SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2025 17:00 - 20:30
Join us at the Port Macquarie Observatory for a special night of astronomy, conversation, and celebration. Fred Watson, Australia’s first Astronomer at Large, and Marnie Ogg, a champion for dark sky preservation, will share their insights on the cosmos and the importance of protecting our night skies.
Enjoy canapés and soft drinks, a Q&A session, and engaging talks before the official unveiling of the Jim Daniel Dome.
Cost: $85 non members; $75 members
Astronomy today is going through a golden age with amazing new facilities exploring the Universe. The James Webb Space Telescope is re-writing the textbook on baby galaxies, while gravitational wave observatories are detecting vibrations in space caused by colliding black holes. But there’s much more to come, with gigantic new telescopes in the pipeline that truly boggle the imagination. What are these awe-inspiring instruments, and what will they reveal about the Universe’s deepest mysteries? And will Australian astronomers play a part? Join Fred Watson for this entertaining and fully illustrated look into the future of astronomy.
SUNDAY 30TH MARCH 2025 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Students aged 8 to 18 are invited to a unique opportunity to meet Professor Fred Watson—renowned astronomer, author, media personality, and Patron of the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association. As Australia’s first Astronomer at Large, Fred will share his passion for the cosmos, inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with one of Australia’s leading voices in astronomy!
Cost: $10 non-members
MONDAY 31ST MARCH, 2025 10:00 - 11:00
Join our elected parliamentarian and local representatives as we celebrate the official opening of the new Port Macquarie Observatory.
Be part of this special occasion as we unveil a new chapter in exploration, education, and discovery!
MONDAY 7TH APRIL OR SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2025. MULTIPLE TIMES AVAILABLE
Step into a 360-degree planetarium for a breathtaking journey through the cosmos, followed by a live telescope session exploring the wonders of our universe.
Daytime sessions offer a rare chance to observe the Sun’s activity through our solar scope, while evening sessions reveal the beauty of planets, nebulae, and distant stars.
Cost: $15 child; $20 adult
WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS, AND SUNDAYS UNTIL 30TH APRIL 2025 14:00 – 16:00
Join Dennis the Rockman for a fascinating journey through ancient rocks, fossils, and meteorites at the Port Macquarie Observatory. Discover the secrets of Earth's history, explore rare specimens, and even purchase your own geodes, amber, meteorites, tektites, and more!
No booking required.