Maidenwell Astronomical Observatory
Maidenwell, South Burnett Area

Admission Costs and Entry Information

07 4164 6194
mao123@bigpond.com
www.maidenwellobservatory.com

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 town of Maidenwell - the most popular astronomy and stargazing centre in Queensland.

On any cloud-free moonless night the skies light up with a trillion stars as Maidenwell has no light pollution (sky glow) from street lights. Stars, moon, planets and constellations are clear and crisp in the observatory's three 14-inch computer assisted telescopes.

During your night visit you get an intensive guided tour of the night skies with the astronomer, he tells you what you are looking at. If it can be seen with the naked eye, he will point to it with his green registered laser pointer. Even your star sign constellation will be pointed out if its visible.

They also have a 70 seater air conditioned Star Theatre where they show you various videos of Astronomy and the Sun live on big screen.

The observatory is accessible to wheelchairs. Plenty of off street parking for all types of vehicles. The observatory is owned and operated by professional Astronomer and photographer, James Barclay.

Property Details

Facilities

• Access Without Assistance for the Disabled
• Car park
• First Aid Equipment
• Shaded Area
• Sheltered Area
• Toilet facilities for the Disabled
• Viewing Platform
• Visitor Information Centre

Activities

• Camping

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

Entry	Cost	Valid From	Inclusions
Adult	$25.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session only.
Adult	$22.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre session.
Adult	$45.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre day session and Stargazing session.
Child (Aged 5-17)	$14.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session (school age only).
Child (Aged 5-17)	$12.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre session. (school age only).
Child (Aged 5-17)	$22.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre day session and Stargazing.
Concession	$18.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session.
Concession	$35.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre day session and Stargazing.
Concession	$18.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre session.
Family	$70.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session for 2 adults and 2 children (school age only).
Family	$65.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session for 2 seniors and 2 children (school age only).
Family	$12.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Extra child for family Stargazing sessions.
Family	$65.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre session for 2 adults and 2 children (school age only).
Family	$55.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre session for 2 seniors and 2 children (school age only).
Family	$12.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Extra child for family Star Theatre sessions.
Student	$14.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Stargazing session (school age only). Teachers free of charge.
Student	$22.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre and Stargazing session (school age only). Teachers free of charge.
Student	$12.00	25 Mar 11 - 31 Mar 12	Star Theatre day session (school age only). Teachers free of charge.