Perth Observatory

Perth Observatory, now based in Bickley in the hills east of Perth, Western Australia, is the country's oldest continuously operating observatory.

About Perth Observatory

Founded in 1896 and officially opened in 1900 by John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia, Perth Observatory began on Mount Eliza overlooking the city. William Ernest Cooke was appointed the first Western Australian Government Astronomer that same year. As Perth grew, light pollution pushed the observatory out to Bickley in 1965, where it sits today at an elevation of 428 metres.

History

Beyond stargazing, the observatory historically kept Standard Time for Western Australia and collected meteorological data for the state. It was added to Western Australia's state Heritage Register in 2005, and since 2015 it has been run by volunteers.

Telescopes & research

Perth Observatory's scientific record includes co-discovering the rings of Uranus, along with the discovery of minor planets and supernovae — a strong legacy for a facility now sustained largely by volunteer astronomers.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Bickley, in the Perth hills of Western Australia, within the Oceania region, at 428 metres above sea level. Full directions and visiting details are on the official Perth Observatory website.

Visiting Perth Observatory

Perth Observatory runs public tours and stargazing nights at its Bickley site; check the official website for current tour dates, times, and ticket bookings before you go.

See your named star from here

On a tour or open night, volunteers at Perth Observatory can point a telescope toward the coordinates of a star you've named through Star Register. Look up your star's exact position in our star catalogue before your visit.