Maidenwell  Astronomical  Observatory

....your Gateway to the Stars!

- Japanese translation link.

• Queensland's No.1 astro-tourism attraction operated by full-time astronomer James Barclay.
• We operate 6 days and 7 nights a week. Night sky viewing sessions run 7 nights a week - weather permitting.
• Get to see the Moon, Planets and Stars up close in big telescopes in the sliding roof green building seen above.
• Our shows are for Tourists, Individuals, Families, Seniors, Schools, Bus and Coach Tours, Community and Social groups.
• The observatory is open to the public Thursday to Tuesdays from mid afternoon till sunset.
• No light pollution - Ergon Energy has installed special street lights to preserve the dark skies for our stargazers!

• Stargazing nights begin at 7.30pm, 7 nights a week.
• 1-hour Star Theatre shows start at 2pm Thurs.-Tues.(Wed. by appoint.only)
• We don't do any Night Sessions a few nights before, during and after, a Full Moon - Best dates are shown at left.
• Camping is allowed close to observatory for schools and community groups or they can sleepover in the main hall.
• Modern kitchen with BBQ available on site for hire for school and community groups.
• Observatory has 10 acres for those who want to camp out, and do your Astronomy and Astrophotography.
• We can seat 35 persons on the Observation Deck - green building in photo above.  Star Theatre (out of picture) can seat 68.
• White dome houses the Solar Telescope - see the real surface of the Sun  on a big screen in Star Theatre.
• Day and Night shows are not suitable for children under 5.
• Maidenwell Hotel does meals 7 days and nights a week.
• Pig on Spit (cooked over an open fire) at the pub - last Saturday of each month.

Astronomer James and visitors.