Looking for unique things to do in the Perth Hills on a Sunday? Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Perth Observatory, one of Western Australia’s most fascinating science and heritage destinations.
Located in the beautiful Bickley Valley, just 35 minutes from Perth CBD, Perth Observatory has been studying the southern skies since 1896. Our Sunday Guided Day Tours offer visitors the chance to explore historic telescopes, learn about astronomy, and discover more than a century of space science history.
Free Site Entry
Entry to the Observatory grounds is FREE and includes:
• Access to the Perth Observatory museum
• Safe solar viewing of the Sun through specialised solar telescopes (weather permitting)
• A solar astronomy talk
• Information about our popular Night Sky Tours and astronomy events
Opening time: Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm
No bookings are required. Simply arrive on the day and check in at our Observatory shop.
60 Minute Guided Day Tours
Family: $50 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
Adult: $20
Concession: $15
Child (12 to 17): $10
Child (Under 12): Free
Tours run between 1 pm and 4 pm
Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a fascinating journey through the history of Western Australia’s oldest observatory.
Your guide will take you through more than 125 years of astronomical discovery, from the Observatory’s beginnings at Mount Eliza in 1896 to its move to the darker skies of Bickley in 1966.
During the tour you will:
- Visit the historic Meridian, Astrograph and Calver telescopes
- Visit our Indigenous Astronomy Centre called Worl Wangkiny
- Learn how astronomers once kept official time for Western Australia
- Discover how early astronomers mapped the southern hemisphere sky
- Explore the Perth Observatory museum and its historic instruments
- Hear fascinating stories about astronomy research and discoveries made here
These tours are perfect for families, tourists, school-aged children, and anyone curious about space and science.
30 Minute Observatory Cart Tour
Adult: $10
Concession: $8
Child (12 to 17): $5
Child (Under 12): Free
Available between 1 pm and 4 pm
Sit back and enjoy a relaxed guided golf cart tour of the Observatory grounds.
Our 12-seater electric cart takes you around the historic site while our guide shares stories about the telescopes, our Indigenous Astronomy Centre called Worl Wangkiny, astronomy research, and the role Perth Observatory has played in Western Australian science.
This option is perfect for visitors who prefer less walking or simply want a quick introduction to the Observatory.
Group Visits
Planning a group outing?
If you are visiting with 20 or more people, please contact us before Sunday so we can organise additional volunteers and guides to ensure everyone has a great experience.
A Great Day Out in the Perth Hills
A visit to Perth Observatory is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the Perth Hills. After your tour you can explore the Bickley Valley wine region, visit nearby Perth Hills cafés, or enjoy one of the many scenic walking trails in the area.
And while you are here, keep an eye out for some of our regular local visitors, including kangaroos and native birdlife.
Whether you are a tourist visiting Perth, a family looking for a Sunday activity, or simply curious about space, Perth Observatory’s Guided Day Tours offer a fun and fascinating experience for all ages.
