29 April 2026 - 8 days for £3,995 per person
July 2028 - Register for 2028 and we will contact when confirmed details including dates and prices are available.
Join a captivating journey through Eastern Australia, one of the world’s most significant regions for radio astronomy and space exploration, accompanied by Laura Dreissen, a radio astronomer from the University of Sydney. This immersive experience takes you deep into the history and cutting-edge science behind Australia’s crucial role in decoding the universe. From supporting NASA’s Apollo missions to leading today’s world-class radio telescope innovations - brought to life through Laura’s insight, expertise, and passion for astronomy.
Visit some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic observatories, including Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope (famously nicknamed "the Dish"), which was one of the antennas received images of the Apollo 11 Moon walk, and the cutting-edge Australia Telescope Compact Array in Narrabri. Explore the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, nestled in the scenic Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park—Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park - where unparalleled stargazing opportunities await.
Enjoy historic and atmospheric outback towns which offer access to some of the darkest skies. Plus, explore the geological marvels of Warrumbungle National Park and the vibrant cities of Sydney and Canberra.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by Dr Laura Driessen, a radio astronomer from the University of Sydney who works with some of the world’s largest and most powerful telescopes. With hands-on experience using data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array and Murriyang, Laura brings the science to life while showcasing the world-leading telescopes of New South Wales. An award-winning science communicator, she is passionate about sharing the excitement of astronomy and making the radio universe accessible, engaging, and unforgettable and will give a series of insightful talks during the tour focusing on:
- Blink and you miss it - single dish radio astronomy
- Unveiling the radio sky with interferometry
- Video killed the radio star
Blending scientific discovery with natural beauty, this journey offers a unique opportunity to trace Australia’s vital contributions to space science while immersing yourself in the wonders of the cosmos.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney and meet the group
Welcome to Australia! Check into your centrally located hotel in Sydney. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting hosted by your local guide and accompanying expert where they will outline the tour ahead and introduce a talk from a local guest speaker on the history and future of astronomy in Australia.
Meet your tour leader at 6pm in the lobby and as the sun dips behind Darling Harbour, head to Nick’s Seafood Restaurant for a welcome dinner that’s as iconic as the view. Located on the waterfront promenade at Cockle Bay Wharf, Nick’s Seafood serves up fresh oysters, grilled barramundi, and towering seafood platters in an open-air setting.
Throughout the tour, the expert will give briefings and informal lectures in the evenings, during the coach journeys and whilst walking around the many amazing sites on the tour.
Day 2: Travel to Canberra and visit Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
After an early breakfast at the hotel, settle into your comfortable coach and begin the journey south‑west, watching the landscape shift from open outback plains to the rolling country that leads towards Australia’s capital. We'll take a relaxed stop in a country town along the way for lunch, offering a chance to stretch your legs before continuing to Canberra. If time and the groups energy allows, there's the chance to dive a little deeper into Canberra’s story.
The afternoon continues with a guided astronomy session at Mount Stromlo Observatory , home to the Australian National University’s renowned Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Led by an astrophysicist, this experience offers a fascinating window into the science of the universe and the people dedicated to understanding it.
Afterwards, you will take a 45-minute drive to the city of Canberra, which was recently judged to be the most sustainable city in the world based on several criteria including energy sources, public transport, green space and air quality. You will overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 3: Visit Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex and Bathurst Observatory Research Facility
After breakfast, you will start the day at Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC). The complex is one of three that make up NASA’s Deep Space Network, responsible for providing around-the-clock contact with more than 40 spacecraft, including missions to study Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, comets, the Moon and the Sun.. The site includes the Honeysuckle Creek antenna that received the historic first images of Neil Armstrong stepping on the Moon in 1969. Enjoy a group presentation in the onsite museum brings the story of deep‑space exploration to life, and you’ll have time to take in the impressive views of the antennas scattered across the valley.
From here, travel north‑west to Bathurst and settle into your accommodation before enjoying dinner with your group.
As night falls, head to the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility for a guided stargazing session with Laura and the resident astronomer. Using telescopes and the naked eye, you’ll explore constellations, deep‑sky objects and the research work carried out here on asteroids and comets. A visit to the small meteor museum—home to more than 200 specimens - adds another layer to the story of our solar system, rounding out a day shaped by discovery both near and far.
Day 4: Parkes Observatory and the Dubbo Observatory
Leaving Bathurst behind, travel west across open country towards arkes Observatory and Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope, famous for its role in the NASA Apollo 11 mission. The 64-metre radio telescope has been in operation for over 60 years and is one of the largest single-dish telescopes in the southern hemisphere dedicated to astronomy. Despite its age, it is constantly being upgraded and is now 10,000 times more sensitive than when it was first commissioned. It’s ideally suited for finding pulsars and has discovered more than half of the 2000 known pulsars. As well as viewing the telescope, there is a dedicated visitors centre with a high-definition 3D cinema.
As evening settles, head out to the Dubbo Observatory at arrive at 8pm , where nine telescopes open a window to the night sky. With guidance from local experts, you’ll observe planets, nebulae, galaxies and star clusters before gathering with your group for a relaxed dinner - an easy chance to share stories from a day shaped by science, history and the wonder of the universe.
Da 5: Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park
Leaving Dubbo behind, travel north‑east into the rugged beauty of the Warrumbungle region, where volcanic spires and forested slopes rise from the plains. After checking in to the Acacia Motor Lodge, the afternoon is yours to shape. You might choose to unwind and enjoy the slower pace of this small country town, or join an optional leader‑led walk along the Belougery Split Rock Geotrail. This 5‑kilometre circuit climbs around one of the park’s most distinctive ancient lava domes, revealing sweeping views and the dramatic geology that makes Warrumbungle National Park so unique.
Whether you spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring, the landscape sets the tone for a day immersed in nature and the quiet grandeur of Australia’s only Dark Sky Park.
In the evening, you will enter the national park which was Australia’s first officially accredited Dark Sky Park. Renowned for its glittering, clear night skies, you’ll see the skies through the lenses of 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes and binoculars. Accompanied by an experienced National Parks Ranger and Laura for a journey through the southern sky.
Day 6: Australia Telescope Compact Array
Set out from Coonabarabran and travel an hour north to the sweeping plains outside Narrabri to visit CSIRO’s Australia Telescope Compact Array. Six identical 22-metre dishes operate in unison, simulating a single, 6 km dish. Among its most high-profile achievements are capturing the first 3D picture of the radiation belts around Jupiter, the first good evidence linking exploding stars with flashes of gamma rays, and the first image showing how gas churns in interstellar space. Five of ATCA's six dishes sit on a 3 km stretch of railway track, right in front of the visitors centre.
At this beautiful site, explore the self-guided visitor centre and garden with astronomy sculptures, historical documentaries, and information on the telescope’s observation.
Later in the day, continue to the nearby town of Narrabri and check in, settling in for a relaxed evening after a journey shaped by big skies, quiet country roads and the remarkable engineering that helps us understand the universe.
In the evening, you will check into your accomodation in the nearby town of Narrabri.
Day 7: Sydney Observatory and Museum
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Moree Regional Airport for a short flight back to Sydney. After checking into your hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Sydney.
After a final dinner in the evening, the plan is to visit the Sydney Observatory and Museum. Built in 1858, it has played an important role in the history of timekeeping, meteorology and astronomy in Australia, plus it has amazing views over the harbour. You will enjoy a night tour of the museum and some final stargazing through its historic telescope, the oldest refracting lens telescope in the southern hemisphere. Currently, the museum isn't taking bookings, but we expect it to be fully operational by the time you arrive. If not, then we will arrange another exciting stargazing activity.
Day 8: Depart Sydney
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for the next leg of your journey.
Should you wish to spend additional days in Sydney before or after the tour, this can easily be added to your booking.
Please appreciate that the nature of this type of travel requires flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. While our partners Intrepid Travel will endeavour to operate the tour as described they reserve the right to change the trip itinerary, which may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. You will be visiting many rural locations and there may be situations outside of their control. Despite all the best planning in the world, things can go astray, but Intrepid’s highly trained and resourceful tour leaders are skilled at managing changing circumstances while on tour.
