Old Perth Observatory

Perched on Mount Eliza above the Swan River, Old Perth Observatory is a heritage-listed astronomical building in Perth, Western Australia, dating to 1896.

About Old Perth Observatory

Old Perth Observatory is a two-storey brick and tile building topped with a high brick tower, built in the late-Victorian style typical of Western Australia in the 1890s. It was designed by colonial architect George Temple Poole and remains one of Perth's most distinctive heritage landmarks.

History

The observatory opened in 1896 and quickly became a working hub for practical astronomy and public timekeeping. Staff used it for star mapping and precise positional recording, the standard astronomical work of the era. Between 1901 and 1902 the observatory fired a cannon at 1pm each day, giving ships in Fremantle harbour, public clocks, the railway and the telegraph network an accurate daily time signal. The observatory also produced weather forecasts for the growing colony.

Location & getting there

Old Perth Observatory sits on Mount Eliza, overlooking Kings Park and central Perth, in Western Australia, Oceania. Its elevated position was originally chosen for a clear, unobstructed view of the sky over the city.

Visiting Old Perth Observatory

The building is now cared for by the National Trust of Western Australia as a heritage site. Opening times and public access can change, so it's worth checking with the National Trust or a quick web search before visiting.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with precise coordinates, so if you ever stand on Mount Eliza after dark, a telescope pointed at the right ascension and declination can find your star. Name a star of your own, or browse the night sky in our star catalogue.