This panorama shows the Old Melbourne Observatory next to the entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Old Melbourne Observatory - Melbourne visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Old Melbourne Observatory' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Victoria.

The Old Melbourne Observatory stands near the entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens at the southern end of the Domain in Melbourne. It is also close to the Shrine of Remembrance. The Melbourne Observatory was established in 1863, replacing facilities established at Port Melbourne, and served as an observatory until closure in 1945. During this time is was a principle source of astronomy throughout Australia and the whole Southern Hemisphere. Most of the contents of the buildings have been moved to alternative sites and are still used.

The Old Melbourne Observatory contained the Great Australian Telescope, which was built in 1868 in Ireland. This 48" telescope was, for 20 years, the largest telescope in the world. It was moved to Mount Stromlo Observatory when the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1945. Today the Old Melbourne Observatory runs 'Southern Night Sky Experience' and the 'Lunar Tours Experience' which focuses on the moon. These events are ticketed and must be booked in advance.

The contact for the Old Melbourne Observatory is the visitor center in the Royal Botanic Gardens:
Private Bag 2000
Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
Victoria, Australia, 3141

Tram: 8 to the Domain, numerous others to the Shrine of Remembrance nearby