Sydney Observatory

Built in the 1850s, Sydney’s copper-domed, Italianate observatory squats atop Observatory Hill, overlooking Millers Point and the harbour. Studded with huge Moreton Bay fig trees, the grassy hilltop buzzes with sweaty hill-climbing joggers, lunchtime CBD escapees and travellers taking time out from The Rocks below. The hill was the site of the colony’s first windmill (1796), which ground wheat until someone stole its canvas sails and the structure collapsed. Inside is a collection of vintage apparatus, including Australia’s oldest working telescope (1874). Also on offer are AV displays, an interactive Australian Astronomy exhibition of Aboriginal sky stories and modern stargazing, and a virtual reality 3-D Space Theatre. Squint at galaxies far, far away during Night Viewings; bookings essential. Or, if you’re feeling more earthly, Observatory Hill is great for a terrestrial picnic.