What is it and how do we define it? Even though time has existed since the beginning of, well, time, it was still necessary to unlock the mechanism of time, to understand it, to record it. 6.00pm: Dinner 7.30pm: Talk about Leap Days, Calendars and Time with Judith Bailey, Observatory Manager 8.00pm: Viewing at the […]
Saturday 9th March Looking for something to do this Labour Day Long weekend? Want to learn more about our amazing universe? On Saturday the 9th of March the Ballarat Observatory will be open for you to learn about our amazing universe. Note: Bookings Essential. Afternoon Session 2pm-3.30pm This session has been cancelled in line with our […]
Humanity’s First Time Around the Moon … And Our Next with Stephen Slater film producer with credits including Apollo 11 (Almost last minute confirmation!! Don't miss out.) It has been 55 years since humans first went around the Moon on Apollo 8. Next year, NASA will do it again on Artemis 2. Join Stephen Slater, film producer (with credits including Apollo 11), with this exclusive look into Apollo 8 and one of human's riskiest journeys. Using unseen archival film clips, Stephen will take us on an out-of-this world multimedia experience. 6.00pm: Optional Dinner 7.00pm: Talk 8.00pm: Optional Supper 8.30: Optional viewing […]
FAMILY EVENT 6.30pm Bring along a picnic to have outside under the stars, beautiful grounds and plenty of space to spread out. Refreshments and snacks available at the the Third Rock Cafe. Children's activities outside and inside, get involved in our Protecting the Night Activities for Students and Adults :) to go into the draw […]
Saturday 30th March 2024 2.30pm-4.30pm Hop into some Easter fun at our Cosmic Eggstravaganza: A program of fun awaits: Easter Egg Activity, Easter Basket Making, Easter-Themed Astronomy talk for children and more. The Third Rock Cafe will be open for a sausage sizzle, tea and coffee, hot chocolates and hot cocoas, and hot cross buns. […]
3rd April 2024 Sean Dooley the “Birdman” at the Observatory for two sessions plus activities for Children in the afternoon and viewing at the telescopes at the evening session. We are thrilled to have Sean Dooley come to speak for our IDSW events, National Public Affairs Manager, BirdLife Australia. Sean will speak about importance […]
Thursdays 9.45am and 4pm until the Winter Solstice (June 21) Our 45 minute Little Learners sessions incorporate astronomy, science language, thinking skills and fun for little and not so little learners. Note: Sessions will be not go ahead if the BOM Forecast (the previous day at 5.45pm) states an expected maximum temperature of 34 degrees […]
2nd -8th April 2024 EVENTS Walk on the Wild Side - Tuesday 2nd and Friday 5th 6.15pm - 9.15pm Join in with Andrew for a Walk on the Wild Side of Lake Wendouree and Woowookarung Regional Park. Andrew will introduce you to our nocturnal species as they become active at dusk, then, come back to […]
9th April - 13th of April 2024 Looking for something to do in the school holidays? Join our nerdy school holiday program and learn more about our amazing universe. Bookings are essential* for some events. Whats on? Evening Sessions (Tuesday*, Wednesday* and Saturday 6-8pm)* Our evening sessions involve a tour of the historic observatory, a […]
138th Anniversary Oddie Lecture IV - 2024 - Lorayne Branch will be our Guest Speaker and will talk about her Great Grandfather Henry Sutton. Henry Sutton’s great-granddaughter, and biographer, Lorayne Branch. Photo: ABC Henry was born in Ballarat and has been described as "Australia's greatest inventor and, indeed, one of the greatest inventors the world […]
138th Year 18th-26th May Discover the amazing and delightful observatory and our collection of instruments, books and space endeavour models. Safe viewing of the Sun after the tour if clear in the afternoon. Special viewing through heritage telescopes if clear in the evening. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Wheelchair access to the Baker Hall, Brittain House […]
Tuesday 11th June As a nod to the Kings Birthday Holiday happening on Monday the 10th of June: We bring you Astronomy - A Royal Affair: There will be a themed talk followed by Devonshire Tea. The talk will be presented by our education officer, Kirralee who has passion for explaining all things related to […]