The Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory works in partnership with Indigenous Tours to showcase cultural storytelling and Astronomy. Following storytelling the Indigenous constellations will be identified during a laser guided tour of the night sky, before moving onward to the observatory to gaze at the stars. The Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory hosts an Aboriginal Storytelling and Astronomy night once a month. 

Public night stargazing visits are held regardless of the weather. If viewing through the scopes is not possible, due to inclement weather, a fun and informative session will be held in the GDC Theatre and a cloudy night pass will be issued (free return).

Embark on a captivating journey through the mysteries of the cosmos with the observatory tours at the Gravity Discovery Centre. Nestled under dark, pristine skies,  the Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe. Guided by seasoned astronomers, visitors are treated to a mesmerizing tour of celestial bodies, distant galaxies, and cosmic phenomena. Our 5 large telescopes unveil the secrets of the night sky, while engaging explanations demystify complex astronomical concepts. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or new to the wonders of space, the observatory tours at the Gravity Discovery Centre promise an unforgettable adventure that expands horizons and ignites a passion for the infinite realm above. The tour includes a 30 minute presentation, a laser tour to showcase constellations, followed by stargazing.

Stargazing visits are held regardless of the weather. If viewing through the telescopes is not possible, due to inclement weather, a fun and informative session will be held in the GDC Theatre and a cloudy night pass will be issued (free return).

Daytime admission to the Gravity Discovery Centre is included in this ticket.

While this tour is suitable for participants of all ages, our School Holiday sessions are specifically structured for younger audiences.

Join us for a unique experience under the stars.

Spend the late afternoon exploring our galleries and exhibits, enjoying the sunset and picturesque views from atop our Leaning Tower, then enjoy a two course dinner in our Cafe surrounded by the natural beauty of our Reserve.

After dinner our astronomers will take you on a tour of the cosmos in our observatory under the dark skies of Gingin.

You are welcome to BYO alcoholic beverages to enjoy over dinner.

Please select your meal from our Menu Options under the 'Extras' options of your Booking.

Join in the astronomy fun at the Gingin Dark Sky Star Party.

The event will be held over the evenings of Friday, 28 February and Saturday, 1 March at the Neergabby Campgrounds.

One vehicle per booking only.  To book for more than one vehicle, please make multiple bookings.

Camping is available on site and is tent only (no towed vehicles).

We encourage you to bring along your own telescopes/binoculars to take full advantage of the dark skies across our reserve,

Full program of events is available on our website.

BYO food and drinking water, a sausage sizzle will be available on site from 5.00pm - 7.00pm on Friday and Saturday night.

***Please bring a 1.25L empty drink bottle to construct your rocket***

Our rocket making workshop is ideal for children aged 5 - 12 years and their families.

This workshop provides a fun introduction into age appropriate rocket science. 

Participants start the session by learning how to make "straw" rockets that they can launch using just their breath, then progress to making rockets from 1.25L bottles. Once built, participants head outdoors to take their rocket for a test flight - by launching it from our AquaPod Rocket Launchers!

Your ticket includes admission to the Gravity Discovery Centre on the day of your visit - so you can explore our entire facility and all attractions/exhibits - including the Leaning Tower.

***Please bring a 1.25L empty drink bottle to construct your rocket***

Your Journey through the Cosmos starts here...

This self guided tour will take you on a journey through time and explain some of our universe's most mysterious phenomena.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Gingin, wander our Galleries, get hands-on with our interactive exhibits or explore the universe on our one kilometre Solar System Walk.

Suitable for all ages, you are welcome to arrive anytime from 10.00am to commence your visit.  We recommend allowing at least two hours to fully appreciate our Facility and Attractions.

Discovering the Universe - An Introduction in to Astronomy

Explore the Night Sky with our Chief Astronomer, Rick Tonello.

This course is delivered online via ZOOM over five weekly two hour sessions, complemented by a hands on Astronomy Evening at our Observatory.

On booking, select the date of the first lesson for this course - this will automatically book you onto the subsequent dates of the course program.

SESSION OVERVIEW

Session 1:  An Introduction to Astronomy

Session 2:  The Sun, Moon and Eclipses

Session 3:  The Solar System (Part One)

Session 4:  The Solar System (Part Two)

Session 5:  From Dust to Destruction - the Life Cycles of Stars

Session 6:  Galaxies & Cosmology

COURSE DATES

April/May

Session 1:  Monday, 21 April (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 2:  Monday, 28 April (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 3:  Monday, 05 May (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 4:  Monday, 12 May (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 5:  Monday, 19 May (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 6:  Monday, 26 May (Gingin Observatory, 7pm - 9.30pm)*

August/September

Session 1:  Monday, 18 August (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 2:  Monday, 25 August (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 3:  Monday, 1 September (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 4:  Monday, 8 September (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 5:  Monday, 15 September (via ZOOM, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 6:  Monday, 22 September (Gingin Observatory, 7pm - 9.30pm)*

We understand that you may not be able to make it to the practical night component for this Course.

GDC Chief Astronomer,
Rick Tonello, will guide you through imaging and processing basics from start
to finish.

This course
will cover three different types of Astrophotography - Astroscape, Wide-Field
& Deep Sky.

This is a three-part
course consisting of two zoom classes and one practical night at the GDC, held
over the course of three evenings.

On booking, select
the date of the first lesson for this course - this will automatically book you
onto the subsequent two dates of the course program.

Participants
must bring their own Canon or Nikon DSLR camera. If you are bringing a
different camera, please make sure you bring along your own T-Ring adaptor.

SESSION
OVERVIEW

Session 1:
Introduction, Types of Astrophotography, Equipment (via Zoom, 7pm - 9pm)

Session 2:
Practical Night at GDC Observatory (7pm - late)

Session 3:
Processing Class (via Zoom, 7pm - 9pm)

COURSE
DATES

March/April

Session 1: Wednesday,
26 March (via Zoom)

Session 2: Wednesday,
2 April (practical night @ GDC/Observatory)

Session 3: Wednesday,
9 April (via Zoom)

May/ June

Session 1: Tuesday
20, May (via Zoom)

Session 2: Tuesday,
27 May (practical night @ GDC/Observatory)

Session 3: Tuesday,
3 June (via Zoom)

July

Session 1: Tuesday
,15 July (via Zoom)

Session 2: Tuesday,
22 July (practical night @ GDC/Observatory)

Session 3: Tuesday,
30 July (via Zoom)

September

Session 1: Tuesday,
16 September (via Zoom)

Session 2: Tuesday,
23 September (practical night @ GDC/Observatory)

Session 3: Tuesday,
30 September  (via Zoom)

This Tour is recommended for children aged 5 - 12 and their families.   

Our Astro Kids Observatory Nights begin and end slightly earlier than our regular Observatory Evenings and are structured specifically to appeal to a younger audience.   

Our Astronomy Team will guide you through the universe during this two hour tour under our spectacular Dark Skies here at the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory.  This tour includes a twenty minute visual presentation in our Cosmology Gallery, followed by a brief "laser guided" tour of our skies and finally, an engaging, interactive viewing session in our Observatory - where you'll be led by our Astronomy Team in marvelling the views through our four scopes.

Children must be accompanied by a paying Guardian/Adult