Queensland Holidays - The Official Tourism Site for Queensland
Maidenwell
Queensland 4615 Australia
Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
Maidenwell,
South Burnett Area
Description
Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory is a public stargazing attraction. The observatory is located 28 kilometres south of Nanango and east of the Bunya Mountains in the rural township of Maidenwell - the most popular astronomy and stargazing centre in Queensland.
On any clear, moon-free night, the skies are ablaze with billions of stars. Stars, moon, planets and constellations are clear and crisp to the eye and in the observatory's three Meade LX200 14-inch computer-assisted telescopes.
... moreDuring your night visit, you get an intensive guided tour of the night skies with the astronomer and his registered green laser pointer. Not not will you get some interesting facts about what you are looking at, you even get to see your Zodiac constellation if it's visible.
During the day, you can sit in comfort in their 77 seat air conditioned Star Theatre, and watch various astro-related videos and the Sun live! on big screen. This is where you will the Sun's real firey surface!
The observatory has no steps meaning all of it's equipment is accessible to wheelchairs. They have plenty of off-street parking too, for all types of vehicles.
The observatory is owned and operated by professional astronomer and photographer, James Barclay.
... lessProperty Details
Facilities
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Non-assisted Access -
Car park -
First Aid Equipment -
Disabled Parking -
Shaded Area -
Sheltered Area
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Disabled toilet
Open Times
Public Holidays: Stargazing shows are weather dependant. Always check with the Observatory to see that show has been cancelled or not.
Other Information
Children:
Night and Day sessions are not suitable for children under five.
Disabled:
Disabled access is available including ramps to and from display centre, observation deck and amenities. One telescope is accessible by wheelchair visitors.
Entity Facilities
Free camping for schools and community groups.
On site, they have a modern kitchen and barbecue for hire (council charges) plus undercover seating and coin operated hot showers.
The air conditioned Star Theatre seats 77 people and the Observation deck with the telescopes seats 45.
Accommodation in Maidenwell is limited. The hotel only has three rooms and sleeps six. The Bunyip Springs farmstay five kilometres away can take over night visitors.
General Comments
Because stargazing is weather dependant, it is advisable to phone the Observatory prior to leaving home. Do not assume the skies will be clear on your booked night.
Alternatively, go online and check out the All Sky Camera in the top menu across the top of the home page.
They also need a minimum of four(4) adults for a night show. They will tell when you booking if they have enough for a night showing.
The Observatory is located on the western side of the Maidenwell sports field.
Camping for Caravans, Motor Homes is available under the trees next to the hall and Trading post. This is a 48 hour stopover site.
How To Get There
If coming from the north side of Brisbane, take the D'Agular Highway out through Kilcoy, Blackbutt and into Yarraman. Turn left opposite the Royal Hotel and proceed 20 kilometres to the Bunya Mt and Kingaroy turn off. Maidenwell is 11 kilometres from there. Drive time from Brisbane Central Business District is three hours.
If coming from the south side of Brisbane or the Gold Coast, go through the Brisbane Valley via Esk and up into Yarraman. Drive time is about two and a half hours.
If coming from the Sunshine Coast, go via Beewah and Peachester which brings you out onto the D'Agular Highway just north of Woodford. Turn right and go up to Yarraman. Drive time is about two and a half hours.
From Toowoomba, go out via Crows Nest and Cooyar and up into Maidenwell. Toowoomba is about one and a half hours drive.
Entry Costs
| Entry | Cost | Valid From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $30.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Stargazing sessions only. |
| Adult | $25.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Daytime Star Theatre session only. |
| Adult | $50.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Day and Night show. |
| Adult | $50.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Combined Day and Night show for adult. |
| Child (Aged 6-17) | $15.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Daytime Star Theatre session. |
| Child (Aged 6-17) | $25.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Day and Night show. |
| Child (Aged 5-17) | $25.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Combined Day and Night show for child. |
| Concession | $25.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Stargazing session only. |
| Concession | $22.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Daytime Star Theatre session. |
| Concession | $45.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Day and Night show. |
| Concession | $45.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Combined Day and Night show for a Pensioner. |
| Concession | $140.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Combined Day and Night show for 2 pensioners and 2 children. Extra child will cost AUD25. |
| Family | $85.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Family = 2 adults and 2 children for a Stargazing show. Extra children cost AUD15. |
| Family | $75.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Day Show for 2 adults and 2 children. Extra child will cost additional AUD15. |
| Family | $70.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Day show only for 2 pensioners and 2 children. Extra children will cost additional AUD15 per person. |
| Family | $155.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Combined Day and Night show for 2 adults and 2 children. Extra child will cost AUD25. |
| Family | $75.00 | 25 Mar - 30 Jun | Concession for retirees = 2 pensioners + 2 grandchildren for Stargazing show only. Extra grandchild cost AUD15 per child. |
| Student | $15.00 | 01 Jan - 30 Jun | Stargazing session (school age only). Teachers and Community Leaders FOC |
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.