Australian Capital Territory · Attraction
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Stargazing and science above Canberra
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Perched on a hill 18 kilometres west of central Canberra, Mount Stromlo Observatory is an active astronomical research facility operated by the Australian National University, and a rewarding destination for visitors curious about the cosmos. The site is open daily and free to explore, with a heritage trail, sweeping views over the ACT, and an operational research telescope visible from the grounds. Guided tours and stargazing events are held periodically throughout the year.
Mount Stromlo has played a central role in Australian astronomical research since the 1920s, and the site's history is brought to life along the self-guided Heritage Trail. Interpretive signage explains the observatory's contributions to global science, the devastating 2003 bushfires that destroyed much of the facility, and the remarkable rebuilding effort that followed. The Director's Residence, a heritage-listed property on the summit, is open to visitors and provides insight into the lives of the scientists who have called Stromlo home.
The summit offers panoramic views across the Molonglo Valley, the Brindabella Ranges, and the Canberra city basin, a genuinely impressive vantage point at any time of day. The ANU hosts periodic public stargazing nights and guided walking tours, which should be checked on the RSAA website before visiting. Entry to the site and heritage trail is free, and the surrounding Stromlo Forest Park provides additional walking and mountain biking trails for those wishing to extend their visit.
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Scenic views
