Come along and learn from scratch about how telescopes work, how best to use them and what to point them at. Get heaps of practical hints, tips and tricks from seasoned expert sky observers. Learn from the mistakes they made along their journey.

Suitable for all ages and for absolute beginners on the journey, whether you own a telescope or not. The day involves talks during the afternoon and early evening, followed by a sausage sizzle, and then telescope practice and usage outdoors as it darkens (weather permitting).

Attendees are absolutely encouraged to bring along their own telescope or binoculars from home if they have them. We can even help you assemble it if it’s in bits, tell you if anything is missing, and how to go about finding replacements.

Please dress appropriately for being outdoors and on a grassy or uneven surface. You may bring a small torch (red LED or covered in red cellophane).

Seating is limited. Cost includes a sausage sizzle. Children under 18 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

Driving directions: The venue is in regional Mount Martha inside the Briars Historic Park and nature reserve, and is entered on the east side of Nepean Highway. Drive carefully through the park, with the possibility of wildlife on the road after dark. Follow the signs for 2 km along a sealed road, past a visitors’ centre on your left and café and vineyard on your right, up the hill then straight ahead, with the Shire Nursery on your left, then the observatory is 100 m further along on the left, next door to the Eco House.