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Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre
4.7
36 reviewsAbout
A new astronomy and science complex with a multi-function auditorium accommodating up to 200 people for live presentations with extensive displays of meteorites, minerals, megafauna, astronomical images and items of scientific interest.
The centre houses three observatories. An adjoining roll-off roof observatory houses multiple large telescopes for public viewing nights, including one of the largest privately-owned telescopes in Australia. Also adjoining the auditorium is a 6.7 metre domed observatory which has a dual function as a planetarium theatre for simulated night sky views and audio-visual presentations.
The complex includes a purpose-built, split-roof observatory for the historic Hewitt Camera, one of only two built by the British military in the 1960's for 5.5 million pounds to track missiles and satellites and later used for astronomical research at Siding Spring Observatory. The Hewitt Camera/telescope has been upgraded to digital photographic capabilities, feeding incredibly detailed, live colour images of deep-sky astronomical objects to the observatory's projection screens.
Radio astronomy dishes and equipment are being installed at the complex. Extensive outdoor spaces enable the facility to host major public astronomy events.
The complex is the headquarters of the Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club Inc with approximately 250 active members.
Group tours are by application please connect with us for further details.
Hours
Closed now
Today: 10:00–13:00
Facilities and visitor features
18 featuresCaters for people who use a wheelchair.
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Mark Nielsen
Google review
Seriously one of the most interesting tours with people who are so passionate and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for anyone intesteded in astronomy or geology!!
Uditha Hettiarachchi
Google review
This is an absolute gem! For just $10 per adult, it was more than worth every cent. From start to finish, the staff explained everything clearly and made the experience engaging. The collection of rare historic telescopes is fascinating, and the rocks that glow under UV light are stunning. Seeing luminous rocks up close under the microscope was a real highlight. A must-visit for anyone interested in science and history!
Jade Lee
Google review
Gret place and info on history of space shuttle stuff, geological interest, amazing rocks on display. Awesome views with telescopes and hugemungeous digital camera from the 1950s. Volunteers do an excellent job with tours and love what they do.
Ingrid Turner
Google review
I would like to give this 100/10. What an incredible place. Unfortunately it was a miserable rainy day which prevented looking through telescopes but Chris (my own personal tour guide!😁), made up for it. I think he spent an hour and a half showing me everything, sharing his vast knowledge, his passion for astronomy and all the facts and figures he had stored in his head. I came away with so much more information than I could have read in a book! I wish I lived in Tamworth so I could join the club and have fun every week, gazing into the universe. Thank you to the centre for sharing this with me and to Chris for the time he spent with me. I wish your club all the best with any grants you apply for, to help educate young and old alike into the future.
Barry Hough
Google review
This is such a gem. The time taken by the volunteers such as Pete to take us through all the aspects of the centre was wonderful. So much passion and knowledge that is shared. 5 Stars is not enough - they need 100 stars. Something for everyone and every age. Rocks, fossils, telescopes and everything in between. Every volunteer brought something to tour - passion and pure joy of showing us what excites them about their specialty area.
Price range
From $0 To $10 per person
Get in touch
Where you'll be
Piper Street
North Tamworth NSW 2340