location, visitors will look across Sydney Harbour and view terrestrial objects through a telescope.

Recommended for ages 12+.

Further information:

Subject to cloud cover, guests will have the opportunity to view celestial objects through a telescope. The visibility of objects in the sky from Sydney Observatory will vary depending on the time of day and year.

The tour is designed to share a general overview of the site’s scientific, social and architectural history. Guests with advanced knowledge of, or a particular interest in specific scientific areas, are encouraged to explore our offering of events and programs. Sign up below to receive the latest updates.

In the event of wet weather, the tour will be cancelled and payment refunded. Guests will be notified of a cancellation via email four hours before the tour.

The tour includes around 125 stairs, including areas with no wheelchair access due to narrow and steep staircases across the heritage-listed site. Visitors using a wheelchair or more comfortable with a no stair journey are invited to book the Sydney Observatory Mobility Access Tour. For more information, click here.

Bookings essential.