Mudgee Observatory

New South Wales


Astronomy enthusiast John Vetter built the observatories and buildings on his own land and runs these nightly tours because he loves chatting about stars and planets. The experience is both personalised and fascinating. Call ahead for tour times as they vary with the seasons and night sky.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New South Wales attractions

1. Burnbrae Winery

3.89 MILES

Established in 1968, this multi-award-winning winery has a historic winemaker's cottage where you can spend an evening (from $200 per night); but you'll…

3. The Cellar by Gilbert

7.2 MILES

Located in a beautiful stone-and-corrugated-iron building, there's a tasting room and vine-laden verandah where you can indulge in Gilbert wines from…

4. Vinifera Wines

8.03 MILES

These local winemakers noted similarities in climate between Mudgee and the Rioja region of Spain and have turned their attention to bold Spanish reds…

5. Lowe Vineyard

8.44 MILES

You can follow a walking and cycling trail through the orchards and vines of this idyllic biodynamic farm, past donkeys and chickens to picnic grounds…

7. di Lusso Estate

9.23 MILES

Play bocce, taste-test home-grown olives and figs, eat pizza and sample Italian wine varietals (nebbiolo, sangiovese etc) at this cellar door and gorgeous…

8. Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard

10.07 MILES

This eternally popular vineyard is famed for its heavenly white port and muscat, and its photogenic oak-barrel room where you can sample the wares. Be…