Penwortham observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
In the Clare Valley of South Australia, Penwortham Observatory occupies a patch of natural eucalyptus bushland near the Mount Lofty Ranges, run privately as a serious amateur astronomy site.
About Penwortham Observatory
The observatory is owned by Justin Tilbrook and carries the Astronomical Society of Australia's DO3-12 Designated Observatory status, a recognition that the site meets the criteria of a valuable astronomical resource.
Location & getting there
Penwortham Observatory sits in bushland roughly 10 kilometres south of the town of Clare and 14 kilometres north of Auburn, near the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia's Clare Valley wine region, an area known for its rural darkness away from city lights.
Visiting Penwortham Observatory
As a privately owned site, access is not the same as at a public visitor centre. Check ahead before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
The dark bushland skies around Penwortham are well suited to spotting the kind of stars people choose to name. Once you've named a star with Star Register, its coordinates work with any telescope, anywhere in the Clare Valley or beyond. Browse the catalogue to see stars already named.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
