sydney observatory night tour

• NSW Road trips
• Accommodation
• Be inspired

• things to do
• sydney observatory tours

Sydney Observatory Night Tours

Experience an intimate guided tour of the iconic Sydney Observatory, a heritage-listed site atop the highest natural point in Sydney Cove.

You'll discover the rich history of the site as a place of significance for Indigenous Australians and a centre for scientific activity including milling, defence, signalling, timekeeping, astronomy and meteorology.

The tour will venture through the grounds to uncover the stories behind Fort Phillip and the Signal Station. You'll also be invited into the Observatory building to explore objects from the Powerhouse Collection and examine the site’s role in timekeeping, surveying and astronomy.

After climbing the building’s narrow staircases, you'll step inside the Observatory’s domes to see historic and modern telescopes in action. From this spectacular location, you can get spectacular views across Sydney Harbour and view terrestrial objects through a telescope.

Sydney Observatory Tours include more than a hundred stairs and areas inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Encouraging visitors with accessibility requirements to contact via email or phone for help in planning your visit. Sydney Observatory accepts Companion Cards.

Accessibility

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

It's time to feel new

Pure joy as you wake to the sunrise. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. A sense of belonging as you return to your favourite holiday house. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Discover the endless feelings a visit to NSW can inspire.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay connected to Sydney for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

Sydney.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Sydney for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Food & Drink Awards
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Area Guides
• Theatre & Dance
• Music & Nightlife
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Bars & Pubs
• Visitor Guide
• Competitions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Sydney Observatory Night Tour

• Things to do

Time Out says

Take your Valentine star gazing at the Observatory

Pondering the heavens ain't nothing new, but we'd wager that you've never spent Valentine's Day at the planetarium before. Yet it's kind of the perfect date: there's an activity, it's dark and you're looking up at the stars. Or more specifically, you're watching the night sky as it changes from dusk to dawn at high speed. Romantic and cool.

As part of the Observatory Night Tour, you'll also visit the historic domes to look through telescopes at stars, the moon, the planets and a nebula—plus you'll learn what a nebula is. Tours are led by resident astronomers who will enlighten you about the cosmos and its celestial beings. (They'll probably use more scientific terms like "space" and "constellations" but we're trying to create a mood here.)

On Friday February 14, the 8:30pm session is sold out but tickets are still available for 9pm (at time of posting). Tickets are $40 for a spot of Valentine's stargazing and couple-y contemplation of the universe. 

An email you’ll actually love

Discover Time Out original video

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Reviews policy
• Competition terms
• About the site
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Report an error
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

• New Zealand

Sydney Observatory Night Tours

The historic Sydney Observatory site offers one of the city’s best panoramas, and the views through its telescopes are even better.

Every day, the heritage-listed observatory, built in 1858, offers after-dark tours, which include a visit to the planetarium and dome, and chance to stargaze through an 1874 29-centimetre-lens telescope, a 42-centimetre computer-controlled telescope and a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope.

Tours run for an hour and half from 6.30pm, 7pm, 8.30pm or 9pm subject to availability.

More information here .

Other Events

16th Mar – 20th Apr 2024

Sydney autumn racing carnival 2024.

20th May – 26th May 2024

Sydney writers' festival 2024.

24th May – 15th Jun 2024

Vivid: dark spectrum at wynyard tunnels.

23rd Apr – 16th Jun 2024

Maho magic bar at pyrmont bay park.

22nd Dec 2020 – 31st Dec 2024

Retro overnight package with drive-in movie.

Distillery Tour and Lunch in Northern NSW

Things to do in sydney this weekend.

15th Apr – 21st Apr 2024

Tokyo lamington x barista’s choice by vitasoy tres leches special.

11th Apr – 21st Apr 2024

Inner west film fest.

Sydney Night Tour

Even if your time in Sydney is short, you can still experience all of the city’s most iconic sites on our private Sydney Night Tour. Sydney sparkles in the evening, and we will take you to the best spots for twilight sightseeing! Your private Sydney Night Tour is an ideal opportunity to see Sydney if you are staying for a short time, with a flexible itinerary suited to your interests and desired pace.  

This private Sydney Night Tour can be 100% personalised for you.

3-hour tour

Private tour - just you and your guide

Private & clean vehicle

Family-friendly

Flexible & personalised

Low-level fitness required

Tour inclusions and pricing

What's included:.

• Private guide & vehicle
• Cold, bottled water
• Pick up and drop off at your Sydney hotel, cruise or airport

What's not included:

• Optional gratuity

Cancellation policy:

• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance

Sydney Night Tour pricing:

• 1-2 people $780 total
• 3-4 people $980 total
• 5-6 people $1180 total
• 7-8 people $1380 total

All tours are private.  Pricing is total per group, not per person.

What you can expect

Click on any photo to enlarge.

The tour plan

Check out our private Sydney Night Tour itinerary below to see what to expect from your Sydney evening . Feel free to personalise this plan to your interests.

Meet to begin your private Sydney Night Tour

We meet to begin the tour at your hotel, cruise ship or airport at 19:00pm.

Sydney Observatory Hill

Enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge from this popular spot overlooking the city, which is even more spectacular at night.

Darling Harbour

The harbourside precinct comes to life in the evening. The hub of waterfront restaurants and casual bars draws Sydney-siders to its open-air spaces.

Milson's Point

Take in sprawling views of Sydney Harbour from this favourite local spot, with fantastic angles of both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

No visit to Sydney is complete without a stroll across the famous Harbour Bridge to take in some of the city's most impressive evening views.

The Rocks' historic laneways will transport you back to Sydney evenings of yesteryear. Meander cobblestone streets and past sandstone buildings to the sounds of busking musicians.

Mrs Macquarie's Point

Sydney's most picture-perfect location with reward you with the sunset photo you'll treasure forever.

King's Cross

Once [in]famous for being home to Sydney's underworld, the gentrified area is taking on a new life since restoration to its colonial glory days. Still a hub of nightlife activity, bright neon lights will draw you into its vibrant allure.

Sydney's lively Asian marketplace is the place to find some of the best meals in the city. You will find everything from fine dining restaurants to hole-in-the-wall noodle bars and famous cream puffs.

Tour finish - back at your hotel, cruise or airport

Your private Sydney Night Tour finishes back at your hotel, cruise or airport.

All Daily Sydney Tour's experiences are:

No strangers, just you and your personal guide in your private and clean vehicle.

Personalised

We tailor every tour to suit your style, interests and pace.

Handpicked by us

Your memories are our passion. Our local knowledge ensures you'll experience the very best of Sydney.

Sydney Night Tour reviews

Read more reviews on TripAdvisor >>

More private tours in Sydney

Make the most of your Sydney holiday by extending your personalised Sydney adventure.

Book your second tour and receive a 10% discount.

KICKSTART SYDNEY HALF-DAY TOUR

Sydney highlights & hidden gems tour, blue mountains tour.

A guide to choosing the best night photography spots on a Sydney night tour

Sydney Top Tours Sydney Bespoke Day Trip Advise best photography spots sydney , cool places to take night Sydney photos , Observatory hill , sydney night photography , sydney night tour , sydney night tours , sydney private tours

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Taking a Sydney night tour to capture the best night photography spots is one of the popular tourist activities in Sydney. Sydney is an awesome city at night. Sydneysiders enjoy nightlights lights, music, noise, and vibrant culture at its best during the night, especially when mega-events are around. However, it could be hard for a first-time traveller to seek what are the best Sydney attractions and photography spots to capture Sydney at night. Further, you have to think about logistics. How to carry heavy camera gear from one point to another if you do not arrange a night tour with a Sydney private guide. Finally, safety concerns when commuting in Sydney as a stranger. Below are our tips to find the best Sydney night photography spots, private guides, and safety.

Best Sydney night photography spots

Opera house, sydney  .

Sydney opera house is undoubtedly the most visited place in Sydney by tourists on a 3-day in Sydney vacation.  Probably the most famous monument captured by photographers around the world. A late afternoon or early evening is the best time to capture the sun reflecting the sails of the Opera house . However, you will struggle to get an unobstructed photo due to the popularity of the site during the day and night.  

Observatory Sydney night photography tour

In our view, taking a tour to Sydney Observatory Hill is the second-best spot to capture a great photo of Sydney at night.  It’s a million-dollar view offered free to the public. We highly recommend taking an Observatory Sydney night photography tour irrespective of how many times you have travelled to Sydney. Observatory Hill offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Sydney harbour bridge without obstructions. If you are travelling solo, you can reach here by Kent Street and use the Agar steps. However, we highly advise you to arrange a Sydney night photographic tour and the guide will be able to assist you in terms of carrying heavy camera gear on Agar steps to Sydney Observatory.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is our third suggestion to capture a vibrant night photograph of Sydney. Probably the only place to capture the Sydney Opera House, harbour bridge, and bay into a one-frame. In comparison to the Opera house, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair point won’t attract much crowd during the evening. Hence, you will be able to capture unobstructed night photographs.

Darling harbour

A perfect destination for a Sydney night tour and enjoying the delicious waterside dining. But many have forgotten that Darling Harbour is one of the popular places in Sydney that offers plenty of angles for Sydney night photography.

Chinatown alleyways

Our next suggestion to capture a great night photo of Sydney is Chinatown Alleyways. In Between Two Worlds is one of the best spots captured by many Sydney night photographers due to its colourful neon lighting.  

Tips to capture the best night photography

Use a sturdy tripod.

As night photography needs longer exposure, we advise you to carry a tripod. However, consider how heavy is it and whether would you be able to carry it by yourself without any support. The options are to get a carbon fibre tripod or arrange a Sydney night tour so the guide can help you with logistics.

Master in manual focusing

If you are a professional photographer, you know what we are talking about. But if you are a novice photographer for low lighting, do your search on night photography before you arrange a night tour.

Change shutter speeds

It’s about creating those light streaks and dreamy landscapes at night. Use settings around the exposure in between 10 to 30 if you have a new version of DSLR and see the differences.

Use the lowest ISO where possible

It all depends on what sort of camera you have in your hand for Sydney night photography. As you may be knowing now, you wanted to reduce the noise of the photos taken by you. We advise you to test your camera with a low light setting and play with different ISO levels before you head out on a Sydney night tour to capture night photos.

Finally, we advise you to familiar with RAW shooting modes and Bulb modes if you have a modern DSLR camera.

Safety tips on a Sydney night photography tour

Dress appropriately – Always advise to check the weather conditions and dress accordingly. Except for the summer months, always carry a rain-resistant jacket.

Travel light – Try to avoid heavy camera gears. Carrying an expensive DSLR and heavy tripod is not always feasible on some of Sydney’s night photography spots.

Hidden Alleyways – Sydney is a very safe city in comparison to other main cities of the world. However, we advise you to take care if you are not using a guided tour from Sydney. Especially take caution when entering areas when not highly populated or hidden alleyways.

Night photography tools

Keimig & Martin in their book of night photography mentioned a reputable flash with filter holder, coloured filters for flash, digital timer for film shooters, and remote release with timer are essential tools for night photography. Further, if you are planning to take a Sydney night photography tour, we suggest you take a hotel shower cap, lens shade clip, and chemical hand warmers as well.

Contact Sydney Private Tours @ +61 498507873 or [email protected] if you want to book any day tours from Sydney .

Related articles

• Things to do in Sydney Australia and must-do activities
• Best things to do in Sydney at night | Activities after Dark
• Attractions near Sydney | Sightseeing, and Things to see in Sydney
• Best places to see Sunset in Sydney, Australia
• Best Beaches near Sydney: Most beautiful beaches to dip in this summer

Related Posts

Sydney Bespoke Day Trip Advise , Sydney Travel Information

Green Spaces in the Urban Oasis: Sydney’s Most Serene Parks

Couple Friendly Places To Explore In Sydney

Day Trips from Sydney Australia , Sydney Bespoke Day Trip Advise , Sydney Travel Information

Waves, Wines and Wildlife in a Day – Escape to Kiama from Sydney

Sydney Observatory and the night tour, a fantastic introduction to astronomy 

Built in 1858 and perfectly positioned on top of Observatory Hill overlooking the harbour, Sydney Observatory is the oldest observatory in Australia. Its iconic sandstone building is one of the most significant listed heritage sites in New South Wales.

Today the Observatory is also a museum as well as a public observatory. It contains an 1874 29cm lens telescope, a 42cm computer-controlled telescope and a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope. It is also home to a 3D Space Theatre and the Sydney Planetarium.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Observatory played an essential role in meteorology, navigation and timekeeping, besides studying the Southern Hemisphere stars.

Sydney didn’t have an accurate time standard before the Observatory was built. Once it was operational, every day at 1pm, a “time ball” on top of the tower dropped to signal the correct time, accompanied by a cannon blast. The time ball is still dropped each day at 1pm but it uses an electric motor.

Sydney Observatory also showcases a great collection of photos, instruments and artefacts that encourage the visitor to discover the science behind weather forecasting and the history of astronomy in Australia.

Please note:

Due to Covid-19, day and night tours, name a star sessions, birthday parties and school holidays daily programs have been suspended in accordance with NSW Health guidelines. However, t he Observatory building and gardens are open.

This means that you can still visit the Observatory, have a look at the new Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House displays, enjoy the panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and witness the time ball at 1pm each day. 

In order to access the building, pre-bookings are essential as tickets are limited per session and may sell out. Click here to book free tickets that will allow you access for a timed session. 

Sydney Observatory

1003 Upper Fort Street Millers Point NSW 2000

Sydney Observatory website is here.

Opening hours: Open daily 10am – 5pm

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and New Years Eve

General admission prices: Free due to Covid-19. However, you need to book a timed-entry ticket.

By Mireia Garriga Seguranyes

My husband and I wanted to celebrate our middle daughter’s birthday and to make her feel special. After thinking for a long time, we made up our minds and booked a night tour in the Sydney Observatory.

We arrived 20 minutes before the tour, so it allowed us time to watch the displays about the solar system and the stars of the southern sky. The guide was very informative, patient and kind. We each had a look through two of the telescopes where we managed to see several constellations and planets. We were very lucky as we had clear skies. It was amazing!

The viewing of the Planetarium and the 3D Theatre was also very interesting, although the experience with the telescopes was our favourite, maybe because of the unique sound of the dome rotating. 

Although the tour is a bit long for school-aged kids, my daughter enjoyed every single moment.

Sydney Observatory Details

Toilets / Baby change / Accessible toilet: Yes

Cafe: No. A cold drinks machine with water and soft drinks is located outside the Observatory in the rear courtyard. There is also a water bubbler in the grounds of the Observatory.

The National Trust café at the S.H. Ervin Gallery also on Observatory Hill is the closest café.

Pram/wheelchair friendly: Gardens, ground floor exhibitions and the East Dome telescope. The North and South telescopes are not accessible because of the narrow and steep staircases in the heritage-listed buildings. By prior arrangement, the Observatory can install an outdoor telescope.

Public Transport:

Sydney Observatory is well served by public transport although it is not on its doorstep.

Circular Quay Train Station, Light Rail Stop and Ferry Wharfs are a short walk away.

Bus route nearby: 311 – Millers Point to Central Railway Square via Darlinghurst & Potts Point.

Note: please, always check the latest updates before catching public transport.

Parking: Visitors can either park in Watson Road or Argyle Street both of which are metered. The Observatory is then only a short walk up Watson Road and through the Observatory Hill Park.

Mum’s report: If you are looking for a special activity that won’t break the bank, Sydney Observatory night tour is a great activity to do with children between the ages 7 and 17. Before choosing it, consider if your child has an interest in science to make the experience more enjoyable. A night date to look at the stars with your child is something that he/she will always remember, especially, if you plan to have dinner together before the tour. Also, to make the date with your child’s even more memorable, you might like to play a meaningful song on the way back home. I like Yellow by Coldplay but there are lots of other great choices! 

The Sydney Observatory Museum website is full of interesting resources such as the Monthly Sky Guides and t he Solar and lunar eclipses . 

You might like to check our kid friendly cafes and restaurants in Sydney City Centre guide to find a good place to eat.

If you have teenagers, we recommend The Rocks Walking Tour to discover the historic Rocks area, which is only a ten minute walk from the Sydney Observatory. 

For a special treat, read about Seana’s visit to celebrate her son’s 16th birthday here . 

Do you need more ideas? Click on the list of top things to do in Sydney . 

The Sydney Observatory night tour worked very well for our family. Our middle child felt really special on that day. It was the perfect place to tell our daughter that we love her to the moon and back.

Have you ever done something similar for your children? If so, share your stories with us, please. 

Share with a friend

You may also like

10 Great Sydney Day Trip Hiking Destinations

Fertility And Age in Australian Women – The Statistics and The Stories

Halloween in Sydney: The Ultimate Guide to Frightening Fun

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Stories

Why Australia is Perfect for a Family Vacation

Sydney Observatory

Review Highlights

“ The Sydney Observatory's evening tour is perhaps the perfect thing for the novice interested in astronomy . ” in 4 reviews

“ See the night sky in stylish fashion and book a night visit or private viewing. ” in 3 reviews

“ On a clear night, not only can you see stars, but also other planets, nebulae, and a very up close and personal view of the moon . ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1003 Upper Fort St

Sydney New South Wales 2000

Millers Point

Amenities and More

Recommended reviews.

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I took the evening tour as a solo traveler and it did not disappoint. I had grown use to my norther hemisphere skies but was delighted to view life from the southern side. The tour was small and personal giving everyone a chance to look through the vintage telescopes. Located high above the city, it made for a beautiful evening of sightseeing.

The Sydney Observatory's evening tour is perhaps the perfect thing for the novice interested in astronomy. It's a museum, now, of course, on account of the light pollution, but it was very interesting to see the artifacts throughout the building. When you add in the guided tour and an opportunity to be oriented with the southern sky, it couldn't be better. We had a tremendously patient guide who handled the basic questions from our group (yes, the Sun is a star) and the more complicated ones (why is the something something elliptical quark quantum mechanics?*) with aplomb. He explained the basics of the evening sky very well indeed,** and of course nothing compares to getting to look through a high-quality telescope to see proof that Alpha Centauri is a binary system, the rings of Saturn, and of course the highly defined craters of our own moon. For someone like me who had never looked through a telescope before, the experience is simply incredible. Sydney Observatory is certainly worth the tour and the evening viewing, though I'd say those above "beginner" astronomy would find it more interesting as a museum or curiosity than as an opportunity for actual observation. Definitely recommended. * I admit, that one went a bit over my head, so I'm paraphrasing. ** I've seen the Southern Cross now. Crosby et. al. can get off my back already.

Visiting the Sydney Observatory for the World Record Stargazing event was an unexpected surprise. Located in an out-of-the-way part of Sydney (due to the hill and the Harbour Bridge approach), I'd never been there before. The buildings are impressive, mainly built between 1857 and 1859 from beautiful Sydney sandstone. I also found it was free to enter the grounds and view the exhibits inside (I went back later to see the buildings during daylight). At the moment there is a wonderful exhibits of astronomical photography on. It does however cost for a tour during the day or evening ($10 for adults during the day, $18 in the evening), which includes entry to the planetarium and viewing through the telescopes - best done during the evening of course. The highlight for me was viewing the rings of Saturn through a telescope for the first time, plus taking part in my first world record!

Southern astronomical dome at night

Now this is one of those places where you can let your inner geek run wild. Basically it is a museum, but it is also a fully functional observatory. Okay, the telescopes are hardly top of the range (and in fact they still have one of the really telescopes operating here). While the museum is open during the day, it is the night tours, if you are lucky, that really show the awesomeness of this place. Okay, as I said, you have to be really lucky because even if there is a little bit of cloud cover you aren't going to be seeing any stars. However I happened to have been quite lucky when I came here, and the sky was beautifully empty, which meant we go to look into some telescopes and even go to see Saturn. You do have to book ahead, so there is some keeping your fingers crossed, but as I said I ended up hitting it lucky and ended up having one awesome night.

We had tickets to head to Stargazing at the Observatory. It really was a spectacular night with passed hordeavors and champs We had the opportunity to look through the telescope, but because it was a cloudy night couldn't see any stars. Would recommend taking the family up to view the harbor and the telescope on a clearer night.

Space is cool - and not "space" like the "I can stretch out" space I'm talking about outer space - planets, moons, stars and beyond.... Now before you think my glasses got misted up and my calculator needs tweaking - think again - Im not the kinda girl who goes gaga for space.... but the Sydney Observatory did get me excited to learn more.... This is a place to become an astronomer for the night as you learn all about the great wide universe. They have a 3D movie ( a bit daggy) and a telescope (super cool) which allows you to see the stars - provided its not too cloudy... It's open during the day, but if you're gonna visit - i suggest head over at night for a greater experience..... it's a fun place for kids and adults.... in fact I think its a great place to take a date.... nothing like kissing under the stars....

Came here for the Guinness world record attempt of the most amount of people start gazing at once! This place is pretty cool. It is smaller than I had thought,but that doesn't take away any of the awesome that this place holds! The museum itself is multiple levels, and has heaps of awesome sciencey astronomy displays that will tickle your inner school child! Oh and best of all its all free!!!! P.s has an awesome view of the bridge and Luna park!

This was magical. On the hottest day so far - I think it was at 36 degrees that my blood officially turned to magma - off we pranced to the observatory for a night viewing. At $18 bucks a ticket, it was absolutely worth every cent. Our tour guide and resident stellar feller was Raj; personable, knowledgeable and clearly so passionate about astronomy, he was a great and fearless leader. The tour was broken into three parts. First up, we were taken outside to view the night sky with our very own eyes, where Raj pointed out the particulars of the heavenly firmament with the aid of a laser pen and iPad. It was SO en trende, darling. Next up, we were bought into the two observatory domes. They are wondrous. Through the 'scopes (when you've been, you too can use the lexicon of the enlightened), we gazed at the moon with staggering clarity, womens' own Venus, and a patch of stars that played like fireflies in the sky. We then were treated to a video session, which, while interesting, was a little too much for a brain saturated by our preposterous insignificance. I cannot recommend this highly enough. We should all do something every day to reaffirm our complete minisculity. It will stop you making that snarky comment, or getting pissed at someone cutting you up. You see that number up there? Give it a call. Now. Bring someone you love.

Geek night out anyone? See the night sky in stylish fashion and book a night visit or private viewing. ($18 or $1000+).

I took my partner here for a night of viewing stars and teenage groping in the dark. It footed the bill, it was informative and he learnt so much about the stars above us in Sydney that he had no idea before. We saw the rings of Saturn and a cluster of stars. Well worth a visit if you love star gazing, even more so if you don't own your own telescope, because the ones they have there kick ass like no one's business.

Collections Including Sydney Observatory

Must do things in Sydney

By Sharn G.

Sydney Secrets

By David S.

People Also Viewed

Vivid Sydney

Museum of Contemporary Art

Sydney Opera House

Royal Botanic Gardens

Australian Museum

Cody Opal Australia

Café at the Gallery

The Rocks Discovery Museum

Sculpture by the Sea

Museums Near Me

Train Museum Near Me

Other Museums Nearby

Find more Museums near Sydney Observatory

• Art Galleries
• Shopping Centres
• Suburbs - Bondi
• Suburbs - Circular Quay
• Suburbs - City & CBD
• Suburbs - Darling Harbour
• Suburbs - Manly
• Suburbs - Parramatta
• Theme Parks

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Taronga Zoo

Bondi Beach

Royal Botanic Gardens

Sydney Tower EYE

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Queen Victoria Building

Wild Life Sydney

Blue Mountains National Park

Raging Waters Sydney

Blue Mountains

Hunter Valley

Port Stephens

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Sydney Harbour Cruises

Whale Watching

Home and Away Tour

Sydney International Piano Competition

Spring Cycle

NRL Grand Final

Murrumbateman Moving Feast

Camden Festival

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney

Oz Comic-Con

Manly Jazz Festival

Sydney Running Festival

Cabramatta Moon Festival

Sculpture in the Vineyards

• Boutique Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Budget Hotels

Kings Cross

• North Sydney
• Potts Point
• Surry Hills

Circular Quay

Darling Harbour

• Restaurants

Weather Forecast

Flights to Sydney

Places to visit in sydney.

Sydney Airport

Sydney Time

Where To Go In Sydney

• General Enquiries
• Advertising Enquiries
• Add Your Business
• Add Your Event

Night Tours

If you are looking for ways to fill your evenings in Sydney , you will be spoilt for choice, as there are so many Night Tours to choose from!

From evening Dinner Cruises and Sydney Harbour Bridge climbs , there is so much to see and do in Sydney!

Sydney Night Tours, Harbour Cruises, Bus & City Walking Tours, NSW

One of the most popular night tours is at the Sydney Observatory . Enjoy a quiet intergalactic evening at the Observatory on select dates. Using the facility’s telescopes, you get to see the stars, moon and planets in what can only be described as the quintessential night adventure in Sydney. This night tour lasts two hours and is inclusive of a visit at the Planetarium and dome. Night tours at the Observatory must be booked in advance and pre-paid.

There are several places for you to get spooked out on a ghost tour at night. Perfect for those who are not afraid of hair-raising tales and possible ghost-sightings, these ghost tours offer a glimpse into the paranormal. Two popular tour operators that run these tours include Q Station Tours and Lantern Ghost Tours .

Q Station offers night tours of the iconic Quarantine Station with spooky stories and, depending on the time of your visit, a chance to experience the paranormal for yourself. Lantern Ghost Tours, on the other hand, run on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing visitors to walk on some of the city’s most haunted places.

Take a night tour of the NSW Art Gallery and get cultured in what is easily home to some of the state’s most impressive collections. This is made possible by the gallery’s Art After Hours events held on Wednesdays. The tour is a perfect way to jazz up your midweek, alongside the chance to visit the cafe, restaurant and member’s lounge.

Night Tours Images & Photos

Night tours, all over sydney current weather now & 7 day forecast, book your night tours online & save with great prices.

The Best Deals & Prices Online

Instant Tickets to Skip The Queues

Great Sales & Zero Hidden Costs

Safe & Secure Booking System

Other Places We Recommend

Do You Have a Question to Ask?

Cancel reply.

Please Enter Your Question Below

Your Name *

Your Email *

Upcoming Events

Operation art, orange wine festival, australian beer festival, sydney craft week, the big design market, wingham music festival, lake macquarie kokoda challenge, the everest, yours and owls.

Sydney Observatory

Top ways to experience Sydney Observatory and nearby attractions

• Circular Quay • 8 min walk
• Wynyard • 9 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Sydney Observatory - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Explore The Rocks Sydney In A Series Of Fun Cryptic Clues (From AU$17.51)
• Sydney Scavenger Hunt: Inside Sydney (From AU$18.76)
• Private Tour: Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems (From AU$453.89)
• The Ultimate Sydney Attractions Pass (From AU$133.89)
• Self-Guided Walking Tour in Hidden Trails of The Rocks of Sydney (From AU$25.29)
• (0.15 km) The Langham, Sydney
• (0.17 km) The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
• (0.21 km) Yha Sydney Harbour
• (0.19 km) Sydney Harbour Bed and Breakfast
• (0.21 km) The Australian Heritage Hotel
• (0.15 km) Fish At The Rocks
• (0.17 km) The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Restaurant
• (0.17 km) Upstairs
• (0.16 km) Tago-An Japanese Dining
• (0.15 km) Kitchens on Kent

15 Unmissable Things To Do In Sydney At Night

Many tourist towns boast so much to do but it is often all things to do during the day like museums, parks, and art galleries. You probably will not find a ton of things to do at night in some cities no matter how large they are. But luckily, Sydney is a beautiful city with a lot to offer for everyone no matter what you enjoy.

From attractions like the Sydney Observatory to the fun Luna Park, you will find all sorts of things to do in Sydney at night as well as during the day. The Sydney Opera House is open for tours, shows, and dining until late and you can find a whole lot to do at Sydney Harbour anytime.

Take a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to see the opera house and other attractions from a different view. Sydney at night is stunning with all the lights and music filtering across the water. You can also visit Darling Harbour in Sydney at night. Check out what is playing at the Mov'n Boat Cinema or enjoy a drink or two during the weekend fireworks display.

Listen to live music at the historic Marble Bar on George Street, enjoy fine dining or shopping in Kings Cross Sydney CBD (central business district), or take a pub crawl tour in Sydney's red-light district. Or see a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. If you are not into cricket, you can see the Sydney Swans Australian Football Club or one of the other attractions like rugby, baseball, or tennis.

No matter whether you are out to enjoy Sydney nightlife with friends or family or you are just looking for some fun things to do after the museums close, nighttime in Sydney does not disappoint. Drop off your bags and shopping parcels at a Sydney luggage storage spot before making a stop so you don't have to drag them with you on your quest for fun!

No matter how old you are, just seeing an amusement park probably gives you a thrill. And there is no reason not to visit Luna Park even if you did not bring the kids with you. This is Sydney's answer to Coney Island and it does not disappoint in any way.

There are so many fun things to do in Sydney at night time here, you will probably want to stay all evening. They even have a ride named Coney Island. Besides that, Luna Park boasts four roller coasters and 23 other attractions including games, kiddie rides, and great food like funnel cakes, hot dogs, and popcorn. The ice cream shops are amazing.

Sydney Opera House

You really cannot visit Sydney without at least seeing the Sydney Opera House up close. It is well-known for its unique sail-like architecture as well as its live music. Of course, you can also get a guided tour up until 8:30 at night. They last for an hour and you will learn so much.

You can also enjoy some of the Australian cuisines while you are there. The Sydney Opera House boasts six different eateries from formal dining at Bennelong or the Lounge for light meals and drinks. You may even want to stay and see a show.

Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower is actually the highest spot in Sydney at 1,o14 feet high but you can go up to the observation deck and see Australia from over 800 feet in the air. The observation deck is what locals call the Tower Eye, which is located on level four. You will be 820 feet up and you can see the city for miles from this vantage point.

You can also enjoy fine dining or have a drink at the 360 Bar, visit the gift shop, and learn about the structure on the touchscreens. There is even a 4D cinema with effects like bubbles, wind, and heat from fires. The Skywalk is the highest point at 879 feet and you can walk around the open glass platform.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is not just a great way to see the sights, but it is important as it connects the Sydney Business District with the North Shore. It is supposed to be most sensational at night because it is all lit up. You will get views of the opera house, Luna Park, Berry Island, and Goat Island.

While you are there, try the Bridge Climb Sydney. More than four million people have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Arches and they have four different climbs from the Summit to the Ultimate. You will not get a better view of the Sydney skyline anywhere else.

Another place where you can get up high in Sydney is at Sydney University. They have a climbing center called The Ledge where you can do some indoor rock climbing. You may not be able to see the city skyline from The Ledge, but you can sure get a good workout.

Even if you have never climbed before, don't worry, they will give you a short climbing class to get you ready. You will get all the safety equipment you need like the helmet, harness, and special shoes. If you don't want to climb, try a bouldering class. That is fun for newbies.

Darling Harbour

One of the best places to be at night while visiting Sydney is Darling Harbour. Especially during the Saturday night fireworks. Although the best view is from Darling Harbour, you can also see Saturday nights fireworks quite well from the Sydney Harbour as well. But there is way more than fireworks here.

See the city from 115 feet on the Ferris Wheel, take a night cruise on the water, or see thousands of marine creatures at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. Visit a Boutique beer café, catch a flick at one of the outdoor cinemas, or visit Bangaroo Park, which is open 24/7.

Sydney Observatory

Also at Darling Harbour, Sydney Observatory stays open late so you can see the stars. This is one of the perfect things to do in Sydney at night. Visit the Sydney Observatory, located on Observatory Hill close to Circular Quay, for a nighttime attraction that never gets boring.

Besides being an observatory, you can also check out some of the cool exhibits at the science museum or learn about the weather at the meteorological station. They host evening events all year long and are open late on Friday nights.

Art Gallery

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is open late on Wednesday nights so you can take your time checking out the artworks until 9 PM. The gallery boasts more than 35,600 works of art including over 4,000 pieces of ancient Asian art, 2,200 pieces of Aboriginal Islander art, and almost 20,000 pieces of Australian art.

Some of the most notable artists include Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. Some of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artworks include The Three Bathers by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner from 1913 and some of the oldest date back to the 1800s with a collection by Tommy McRae.

Chinatown Night Market

Not far from Central Station, Chinatown's night market is one of those things to do in Sydney at night that make the city what it is today. It starts at 4 PM on Friday nights along the main strip of Dixon Street. You can do some late night shopping, enjoy Asian street foods, or have a drink at one of the most popular beer cafes in the region.

Get there early if you want to eat though because even the locals spend their Friday nights in Chinatown. The colorful market stalls and live street music make it seem like a carnival as well as all the different food and souvenirs. If you are on a budget and looking for free things to do in Sydney , come here and browse for fun.

The Rocks Ghost Tours

This is a way to see Sydney while getting a fun thrill at Cadmans Cottage. Just to the north of the Museum of Contemporary Art and a stone's throw from Darling Harbour, learn some spooky history of The Rocks and find out about local hauntings.

Even if you don't believe in ghosts, this tour is a lot of fun and you may just be a believer at the end of the night. The tour guide will take you to many of the spots that are "off-limits" so you can see things very few get to see. You may also enjoy the Rocks Historical Pub Tour or one of their other tours.

Moonlight Cinema Sydney

The Moonlight Cinema is the largest outdoor cinema in Australia and you can find it at the Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park. From December through March, gates open at 7 PM, and movies start at sundown. Get there early to get a good spot on the lawn.

You can buy your food and drinks there, online, or bring your own, including adult beverages. Not only do they have a bar and catering, but there is also a Parlour Fiesta Food Truck with a great Mexican menu. Movies vary from family flicks to horror so check the program first.

Bondi Beach

Why not consider staying in Bondi Beach? It's one of the neighborhoods we recommend in our where to stay guide . Located on the South Pacific coast in eastern Sydney, Bondi Beach is a fantastic spot at night with all of the city lights in the distance. Be sure to get there early to see the gorgeous Sydney sunset. Bondi is one of the most popular beaches in Australia out of 25,000 to choose from.

Many people go to take an evening swim or catch the last few waves or maybe for the restaurants and bars. The eateries are well-known and loved by all including The Bucket List and Bondi Icebergs where you may even see some celebs.

Located at the Sydney Opera House, the Opera Bar is one of the most popular bars in Sydney with its laid-back vibe and outdoor seating. You can get fancy cocktails or just enjoy a brew or two, all right there on the beach. The chefs will shuck some oysters for you while you watch, too.

Most nights and every weekend you will enjoy live music and DJs to kick up the party mood. Whether you want to get up and dance or kick back and enjoy some adult beverages, you have come to the right place.

Sydney Circular Quay

Popular for both tourists and locals, the Sydney Circular Quay is a harbor where you can find shopping, dining, and many of the major Sydney attractions. Some of these include the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour, and the Royal Botanic Garden.

The quay will also take you around to Darling Harbour where you can dive with the sharks, enjoy some cocktails at Double Bay, or visit some of the hip nightclubs. Take a sunset cruise or a ride on one of the Sydney Ferries, enjoy a cheap dinner at any of the food trucks, or watch fairy penguins at Manly Wharf.

The Taronga Zoo

The Taronga Zoo is one place you can spend the night here as they offer a night with the animals they like to call the Roar and Snore. There is really nothing else like it in the world as you get to start with a night safari, watching the predators enjoy their nighttime feedings.

Then, after dining in style, you will spend the night sleeping in a safari tent where you can hear the animals all night long. The next day you can have breakfast with the nicest zoo residents and then explore the whole zoo on your own or with a guide.

Nighttime Fun in Sydney

There are many other great things to do in Sydney at night. If you will be there between the end of May and the middle of June, you will get to see Vivid Sydney, which is a spectacular light show and attractions all over the city. See a production at the Belvoir Street Theatre, shop til you drop at Thursday Night Shop CBD, or visit Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay.

Explore the world

Love discounts and traveling?

Sign up for our newsletter to get insider travel tips and a 10% discount delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam here, just the good stuff.

Get the Bounce app

Instantly find locations nearby to drop off your luggage wherever you go.

Sydney Observatory Family Tour Review

Looking for something fun and unique to do at night with kids in Sydney? Sign up for the family tour at Sydney Observatory.

Part of the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Observatory is located in Observatory Hill Park which is on the other side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from The Rocks.

Observatory Hill Park is free to enter, but you need a booking in order to join a tour at Sydney Observatory.

Keep reading to find out what to expect during a family tour at Sydney Observatory.

Tours at Sydney Observatory

Sydney Observatory offers different types of tours. Their regular tour takes place each Wednesday to Saturday. Four tours are offered each night, the earliest at 6:30 pm and the latest beginning at 8:30 pm.

The family tour at Sydney Observatory takes place each Friday and Saturday night throughout the year (holidays excluded) and on Wednesday and Thursday nights as well during the school holidays.

Usually, 2 family tour times are available, 6 pm and 7:30 pm, though during school holidays there is a 5:30 pm tour as well.

The family tour is recommended for those 6+ while the general tour is for 12+.

Both the Sydney Observatory Tour and the Sydney Observatory Family Tour last around 1 hour.

Other special events take place throughout the year. While some of the special events are free, all of the events require booking in advance.

Getting to Sydney Observatory

Sydney Observatory is located in Observatory Hill Park at 1003 Upper Fort Street in Millers Point.

Depending on your location, you can take public transportation, a taxi, or walk.

We walked from the Rocks, where we had dinner before our family tour at Sydney Observatory. If that is your plan, remember to walk under the bridge and not on it. Do not climb up the stairs to Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Observatory is located in Observatory Hill Park and can be seen from the bottom of the hill. Even though it is dark, take the path up to the Observatory.

Someone will be at the gate with a clipboard checking off names. As you are excepted to arrive 15 minutes early, there is time before your tour begins.

Toilets are accessible and there are picnic tables right outside the Observatory where you can sit and wait, or you are welcome to walk around outside.

Family Tour at Sydney Observatory

Meeting our tour group.

The family tour at Sydney Observatory takes place on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. During school holidays, an additional tour is held on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Family tours take place at 6 pm and 7:30 pm throughout the year. During school holidays, a 5:30 pm tour is added.

After meeting our group, which consisted of 3 families, we began our tour outside the building. Due to a late booking, we were only able to get on the 7:30 pm tour and while that is late for us, the kids were interested in the tour and able to stay up later than usual.

The other families in our group included kids from almost 6 to teenagers. There were 7 kids in total, 4 parents, and a baby.

Sydney Observatory Family Tour

Before heading into the building, we walked around to learn more about why the Observatory was built and how it played a role in the area.

The most memorable stop was when we learned about the use of flags. Flags were used as a way to communicate to and from the boats in the harbor.

We were all given a flag decoder and time to figure out what a few flags meant. Flag decoders can be kept, and of course, my kids kept them.

Once we walked into the museum, we stopped to see meteorites.

Star Gazing on the Family Tour

While the email sent to us said to expect lots of stairs, this is not the case on the family tour. We did walk up a narrow staircase to the first telescope, but each telescope was only up 1 short flight of stairs.

Unfortunately, during our tour the sky was cloudy. We opened the dome but as it was too cloudy, the guide focused on a flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge instead of stars. Everyone got a turn looking into the telescope.

The second telescope is the oldest telescope in Australia. We opened the dome and again, it was too cloudy to see stars so we focused on the clock in the clock tower, about 2 kilometers away. After everyone got a turn looking at the clock, we put everything away before realizing that an area of the sky was clear and we could look at the moon.

Even though the tour should be over, the tour leader set everything back up and let us all have a turn looking at the moon.

As soon as we walked outside, the sky was almost completely clear. We could easily see the Southern Cross.

Sydney Observatory

The Sydney Observatory was built in the 1850s. It was originally built to guide ships through weather and then to determine the correct time.

The Observatory is also a place to determine the weather, and on the family tour, we were able to see the devices that show us what the weather is like when we are checking on our phones.

While clearing out the land, it was found that a fort had once stood next to what is now Sydney Observatory. The fort was built between 1804 and 1806 and even included a bomb shelter, but was never finished.

Sydney Observatory Wrap Up

I definitely recommend a family tour at Sydney Observatory for families who are looking for something to do at night with kids in Syndey.

Even though we went on the late tour, the tour was interesting and held the kids attention.

The Sydney Observatory is worth visiting. Definitely plan to be there a few minutes early as it may be hard to find (and remember, don’t climb the stairs up to the bridge, cross under the bridge if you are coming from The Rocks).

The Family Tour at Sydney Observatory is age appropriate for kids 6+ and holds the attention of parents too.

Sydney Observatory FAQ

While the park access is free, there is a fee to enter the Sydney Observatory. Entry is only allowed through tours which need to be booked in advance.

The Sydney Observatory is a place to learn about Sydney’s past and to look at the moon and stars.

Pin Family Tour at Sydney Observatory for Later

Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

Similar Posts

24 Hours in Adelaide Itinerary

33 Best Things to do on the Gold Coast at Night

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef with Kids from Cairns with Great Adventures

1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary, 3 Ways (2024)

Wellington Point Beach: Easy Beach Day from Brisbane with Kids

29 Fun Things To Do On Tamborine Mountain With Kids

The Powerhouse acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral homelands upon which our museums are situated. We respect their Elders, past, present and future and recognise their continuous connection to Country.

Country Always

Caring for Country

A Corner of the Empire

The Garden Palace

The Holding Pen

The Agricultural Hall

Regional Networks

Across New South Wales

A Museum of Doing

Technological Museum

Expanding Stories

Evolution of the Castle Hill site from botanical research station to Museum Discovery Centre

Transforming the Tramsheds

Powerhouse Stage 1 and the Harwood Building

A Symbol in Time

Sydney Observatory

Ongoing Transformations

Powerhouse Ultimo

Applied Arts and Sciences

Defining the terms in the 21st century

Powerhouse Renewal

Blak Powerhouse

Powerhouse x We Are Warriors

Sydney Observatory Family Tours

Explore the iconic Sydney Observatory on our family-friendly tour designed for small groups including young children aged six and above.

Explore the rich scientific history of the highest natural point in Sydney Cove and learn about archaeology, flag communications and weather measurement before venturing inside the Observatory building.

Climbing the building’s narrow staircases, you'll step inside the Observatory's domes to see historic and modern telescopes in action.

If your group does not include any children, we recommend Sydney Observatory Tours Internal link icon .

Tour Details

on Gadigal land

1003 Upper Fort St Millers Point NSW 2000

Open Hours Open for pre-booked tours and programs

Plan your Visit Internal link icon

Bookings essential External link icon Child $24, Adults $36, Concession $32 Recommended for ages 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Older visitors are encouraged to book the Sydney Observatory Tours Internal link icon .

Family Tours run Friday – Saturday Times are subject to change.

Running time approximately 1 hour. View available tours External link icon

Viewing of astronomical objects depends on cloud cover, time of day and date. In the event of wet weather, the tour may be cancelled and payment refunded. Guests will be notified of a cancellation via email four hours before the tour. Guests are welcome to rebook for a future date, subject to availability.

Accessibility

Sydney Observatory Family Tours include more than a hundred stairs and areas inaccessible to wheelchairs.

We encourage visitors with accessibility requirements to contact us via [email protected] External link icon or (02) 9217 0222 External link icon for help in planning your visit. We accept Companion Cards.

More Internal link icon

Groups and Schools

For groups of 8 or more, please contact us on (02) 9217 0222 External link icon or [email protected] External link icon

Future Space – To Boldly Go

Oscillations – Stellar Nullius

Proudly supported by.