Plan Your Visit to Swan Reach Observatory
Experience the night sky from inside the Swan Reach Observatory, a purpose-built astronomical facility located within one of the darkest sky regions in Australia. Unlike outdoor-only stargazing tours, our sessions take place in a comfortable indoor observatory with a retractable roof that opens for live celestial viewing.
This allows for a high-quality, guided astronomy experience with protection from wind and weather, while still enjoying true dark skies overhead.
All visitors must have a booking prior to visiting the observatory
Basic Viewing Sessions
An introductory experience
- Introductory astronomy experience
- Suitable for first-time visitors and families
- Indoor observatory with retractable roof access
- Guided viewing through professional telescope
- Focus on the brightest and most visible objects of the night
- Includes planets, star clusters, and seasonal highlights (when available)
- Simple, easy-to-follow explanations from your host
- No prior astronomy knowledge required
- Relaxed, accessible observing experience
Advanced Astronomy Sessions
in-depth session guided by a experienced astrophotographer
- In-depth astronomy experience for enthusiasts
- Suitable for guests with a strong interest in space and observation
- Indoor observatory with retractable roof access
- Guided viewing through professional telescope
- Focus on fainter and more detailed celestial objects (conditions permitting)
- Extended exploration of planets, star clusters, and nebulae when available
- More detailed explanations and astronomical insight from your host
- Seasonal highlights depending on sky conditions and timing
- Ideal for visitors wanting a deeper, more immersive experience
Group Bookings
Group bookings available for groups of 10โ20 people
- Group Bookings must be made directly with Swan Reach Hotel
- Suitable for tours, clubs, and organized group visits
- Dinner packages may be available through Swan Reach Hotel depending on group size and timing
- Hotel will manage all booking confirmation and availability
- Observatory experience is arranged in coordination with hotel bookings
- Subject to hotel capacity, scheduling, and confirmation
- Advance booking with the hotel is required to secure group access
- Phone: (08) 8570 2003
- Email:swanreachhotel@bigpond.com
- Website:swanreachhotel.com
Children
3-16yrs
- Children aged 3โ16 years require a child ticket
- Children under 3 years are free of charge
- Family-friendly astronomy experience
- Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times
- Suitable for curious young learners interested in space
- Basic explanations tailored for all ages during viewing
- Indoor observatory with seating and safe access to telescope
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Indoor Observatory Experience
Sessions are conducted indoors with seating provided. When conditions allow, the roof opens to reveal the night sky for direct telescope viewing.

Dark Sky Protection
To preserve our Gold Tier dark-sky conditions, white light torches and camera flashes are not permitted. Red-light torches or phone apps with red filters may be used.

Observing Sessions
Basic Viewing Sessions
Basic Viewing Session โ An introductory experience focused on visual observing through the telescope, ideal for first-time visitors and families.
Sessions use professional astronomical equipment and are guided throughout.

Comfort & Warmth
Although the observatory is enclosed, the roof opens during observations and temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. Warm layers and enclosed shoes are recommended year-round, even in summer.

Arrival Time
Please arrive 15โ20 minutes before your scheduled session to allow for check-in and orientation.

Observing Sessions
Advanced Astronomy Sessions
Advanced Viewing Session โ A more in-depth session guided by a professional astrophotographer, exploring fainter objects and seasonal highlights with deeper explanation and insight.

Weather Policy
Observing sessions are weather dependent. If sky conditions are unsuitable for live telescope viewing, the session will still proceed as part of the scheduled program, with additional indoor astronomy content included.
In cases where observing is significantly limited, refund may be offered.
