The observatory was originally located at Mt Eliza in Kings Park before moving to Bickley in 1966 due to light pollution.
It served as the official timekeeper for Western Australia for many decades, providing the standard time signal.
The facility was instrumental in the discovery of the asteroid 1999 TC36.
It is home to the 13-inch Astrographic telescope, which played a major role in the international 'Carte du Ciel' mapping project.
The site operates one of the few remaining functional meridian circles in the Southern Hemisphere.
The observatory’s historical records include detailed meteorological data dating back to the late 19th century.
The volunteer group was formed in 1996 to save the facility from closure, successfully maintaining its public operations.
Perth Observatory is Western Australia's oldest observatory, located within the Perth Hills in Bickley. Established in 1896, it has functioned as a site for astronomical research, timekeeping, and public education for over 125 years. The facility houses several historic telescopes, including the Astrographic telescope used for the Carte du Ciel project. It operates as a volunteer-run institution supported by the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group. The site maintains a museum featuring astronomical instrumentation, meteorological records, and historical photography. Visitors can participate in guided night tours to observe celestial bodies through historical and modern telescopes. The observatory is situated in a high-altitude, low-light-pollution environment, which remains advantageous for star-gazing. It continues to contribute to asteroid tracking and occultation observations.
The viewing platform overlooking the telescopes during twilight provides a silhouette of the historic domes against the Perth city lights.
Bring a warm jacket as temperatures in the Perth Hills drop significantly at night, even in summer.
Arrive early for night tours to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness before looking through the telescopes.
Check the official website for weather-related cancellation notices before travelling, as cloud cover can obstruct viewing.
Attempting to visit during daylight hours without a pre-booked tour, as the grounds and museum have limited access outside of scheduled programs.
Operates primarily for guided night tours; the museum is generally open to the public during daytime hours on selected days, with closures for private functions or adverse weather.
Avoid using white light flashlights or smartphone screens during viewing sessions to preserve night vision; use red light torches only.
