The Siding Spring Observatory is probably one of the big draw cards to Cooonabarabran and the surrounding area. To encourage the astronomical theme, the planets of the solar system are located throughout the district, with the observatory placed as the sun. Keep an eye out for them as you drive by. He inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are all on the access road up to Siding Springs.
Access To Siding Spring Observatory
Due to the steep road up to the observatory, which is also narrow and windy, caravans are not permitted. At the turn off, a park is available where caravans and trailers can be left, so that you can drive up safely. At the top, is a large car park, education centre and café.
What You Get To See
Entrance into the observatory is free and is via a lift in the entrance to the main building. Inside you can view the Anglo-Australian Telescope from behind perspex. From here you can see just how huge this piece of scientific equipment is. Also on this level is an excellent series of displays which illustrate the building of the telescope and its mirror followed by its history of operations. Contributions that it has made to astronomy cover the walls illustrating how useful it has been.
It was foggy and had snowed the previous night, so the area was a great atmosphere at the top of the hill.
A great place to visit if you are interested in astronomy and want to see a famous telescope. You also get to learn about its operation and scientific discoveries.
Sculptures Around the Observatory
Around the Siding Spring Observatory, you will find some great little sculptures that are worth looking out for.
For other places to visit in New South Wales, please read some of our other stories.
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