Stockport Observatory

Stockport Observatory is located in the small town of Stockport (6kms north-east of Hamley Bridge) approximately 80kms north of Adelaide. It provides a convenient astronomical facility away from the light pollution which surrounds Adelaide (population 1 million).

The Society owns two large observatories in Stockport. One of them (foreground) houses an 18-inch Newtonian reflector, while the Charles Todd Observatory (background) houses the Society's largest telescope at present - the Jubilee Telescope

Stockport Observatory houses three permanently-mounted telescopes as well as some small portable ones.

• The Jubilee Telescope is a 20-inch (0.5 metre) Newtonian-Cassegrain reflecting telescope that was built with the assistance of the state's Jubilee 150 Board in 1986. The telescope is computer-controlled and equipped with a ST-6 CCD camera for digital imaging of the night sky.
• The smaller observatory houses an 18-inch (45cm) Newtonian reflecting telescope.
• A slide-off roof observatory houses a popular 15-inch (40cm) Newtonian reflecting telescope.

The telescopes are used for projects within the Society and to show visitors the beauty of astronomical objects in the southern skies.

In addition to the main observatory buildings, the Stockport site also contains three telescope pads (all with power), a furnished hut with sleeping accomodation and amenities, a large shed seating around 30 people for lectures and slide shows, a BBQ area, shower and toilet facilities, and an off-site car park.

Public Viewing Nights

Public Star Parties are held at Stockport in February, May, August and November. There is no need to book - just turn up on the night at the advertised starting time (8:00pm, or 8:30pm during daylight savings). These nights are often well attended by the public.

The next Stockport Star Party will be held on Saturday 28 February at 8:30pm.

The following admission fees are charged at public Star Parties:

* Members should ensure they are wearing their name badge so that they are not charged for admission.

On public viewing nights, tea, coffee, biscuits and cold drinks can be purchased, and a sausage sizzle is run in the undercover BBQ area.

Group Bookings

Private evenings can be booked at Stockport Observatory for your school, club or group. For more details, visit our Private Group Bookings page.

What To Wear & Bring

It can get extremely cold at Stockport - both in winter and summer. This isn't helped by the fact that you will be relatively immobile during the night! If you are travelling to Stockport, we recommend that you bring a jumper, warm jacket, a pair of gloves and a beanie. Wear more layers of clothes than you think you will need. If you get too warm, you can always take them off.

Bring some insect repellant. The thirsty mosquitos can make for a very unpleasant observing experience, particularly at dusk.

White light is not permitted during viewing nights. White light affects the ability for your eyes (and everybody else's) to dark adapt. If you want to bring a torch, please ensure that it is covered with a red filter (such as red cellophane).

Getting to Stockport Observatory

1. First drive along Main North Road towards Gawler, taking the bypass around the town and then the turn off towards Tarlee.
2. Next take the sealed road (just after the 80 limit sign in Templers) to Hamley Bridge. A white "street" sign within Hamley Bridge will direct you to Stockport - follow the sealed road all the way into Stockport.
3. In Stockport, cross the bridge and turn left onto Observatory Road - look out for the domes!

Download High Resolution Printable Map (42 KB)

Staying Late?

If you plan on spending the night at Stockport Observatory or are too tired to drive home, stay the night and don't risk it - drowsy drivers die! There are a small number of bunk beds available for members at Stockport Observatory. Alternatively, you can make a booking with the Stockport Caravan Park on 08 8528 2201 which is on the other side of River Gilbert on Murray Street - less than five minutes walk from the observatory. The caravan park has powered sites, on-site vans/cabins, hot showers, and washing facilities.