Visting the Ballarat Observatory is an unique experience involving more than just looking through a telescope.
On Offer are a range of sessions to book with varying themes and programs. The Observatory is also available for private hire.
What types of sessions are on offer?
Booking Types
Public Sessions
We hold various evenings open to public throughout the year on Saturday evening. Bookings are essential for all events.
Our Saturday evenings typically include a guided tour of the historic Ballarat Observatory, a short AstroTour movie, night sky viewing with a telescope and Society demonstrators from the Ballaarat Astronomical Society. When the weather is cloudy, alternative activities replace night sky viewing.
See upcoming sessions by clicking on the button below
Private Bookings
Private Bookings allow you to enjoy a personal guided tour of the Universe with one of the Society’s demonstrators. Ask as many questions as you like and enjoy looking through the telescope without any distractions.
Viewing through the telescope at night is dependent on weather conditions, please contact us if you have any questions about when would be the best time for viewing. Full moon nights are not recommended.
Private Bookings are available from Mondays to Thursdays (depending on availability)
Sample program can be tailored to your liking:
- Personalised Tour of the Observatory
- Presentation or short film
- Viewing at the telescope
- Extensive Q & A with the presenter
The program can go from anywhere between 1 – 2 hours depending on the weather and the number of people in your group.
Early Learning-Kinder Groups Booking
We love sharing our passion for astronomy and history with the next generation. Our Early Learning-Kinder group sessions can be held from 9.30 am- 10 pm Mondays- Thursdays and last for up to two hours.
Our standard program includes a tour of our historic observatory, a presentation about a topic in astronomy and viewing the night sky with our modern telescopes. Our cloudy weather program remains the same except telescope viewing is replaced with an activity of your choice. Program adaptations can be discussed with our Booking Officer at bookings@ballaratastro.org.au
Community Group Bookings
Community Groups can book in a semi-private session run by one of our Society’s demonstrators. These last for up to two hours and can incorporate various activities. To organise please contact us using the contact forms.
Pricing as at 01/01/2026 (subject to change)
- Minimum Cost: $150 (covers 10 people)
- Additional Costs: $15 each person
- Note: 0-4-year-olds are free but must be accounted for in the numbers when booking.
School Group Bookings
We love sharing our passion for astronomy and history with the next generation. Our school group sessions can be held from 9.30 am- 10 pm Mondays- Thursdays and last for up to two hours.
Our standard program includes a tour of our historic observatory, a presentation about a topic in astronomy and viewing the night sky with our modern telescopes. Our cloudy weather program remains the same except telescope viewing is replaced with an activity of your choice. Program adaptations can be discussed with our Booking Officer at bookings@ballaratastro.org.au
Scout Group Bookings
We love sharing our passion for astronomy and history with the next generation. Our school group sessions can be held from 9.30 am- 10 pm Mondays- Thursdays and last for up to two hours.
Our standard program includes a tour of our historic observatory, a presentation about a topic in astronomy and viewing the night sky with our modern telescopes. Our cloudy weather program remains the same except telescope viewing is replaced with an activity of your choice. Program adaptations can be discussed with our Booking Officer at bookings@ballaratastro.org.au