Archives: Discovery Centres

Green Point Observatory is the home of the Sutherland Astronomical Society in southern Sydney. The observatory has a computer controlled 35 cm Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope under a roll-off roof and a 41 cm Newtonian telescope under the dome. There are also binoculars and smaller portable telescopes for members to use. The Society host special events, courses, talks and…

The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra was founded in 1974 and has a collection of more than 30 aircraft, including a McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk, Grumman s-2E/G Tracker and a De Havilland Sea Venom F.A.W Mk 53, as well as many other artefacts including aircraft engines. There is a gift shop and an elevated…

Crago Observatory on Bowen Mountain just west of Sydney is the dark sky observatory of the Astronomical Society of NSW. The observatory has a computer controlled 16″ Dobsonian telescope in a dome. There is an observing night each month, listed on society’s website. Observing is weather dependent. A gold coin donation is appreciated. Photo: Christian…

The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in Huskisson is the home of the historic Lady Denman Sydney ferry (1912-1979) and other vessels. The Museum has displays of navigation instruments, maritime artefacts, artwork and there is special programming throughout the year. The Museum also explores the local Indigenous culture of the Dharawal and Jerringa people. There is…

The Woomera Baker Observatory has a 3.5 m diameter dome that houses a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain computer controlled telescope. Observing is done by looking into the eyepiece, not at a screen. Visitors will be able to see planets (and maybe their moons), star clusters and nebula. Open most Friday nights once the sky is dark, subject…

The Wagga Waga Botanic Garden was established in 1961 and has many themed areas including a rainforest gully, succulent garden, waterwise demonstration area and a native flora section. A zoo and free-flight aviary is located within the botanic garden. There are more than 90 species of native and exotic birds and animals. The children’s farmland…

The Snowy Hydro Visitor Centre gives an overview of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, background information on hydro-electric power and interactive exhibits about electricity and energy. There is also a theatre showing short films and screens showing the national energy grid, and the real time price for power in the market. Outside in the picnic ground…

Take an hour-long tour through a century old distillery to see how spirits are created by the two 7500 litre stills. The distillery produces gin, vodka, brandy and blended and single malt whiskies. Tastings and spirit blending experiences are also available. Open from 10 am – 4 pm daily (except Good Friday and 25 December). Book tour…

Mt Rothwell is a private conservation reserve and is open to the public for guided tours only. The best way to experience the many fauna species being conserved at Mt Rothwell is to go on a guided nocturnal spotlight tour. Conservation programs carried out in conjunction with university researchers include eastern quoll DNA profiling and…

Wings Wildlife Park is a family owned park in northern Tasmania with the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia. The park has a wide range of native and introduced animals on display, with many of the native animals having been rescued after being injured. The park has fish, raptors, reptiles, farm animals and exotic…