This event booked out in less than 24 hours! We hope to organise more tours in the New Year so keep an eye out for further announcements.

The RHSV is organising a special historical tour of The Melbourne Observatory for our members.

The Melbourne Observatory was constructed in 1861–63, and expanded until 1902 to eventually comprise 22 rooms. Far from only stargazing, the Observatory staff provided critical scientific data essential for the smooth running of industries ranging from shipping to farming and city business to politics.

It commenced operations in 1863 and achieved a great deal of  practical value for Victoria before it was decommissioned from official Government work in 1945.  However it has since remained in use as an astronomical observatory.

The Observatory was the home for weather forecasting, time setting, setting weights and measures standards and for the surveying of Victoria. The distinctive shapes of the buildings, built and added to between 1861 and 1902, topped by sliding domes and opening roof structures evoke immediate recognition of their functions as devices for tracking and charting stars, watching the weather and keeping time.

In the rapidly growing nineteenth century city of Melbourne, telling the time accurately was a major challenge. The Melbourne Observatory provided the time for a clock in Bourke Street as well as the clocks at Flinders and Spencer Street railway stations.

Much of the historic equipment used when the Observatory was fully operational is preserved and still used for observing the southern night sky.

Melbourne Observatory is now on the National Heritage List (early 2018). It has since been found to be of even greater national and world significance. Following successful precedents set by Sydney Observatory and many others around the world – including another highly significant 19th century observatory at Birr Castle in Ireland, Melbourne Observatory should become a working heritage astronomical observatory museum. The reinstallation of the reconstructed Great Melbourne Telescope of 1869 in its original building at the Melbourne Observatory is underway and authentic, sensitive restoration of the entire Melbourne Observatory site should follow.

Important information about the tour:

• Each tour consists of a max of 12 people. If there is sufficient interest we will book two tours which will occur simultaneously.
• The tour is conducted at night and are not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrow entrances and staircases. This tour includes entry into confined spaces and climbing stairs, therefore requires a moderate level of physical fitness and mobility
• The tour will not be cancelled due to overcast or inclement weather conditions. Our guide will conduct an informative tour although the use of telescopes for observation in these conditions will not occur
• This program is not suitable for children under the age of 8 years. Children 8 years and above must be accompanied by an adult.

• This is both an indoor and outdoor activity. Please wear appropriate clothing for weather conditions and appropriate footwear.