Founders of Australian Sky

Our Story

Australian Sky was born from a chance encounter between two passionate astronomers during a meteor shower viewing in 2010. Dr. Emily Wilson, an astrophysicist with a vision to make astronomy accessible to everyone, and James Cooper, an indigenous astronomy educator with deep knowledge of traditional star lore, found themselves sharing a viewing spot in the Victorian high country.

What began as a friendly conversation about celestial phenomena quickly evolved into a shared vision: to create experiences that would combine scientific astronomy with cultural knowledge while showcasing the unique wonders of Australia's southern skies.

Starting with just one telescope and a borrowed van, they began hosting small stargazing tours for locals in Collingwood. Word quickly spread about their engaging approach that blended scientific facts with indigenous stories and practical observation skills. Within a year, Australian Sky had grown to employ four guides and had acquired professional-grade equipment.

Today, Australian Sky has evolved into Victoria's premier astrotourism company, with specialized viewing locations, state-of-the-art equipment, and a team of expert guides who share our founders' passion for the cosmos and commitment to educational excellence.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

Group viewing night sky through telescope

At Australian Sky, we're dedicated to revealing the wonders of the southern hemisphere's night skies through engaging, educational, and memorable experiences. We strive to:

  • Make astronomy accessible and exciting for everyone, regardless of prior knowledge
  • Preserve and share indigenous astronomical knowledge alongside modern science
  • Inspire a deeper appreciation for our universe and our place within it
  • Promote dark sky conservation and responsible astrotourism practices
  • Create moments of awe and wonder that participants will remember for a lifetime

Our Values

Team meeting under starry sky

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in our equipment, knowledge, and customer service to provide truly exceptional experiences.

Inclusivity

We believe the stars are for everyone, and we create welcoming environments for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Knowledge Integration

We respectfully weave together indigenous star knowledge and modern astronomy to present a holistic understanding of the night sky.

Environmental Stewardship

We operate with minimal environmental impact and advocate for the protection of dark skies as a natural resource.

Meet Our Team

The passionate astronomers and educators behind Australian Sky's stellar experiences

Dr. Emily Wilson - Co-founder & Lead Astronomer

Dr. Emily Wilson

Co-founder & Lead Astronomer

With a PhD in Astrophysics from Melbourne University, Emily combines academic expertise with a gift for making complex concepts accessible. She specializes in stellar evolution and has published numerous papers on southern hemisphere observational astronomy.

James Cooper - Co-founder & Cultural Astronomy Expert

James Cooper

Co-founder & Cultural Astronomy Expert

Drawing from his Wurundjeri heritage and formal education in anthropology, James bridges traditional knowledge with modern astronomy. He has worked with indigenous communities throughout Australia to document and preserve astronomical traditions.

Olivia Chen - Astrophotographer & Equipment Specialist

Olivia Chen

Astrophotographer & Equipment Specialist

Olivia's award-winning night sky photography has been featured in National Geographic. She manages our equipment inventory and teaches visitors how to capture their own stunning celestial photographs with any camera.

Dr. Marcus Patel - Educational Programs Director

Dr. Marcus Patel

Educational Programs Director

With a background in science education and planetarium management, Marcus designs our educational curriculum and oversees school programs. He specializes in making astronomy engaging for young learners and training new guides.

Our Achievements

Milestones that mark our journey to becoming Australia's premier astronomy experience provider

Recognition & Growth

  • 🏆

    Tourism Excellence Award (2022)

    Recognized for outstanding contribution to Victorian tourism through innovative cultural experiences.

  • 📊

    10,000+ Visitors Annually

    From humble beginnings with just a few dozen participants, we now welcome over 10,000 visitors each year.

  • 🌍

    Dark Sky Conservation Partnership

    Official partners with the International Dark-Sky Association, contributing to global efforts to reduce light pollution.

  • 🔭

    State-of-the-Art Observatory

    Opened our permanent observatory facility in 2018, featuring research-grade telescopes and imaging equipment.

Educational Impact

  • 🎓

    School Programs Reach 5,000+ Students

    Our educational initiatives now reach over 5,000 students annually across Victoria.

  • 📚

    Publication of "Southern Skies Guide"

    Our illustrated guide to southern hemisphere astronomy has sold over 25,000 copies.

  • 👨‍🏫

    Guide Certification Program

    Developed Australia's first formal certification program for astronomical tour guides.

  • 📱

    Mobile App Development

    Launched our "Southern Cross Finder" app with over 50,000 downloads to help beginners navigate the southern sky.

What Our Visitors Say

Sarah Thompson - Melbourne
★★★★★

"Australian Sky provided the most magical night of our family vacation. Our children were captivated by James's indigenous stories, while my husband and I were fascinated by the technical explanations. Seeing Saturn's rings through their telescope was a moment we'll never forget. Worth every penny!"

Sarah Thompson

Melbourne, Family of four

Dr. Robert Keller - Visiting Scientist
★★★★★

"As an astronomer from Germany, I was skeptical about what I would gain from a guided tour. I was thoroughly impressed by the expertise of Dr. Wilson and the quality of equipment available. The southern sky perspective and indigenous knowledge integration offered insights I couldn't have gained elsewhere. Highly recommended even for professionals."

Dr. Robert Keller

Visiting Scientist, University of Hamburg

Aisha and Jamal - Honeymoon Couple
★★★★★

"We booked the private 'Celestial Romance' package for our honeymoon, and it exceeded all expectations. The secluded viewing platform, champagne under the stars, and personalized tour of the constellations made for an unforgettable evening. Olivia even helped us capture amazing photos that are now hanging in our living room. Perfect for special occasions!"

Aisha and Jamal

Sydney, Honeymoon Couple

Night sky over Australian landscape

Ready to Explore the Universe with Us?

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Australia's magnificent night skies. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced astronomer, we have the perfect experience waiting for you.