Open Day 2026 Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran.

3rd October 2026 from 9:30am to 16:00pm

All the information about Open Day 2026 can be found below, so start booking your accommdation in town. There will be lots to do over the weekend around Coonabarabran

For just one day of the year, Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran opens its telescopes to the public. It's your chance to take a closer look at Australia's largest optical astronomy site. A great family day out, with presentations by internationally-acclaimed astronomers, science displays, food stalls, solar observing and activities for children.

It’s a free event, no bookings needed.

Don’t worry there are buses running all around site if you don’t want to walk!

What To Bring

• SSO weather can be very different to whats in town, so please bring a jacket, it can get very cold up on the mountain at times
• Some money for food and drinks
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes so you can walk around all the telescopes

Whats on Offer

• Download our 2026 Program and MAP
• Hear talks by world famous astronomers in the Lodge Conference Room
• Talks aimed at Kids in the Old Admin Building (next to Info Tent)
• Tour the AAT - come INSIDE! And up close
• AAT Catwalk
• Tour the 2.3m
• Tour I-Telescope
• Tour Huntsman Telescope
• Food stalls; Pilliga Pottery, Rotary BBQ, Lil Coffee Cart
• David Allen walking trail
• Starr’s Planetarium
• Tamworth Astronomy Club solar viewing
• Astro Trivia - with Clinton Li from Mount Stromlo Observatory
• MQ Association for Astronomy solar viewing
• AAO & MQ UNI Info Stalls
• Rural Fire Service displays and Information
• Donna the Astronomer - Solar viewing