A practical pathway, not a default close-down
These four pillars form a realistic hybrid model — residual science capability, protected heritage, education, and a visitor experience that can help fund ongoing care of the site.
Using what we have now, energise and expand small pocket sized experiences, corporate functions/conferences and education visits.
As the vision grows introduce scale with the cafe concept overlooking the Warrumbungles at the observatory apron. is the vision future we are working toward.
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Journey to Australia’s First Dark Sky Park
Discover Siding Spring & the Warrumbungles
Explore Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park, a supporter of dark sky initiatives and home to the Anglo-Australian Telescope. Discover ancient landscapes, some of the darkest skies on Earth, and experience stargazing events that highlight a living connection between Country and the cosmos, all while we work to save Siding Spring.
Travel the Solar System Drive
Explore the world’s largest virtual solar system, stretching from Pluto to the Sun. Scaled billboards along five scenic routes transform the journey to Siding Spring into an unforgettable educational adventure, showcasing dark sky initiatives and promoting upcoming stargazing events to help save Siding Spring for future generations.
Where we are tonight
The kitchen table
Think of our galaxy as the kitchen table. The bright centre is the bowl in the middle. Our Sun is a grain of salt out toward the rim. Earth is a speck going around that grain once a year. Night, especially under initiatives like those to save Siding Spring, represents the way you face when your back is to the lamp. Out the front door, you see the city; out the back door, you see the paddock. It’s the same house but a different night, perfect for stargazing events.
Summer · out the back door
From December to February, during the warm, clear nights, we gaze out past Orion toward the edge of our galaxy, where the stars are beautifully spread out. The Drive is pleasant in daylight, but we encourage you to come back in winter. Stand beneath our Milky Way core, high overhead, and experience stargazing events that celebrate dark sky initiatives aimed at preserving our celestial views and helping to save Siding Spring.
Autumn · turning for home
Winter · out the front door
March to May. We have turned and are travelling inward again. More stars join us in the night as we embrace dark sky initiatives. Our Milky Way begins to thicken, inviting us to participate in various stargazing events. Nights get longer and cooler. The first big break after Christmas and the Easter holidays is a good shoulder season to save Siding Spring and enjoy the beauty of the cosmos.
Winter · out the front door
Winter · out the front door
Winter · out the front door
From June to August, Earth sits between the Sun and our galactic core, providing amazing opportunities for stargazing events. As we look into the night sky, we see tens of thousands of light-years of stars, a breathtaking blend that forms the milk in the Milky Way. In winter, Coonabarabran offers a prime view as our galactic core stands high above. By participating in dark sky initiatives, we can help preserve these stunning views and support efforts to save Siding Spring. Just stand under our galaxy and bathe in its wonder.
Spring · the city thins
Winter · out the front door
Spring · the city thins
From September to November, as we look out through a thinner part of our galaxy disc, the Magellanic Clouds shine brightly, creating perfect conditions for stargazing events. With great travelling weather, the flower season blooms, offering a treat for birdwatchers and highlighting the importance of dark sky initiatives to preserve our celestial view while we enjoy the beauty of nature. Let’s not forget to save Siding Spring to ensure the night skies remain unspoiled for generations to come.
The Solar System Drive
Winter · out the front door
Spring · the city thins
The Drive shows the positions of the planets on the road, while this page highlights where Earth sits in our galaxy. To enhance your experience of the dark sky initiatives, download the free guide from the Vision page. Then, come and stand under the real sky, where you can attend stargazing events and do your part to help save Siding Spring.
A free sky clock for Coonabarabran and the Shire
Dark nights, the Moon, and what is up in the early evening are perfect for appreciating dark sky initiatives, especially during stargazing events. Join us as we work to save Siding Spring and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Photograph by Nick Rourke Photography.