Mount Stromlo Observatory

Last updated October 2026

ANU observatory at Mount Stromlo, Canberra, with a free daily heritage trail and bookable stargazing nights and tours.

Mount Stromlo Observatory is run by the Australian National University's Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The observatory site, including a self-guided Heritage Trail with 11 interpretive signs, is open to the public daily from 8am to 6pm, and the 1928 Director's Residence, with audiovisual displays on the site's history and the 2003 fires, is open daily from 9am to 5pm. As of October 2026 the café and visitor centre are closed. With the Canberra Astronomical Society, the observatory runs public astronomy nights from April to September, with talks by astronomers and viewing through several telescopes. The 2026 nights ran monthly from 7pm to 9pm. Private stargazing sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, small-group Galaxy Safari stargazing and school visits can be booked. A school holiday program for Years 3 to 6 ran in July 2026 at $45 per session. Prices for stargazing sessions are not published on the website.

Facts checked against the venue's own website on 17 October 2026.