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 Evenings
We hold various evenings open to public throughout the year during school term and school holidays. Bookings are essential for all events.
Our public evenings typically include a guided tour of the historic Ballarat Observatory, a short AstroTour movie, night sky viewing with a telescope and a local astronomer from the Ballaarat Astronomical Society. When the weather is cloudly alternative activities replace night sky viewing.
School Holidays and Special Event programs differ.
Details and booking links for each of our events can be found in the description section of calendar events on our front page or the events page.
AstroKids
AstroKids Sessions are family oriented daytime sessions. The sessions involve a mixture of hands-on experiences, talks and demonstrations. AstroKids is where the complex universe is made simple.
Private Bookings
Private Bookings allow you to enjoy a personal guided tour of the Universe with one of the experienced observatory staff. 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
- 3D Movies
- 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.
Community Group Bookings
A Community Booking for groups can attract a discount if the group is over 12 people, contact the Observatory to discuss. Prices start for under 12 people as per the Costs
School Group Bookings
We regularly run lectures and tours for school groups. For school and special groups,
Our evening sessions run for up to 2 hours with a latest finish time at 10pm. 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.
Costing info: The 2025 school membership at $330 covers the equivalent of 3 classes of 30 students and is able to be used in one visit and is in most cases a cheaper option for your group than the individual visit package price of $10/student.
Visits may be day or evening, Monday to Thursday by prior appointment.
Special Occasion Bookings
For your next Birthday Party, Wedding with a difference, or just private function with an astronomical theme. Contact us and we can help you plan a memorable event.
“We really appreciate your efforts in providing fabulous food and an extraordinary experience for all the boys. Thank You. They were genuinely amazed to view Saturn and learnt a great deal. We are thinking it has been the best party ever!” Birthday Young Man: “To the good people at the Ballarat Observatory, It’s hard tp express my appreciation in words, I had a truly amazing experience and I’m almost certain everyone that came did too.Thank you so much for giving your time to make my birthday truly special. “ – 12 year old birthday party -parent
We can also come to you with our telescopes, which can include visits to schools, private functions, birthday parties, whatever you have in mind.
Hire of Venue
To discuss the needs of your group, for private hire of the site including the third rock cafe, contact us at info@ballaratobservatory. org.a