Our tours unfold in the heart of Australia’s Astronomy Capital where you’ll step inside the Southern Hemisphere’s leading observatory, where cutting-edge science meets sweeping landscapes.
Discover the wonders of the daytime sky
WHERE THE Earth and sky feel closer than everSiding Spring
by day
Our tours unfold in the heart of Australia’s Astronomy Capital where you’ll step inside the Southern Hemisphere’s leading observatory, from exploring Australia’s largest telescope to taking in the sweeping Warrumbungle ranges, our day tours are an adventure in discovery. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits.
choose your day tour ↓LEGACY OF THE UK SCHMIDT
Step inside one of Siding Spring Observatory’s oldest and most influential domes — the UK Schmidt telescope. This tour reveals how this pioneering instrument helped shape the future of astronomy, from mapping the stars to inspiring new generations of research.
Your journey continues at iTelescope, a unique facility where publicly accessible telescopes bring modern astronomy within reach of anyone, from comet hunters to budding astrophotographers.
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1.5 hour fully guided tour.
Exclusive access inside the UK Schmidt telescope dome.
Visit to iTelescope facility with publicly accessible telescopes for astrophotography and research.
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Not suitable for children under 5. Children 5–15 must be accompanied by an adult.
No pets.
Food and drink is not included but can be purchased separately at the Exploratory café within visitor information centre.
Weather on the mountain can change quickly. Please dress in layers and bring clothing suitable for both warm and cool conditions. In summer, we recommend sun protection and plenty of water. In colder seasons, warm clothing is essential.
THE GIANT OF THE SKY
Be amazed by the giant of the sky — Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), Australia’s largest and most powerful telescope.
Your journey begins at the base of the dome with stories of Siding Spring’s origins, before stepping onto the telescope floor to witness the scale and precision of this engineering marvel.
For those ready to climb higher, the tour continues to the sky deck, nearly 50 metres above the ground, where the Warrumbungle National Park unfolds for over 200km in every direction.
Discover how this giant has shaped astronomy past and present and why it remains the beating heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s stargazing capital.
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1.5 hour fully guided tour.
Access to the telescope floor and inside the great dome of Australia’s largest telescope.
Access to the sky deck (50m above the ground) with panoramic views of the Warrumbungle National Park.
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Not suitable for children under 5. Children 5–15 must be accompanied by an adult.
No pets.
Food and drink is not included but can be purchased separately at the Exploratory café within visitor information centre.
Weather on the mountain can change quickly. Please dress in layers and bring clothing suitable for both warm and cool conditions. In summer, we recommend sun protection and plenty of water. In colder seasons, warm clothing is essential.
ABOVE THE WARRUMBUNGLES
Where, the natural world meets the sky. This guided walk along the David Allen Trail takes you to the highest point of Mt Woorat, with sweeping views across the Warrumbungle ranges and the white domes of Siding Spring.
Along the trail, you’ll learn about the native plants and wildlife that thrive here, as well as the rich history of astronomy in the region and how it has changed the way we see the world.
It’s more than a walk, it’s a journey through nature, science, and breathtaking scenery.
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1.5 hour fully guided walk on the David Allen Trail
Access to restricted areas of Siding Spring Observatory grounds
Panoramic views from the summit of Mt Woorat
Stories of the astronomy, history, and culture that shaped the observatory
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This is a walking tour only, telescope domes are not entered on this experience
Enclosed shoes required
Suitable for guests comfortable walking on uneven terrain as trail includes rocky ground and inclines
Not suitable for children under 5. Children 5–15 must be accompanied by an adult
No wheelchair access
No pets
Food and drink is not included but can be purchased separately at the Exploratory café within visitor information centre
Weather on the mountain can change quickly. Please dress in layers and bring clothing suitable for both warm and cool conditions. In summer, we recommend sun protection and plenty of water. In colder seasons, warm clothing is essential.
SIDING SPRING IN A DAY
Spend a full day immersed in the wonders of Siding Spring Observatory. Your journey begins with a guided walk along the David Allen Trail to the summit of Mt Woorat, where sweeping views and stories of nature, wildlife, and astronomy unfold. From there, step inside the historic UK Schmidt telescope and explore the iTelescope facility , where modern astrophotography comes to life.
The day concludes inside the giant of the sky, Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT), Australia’s largest telescope. From its towering sky deck nearly 50 metres above the ground, you’ll experience both breathtaking views and the awe of cutting-edge science in action.
For those who want to see it all, this is the ultimate Siding Spring adventure.
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5.5 hour fully guided tour.
Exclusive access inside the UK Schmidt telescope dome.
Visit to iTelescope facility with publicly accessible telescopes for astrophotography and research.
Access the great dome of Australia’s largest telescope.
Access to the sky deck (50m above the ground) with panoramic views of the Warrumbungle National Park.
Panoramic views from the summit of Mt Woorat
Stories of the astronomy, history, and culture that shaped the observatory
Souvenirs including a magnet, postcard and a sticker
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Enclosed shoes required.
Suitable for guests comfortable walking on uneven terrain as trail includes rocky ground and inclines.
Not suitable for children under 5. Children 5–15 must be accompanied by an adult
No wheelchair access
No pets
Food and drink is not included but can be purchased separately at the Exploratory café within visitor information centre
Weather on the mountain can change quickly. Please dress in layers and bring clothing suitable for both warm and cool conditions. In summer, we recommend sun protection and plenty of water. In colder seasons, warm clothing is essential.
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9:45am: Meet at cafe within visitor information centre
10:00am-11:30am: Guided tour of Siding Spring Observatory via The David Allen Trail
11:30am-12:00pm: Time for a rest at the cafe area and to wander through exploratory within the visitor information centre
12:00pm-1:30pm: Tour of the UK Schmidt and iTelescope facility
1:30pm-2:00pm: Rest time in cafe/exploratory area before commencing next tour
2:00pm-3:30pm: Tour through the giant of the sky - Australia's largest telescope
LOCATION
Our day tours take place at Siding Spring Observatory, on the edge of Warrumbungle National Park.
Here, world-class science meets breathtaking landscapes, with telescopes that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
LOOK BEYOND THE SKY
From daytime discoveries to stargazing nights, each tour is an invitation to wonder. Join us in the Astronomy Capital of Australia.