Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory
Overview
Available languages
The ultimate stargazing experience. Enjoy maximum time under the stars whilst enhancing your knowledge of the Southern skies at our private observatory.
Designed specifically with stargazing in mind, Cowan’s Observatory is the perfect introductory stargazing experience. Over 75 minutes, you'll explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes.
Every night offers a new spectacle. From the Milky Way to distant galaxies beyond, our guides use handheld lasers to show you the best of the evolving night sky. They'll help you discover the stars and planets, and understand what it all means.
Nestled in a giant purpose-built crater to provide maximum wind protection and minimum light pollution, our expert astronomy guides will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 5 years
Dress warm all year round
A minimum of 2 people per tour is required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Discover the stars and planets using with our guide's lasers and telescopes
Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
Expert astronomy guide
Return transport to the Crater facility from the Dark Sky base
Expert astronomy guides who will tailor your experience according to what is visible on that night
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Crater Experience - English
Crater Experience in Mandarin
Mandarin speaking tour: This Crater Experience is taken by our Mandarin speaking guides.
Operated by Dark Sky Project
Reviews
66 reviews
Crater Lake experience worthwhile
Barb N,
Feb 15, 2025
4.0Quick bus drive to the crater for a nice explanation of the night sky with several notable things pointed out. Also got to see the moon, Jupiter and part of a constellation through powerful telescopes. What you see will depend on season, time of night and cloud cover. Worth doing!
Actually saw Saturn!
Noga O,
Dec 6, 2024
4.0Seeing Saturn with its rings shining through the telescope was incredible! The other telescopes were interesting too but not as exciting
Nice memory for kids
Cheng D,
Jan 4, 2024
5.0The sky is amazing. The guide is super knowledgable and friendly. Very memorable experience for the kids.
Great recovery and very fair treatment when event cancelled due to poor viewing conditions.
Simon W,
Dec 23, 2023
4.0It’s always disappointing for an event that you have been looking forward to doesn’t happen due to weather. When arriving for the Crater Experience late in the evening on the only night we would be in town, it was cancelled due to poor viewing conditions. However, we were given a great virtual tour and the difference in the purchase price was refunded within two hours. What more could you ask for? Excellent response and I will definitely try to go another time when passing through.
Great dark sky experience
Barbara G,
Nov 12, 2023
5.0The night sky was amazing even without the three telescopes. The astronomy guides were knowledgeable and made the experience fun. I learned a lot! Loved seeing the Southern Cross, Jupiter, Saturn, and different star clusters.
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