Guide to an Otherworldly Experience at the Perth Observatory [2025]

Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity in 1687 made it clear what kept our feet on the ground. Our cosmic curiosity, however, has never stopped pulling us to the stars.

The Perth Observatory has been drawing on that same magic since 1896. Last Milky Way season (April to October), we even proved it hasn’t dimmed in the slightest, despite being over 125 years old.

What maintains this place from orbiting at the top of stargazers’ to-chase list is all for you to discover below.

Things to Know

Address: 337 Walnut Rd, Bickley
Contact Details: +61 8 9293 8255
Operating Hours:

Mon to Fri – 10 am to 4:30 pm
Sun – 1 pm to 4 pm

Travel Time from the Perth CBD: 33 mins (30.6 km)
Website

How to Get There

By Train: To reach the Perth Observatory from Downtown Perth, take the Airport Line at Perth Stn, then hop off at High Wycombe Stn Platform 2 in Forrestfield.

From there, you’ll get to the observatory through a 21-minute taxi ride.

By Bus: The Perth Observatory is also accessible from the Perth CBD via bus line 270, open for boarding at St Georges Tce Stand 9 – Before Pier St.

Your stop is at Hale Rd Before Cypress Rd. Just like the train route, you’ll need a taxi to reach the observatory.

By Car: The Perth Observatory is in a nature reserve, so you’ll enjoy several off-street parking sites. You may check this map for the details.

By Taxi: Our breakdown below, updated as of July 2025, will help you budget potential taxi fares.

Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm
Flagfall	Distance Rate	Booking Fee	Waiting Time
$5.10	2.04/km	$1.80	$58/hr
Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday)
Flagfall	Distance Rate	Booking Fee	Waiting Time
$7.30	2.04/km	$1.80	$58/hr
Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only)
Flagfall	Distance Rate	Booking Fee	Waiting Time
$7.30 + $4.30	2.04/km	$1.80	$58/hr

Things to Do

Chase the cosmos on a tour

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $50
Concession: $40
Kid (Ages 5 to 17): $30

As you’d expect, the Perth Observatory has some gravitas when it comes to spotting cosmic bodies. In fact, it helped unearth one of Uranus’ ring systems in 1977, and the distance from the city means stargazers aren’t fussed by light pollution.

Thankfully, that was the case during our trip. We spotted star clusters, nebulae, and even dying stars, thanks to the lovely weather and those high-tech telescopes.

The cool thing is that visitors can book a private tour, including one with a Chinese-speaking guide. It’s on the exxy side, though, which is why we went the regular route.

Catch the moon in all her glory

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $55
Concession: $40
Kid (Ages 5 to 17): $30

Sometimes, the stars don’t eclipse the moon here, owing largely to the Focusing On Our Moon tour. This is a full-phase experience highlighting Earth’s natural satellite through exhibits and informational talks.

Going by what we’ve seen (did the tour twice), a guide will discuss intriguing facts and myths about the moon, with pit stops for the show-and-tell bits. Part of that is a visit to Tyco and Copernicus, two mega craters.

Mugs of hot chocolate then end things on a sweet note. And yes, it’s served in the foyer for that final cosy touch.

Explore the heritage museum and learn about telescopes

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $25
Concession: $15
Kid (Ages 5 to 17): $20
Carers: Free

Not all tours here take place after dark. There is also a daytime excursion that provides a closer look at the Observatory itself, mainly focusing on its history and tech.

For two hours, curious minds get to dabble with telescopes, including the Lewell model that detected the Uranus ring system. The Astrograph, an astrophotography telescope that contributed to the creation of the Astrographic Catalogue, can also be observed.

Winding back the years is a possibility as well. There’s a display showcasing time-keeping mechanisms such as Shortt Synchronome Clocks and an OG Atlas Coeletis made by John Flemsteed, the royals’ first astronomer.

Let your little astronaut train at an art workshop

From perthobservatory

On Sundays, the kiddos get to craft stellar pieces here. How? Through a Supernova Studio- and Park Liu-led workshop that follows a cosmic theme.

Specifically, the sprogs can play with colours to hand-paint a 3D printed moon or an astronaut. The sky is the limit, just with a guiding hand to keep things from orbiting out of control, with a few science facts thrown in for good measure.

Adopt a star

From perthobservatory

We all have that one mate who’s a nightmare to shop for. Usually, something out-of-this-world fixes that…especially if that something is a literal star.

One of our most cashed-up editors did exactly that. Through the Observatory’s Star Adoption program, she ‘bought’ a star viewable from the Southern Hemisphere for her boyfriend.

If you’re nodding already, just note that not all of the options are visible to the naked eye; some require binoculars. You also can’t name the star after the receiver, and the adoption period ranges from 1 year to 7 years max.

Take a spin around the solar system

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $10
Concessions: $8
Kid (Aged 12-17): $5
Kid (Under 12): Free

Whoever said you can’t stare at the sun for too long hasn’t experienced the Solar Experience tour. All that’s needed in this Sunday walkabout is a clear sky and their Coronado Solar Telescope, and voila—myth busted.

That’s not where the tour ends, though, as visitors will also learn about the Collins Sundial, particularly on how to use its analemma. It’s basically a diagram that reveals the sun’s position from one spot here on Earth.

The guides will also provide a cosmic crash course on topics such as the factors that set auroras and coronal ejections in motion. If we’re being honest, that’s a steal considering this is one of their cheapest experiences.

Get spooky under the stars

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $55
Concession: $45
Kid (Ages 5 to 17): $35

We have made a tradition of spending our Halloweens at the Observatory. We get to flaunt our Ghostbusters costumes (and the kids’ too), all while having access to advanced telescopes used for stargazing and astrophotography.

And get this: your outfit just might win you more than compliments! But hey, even if you’re not the best-dressed, they won’t exclude you from the stargazing-meets-ghost-hunt tour.

Join an astronomy course

From perthobservatory

Price: $300 per person

An hour of astronomy facts is cool, but for the proper space-heads, that will only leave a void. Thankfully, you can join a 5-week programme here, spearheaded by an actual STEM coordinator.

Though an introductory series only, the 5-week course is loaded. Topics such as ancient astronomy, deep space, EMR, rocketry, and supernovas are discussed, normally through interactive Q&As and presentations.

Take snaps of the moon and the Milky Way

From perthobservatory

Price: $120 per person

Much to our shutterbugs’ delight, the Observatory rolls out Astrophotography workshops. It’s no generic 1-to-2-hour session either; the session kicks off at 1 pm and wraps up at 10 pm, ticking the basics and the more technical bits.

For instance, a teammate learned about image calibration and polar alignment within that timeframe. He also picked up some handy tips and tricks on how to capture major cosmic sights, like auroras, star trails, and meteor showers.

Best of all, he got to try some next-level gear. Think Astro Tac, Vixen Polarie, and iOptron Skytracker mounts.

Sip tea with the little ones

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Price: $18 per child/adult

Nope, not a typo; you can actually chill with a cuppa at the observatory! What’s more fantastic is the fairy theme, which means your little one can dress up as any enchanting character while going on treasure hunts.

A reservation also includes bringing home Dr. Janet Baldwin’s and Sharon Topscott’s children’s book. Want to know a secret? You can score that for less by booking online!

Spot constellations as Doctor Who

From perthobservatory

Prices:

Adult: $55
Concession: $45
Kid (Ages 5 to 17): $35

The Doctor Who tour is essentially like the others…except it’s for Whovians. And honestly, who’d say no to that? Not this crew.

We rocked up last year dressed as the Doctor, Daleks, and a few Cybermen. As usual, the 2-hour event swung between stargazing (lots of nebulae and dying stars that night) and museum walks, specifically tours on astrophotography and meteorites.

And, of course, those who slayed in their outfits didn’t leave empty-handed!

Go star-chasing beyond the Perth Observatory’s walls

From perthobservatory

We’ve yapped about the observatory in the entire article, but did you know they also throw stargazing escapes outside of Bickley? Yep, they’ll even go as far as Karattha and Carnarvon if the stars call.

Experience-wise, it’s nearly identical to their usual gigs. For about two hours, the Observatory’s crew will provide a laser-pointed talk outdoors, and they’ll hook you up with cutting-edge tech to spot cosmic sights and events.