Project Australia: PRE Tour Astronomy Extension

Day 1 (16th July 2028) - Arrival into Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and spend one night in this beautiful city. Sydney is Australia’s largest urban centre and a major cultural and economic hub, set around a natural harbour. It is known for landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as its mix of historic areas and modern development.​

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Day 2 (17th July 2028) - Travel by coach via the Hunter Valley to Coonabarabran with evening optional excursion available (B, D)

Today travel north by coach along the coast before heading inland to Coonabarabran for a two-night stay. Stop en route in the Hunter Valley for lunch (at own expense). Coonabarabran is a rural township on the edge of the Warrumbungle Ranges, widely known as the gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park. The area is closely associated with astronomy, with nearby Siding Spring Observatory housing some of Australia’s most important optical telescopes.  A chance this evening to join an optional dark skies stargazing tour.​

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Day 3 (18th July 2028) - Visit to AAT Siding Spring Observatory with optional excursions available (B, D)

Today visit Siding Spring Observatory on an orientation walking tour of the area.  Siding Spring Observatory is located on Mount Woorat and was established in the 1960s as Australia’s leading optical astronomy facility. The observatory comprises a collection of major research telescopes, including the Anglo‑Australian Telescope (AAT), along with support buildings and viewing platforms set within a mountainous national park landscape. A chance to join an extended visit at the observatory on an optional excursion.  Another chance this evening to join an optional dark skies stargazing tour.

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Day 4 (19th July 2028) - Travel by coach to Parkes and visit CSIRO Parkes Observatory with evening optional excursion available (B)

Today travel to Parkes via Dubbo. En route, visit the CSIRO Parkes Observatory, one of Australia’s most significant scientific facilities, renowned for its role in radio astronomy and space communication. The visit includes the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre and a 3D theatre experience, offering insight into the science, history, and achievements of the site. Continue on to Dubbo for a one-night stay.  A chance this evening to join an optional dark skies stargazing tour.

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Day 5 (20th July 2028) - Return to Sydney via the Blue Mountains and join Day 1 of the Main Sydney Eclipse Tour (B)

Today return to Sydney through the scenic Blue Mountains region. En route, stop for sightseeing amidst dramatic sandstone landscapes, eucalyptus forests and panoramic lookouts, for which the area is renowned. Continue to Sydney and join Day 1 of the Main Sydney Eclipse tour.

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TOUR PRICES

Twin / Double room – GB£1,420 / US$1,895 per person

Single Room Supplement – GB£460 / US$620

 

For single travellers, we are usually able to arrange shared accommodation with a person of the same gender – this is known as ’twin share’ accommodation. Choose the share twin room option (male or female) on the booking form.

 

*The per person cost is based on twin or double bed hotel rooms with a private bathroom

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*Costings are based on prices from January 2026. All bookings on our projects are governed by our Terms and Conditions.​ The AUD conversion Rate of Exchange used in this project is 2.00 for GBP prices and 1.5 for USD prices. ​​

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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY TOUR?

• Accommodation on the tour from check-in on Day 1 (usually around 3pm) to check-out (usually around 10am) on the final day of the tour. 

• Daily meal plan as outlined in the above tour summary. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

• All transfers, transportation, flights, trains, and local excursions as outlined in the itinerary (if applicable).

• All local excursions outlined in the tour summary (if applicable) unless it is specified as an ‘Optional Excursion’ which is offered at extra cost.​​​

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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN MY TOUR?

• Optional Excursions mentioned in the tour are offered closer to the tour departure date (approximately 9 months prior to the tour departure).

• International flights to/from Australia. Our flight partner, Star Travel UK, can assist with an international flight quote approximately 11 months in advance of the tour departure.

• Additional pre or post hotel nights outside the tour dates.  If required these can be requested at booking stage, with costs being advised approximately 9 months prior to the tour departure.

• Porterage, gratuities, and tips.

• Travel Insurance.​

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You will find further details about what to expect on the Project TSE2028 FAQ page here.