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Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
Maidenwell, South Burnett Area

Admission Costs and Entry Information

07 4164 6194
0427 961 391
mao123@bigpond.com
www.maidenwellobservatory.com

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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.

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During 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.

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Property Details

Facilities

  • Access Without Assistance for the Disabled
    Non-assisted Access
  • Car park
    Car park
  • First Aid Equipment
    First Aid Equipment
  • Parking for the Disabled
    Disabled Parking
  • Shaded Area
    Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
    Sheltered Area
  • Toilet facilities for the Disabled
    Disabled toilet

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.

Other 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.

Further Details:
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

EntryCostValid FromInclusions
Adult$30.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Stargazing sessions only.
Adult$25.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Daytime Star Theatre session only.
Adult$50.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Day and Night show.
Adult$50.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Combined Day and Night show for adult.
Child
(Aged 6-17)
$15.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Daytime Star Theatre session.
Child
(Aged 6-17)
$25.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Day and Night show.
Child
(Aged 5-17)
$25.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Combined Day and Night show for child.
Concession$25.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Stargazing session only.
Concession$22.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Daytime Star Theatre session.
Concession$45.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Day and Night show.
Concession$45.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Combined Day and Night show for a Pensioner.
Concession$140.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Combined Day and Night show for 2 pensioners and 2 children. Extra child will cost AUD25.
Family$85.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Family = 2 adults and 2 children for a Stargazing show. Extra children cost AUD15.
Family$75.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Day Show for 2 adults and 2 children. Extra child will cost additional AUD15.
Family$70.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Day show only for 2 pensioners and 2 children. Extra children will cost additional AUD15 per person.
Family$155.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Combined Day and Night show for 2 adults and 2 children. Extra child will cost AUD25.
Family$75.00   25 Mar 11 - 30 Jun 13   Concession for retirees = 2 pensioners + 2 grandchildren for Stargazing show only. Extra grandchild cost AUD15 per child.
Student$15.00   01 Jan 13 - 30 Jun 14   Stargazing session (school age only). Teachers and Community Leaders FOC

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Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory - Print Brochure
Map of Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
4150 Kingaroy - Cooyar Road
Maidenwell
Queensland 4615 Australia

Contact Details

07 4164 6194
0427 961 391

 
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* 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.



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