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.
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:
We maintain the highest standards in our equipment, knowledge, and customer service to provide truly exceptional experiences.
We believe the stars are for everyone, and we create welcoming environments for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
We respectfully weave together indigenous star knowledge and modern astronomy to present a holistic understanding of the night sky.
We operate with minimal environmental impact and advocate for the protection of dark skies as a natural resource.
The passionate astronomers and educators behind Australian Sky's stellar experiences
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.
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.
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.
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.
Milestones that mark our journey to becoming Australia's premier astronomy experience provider
Recognized for outstanding contribution to Victorian tourism through innovative cultural experiences.
From humble beginnings with just a few dozen participants, we now welcome over 10,000 visitors each year.
Official partners with the International Dark-Sky Association, contributing to global efforts to reduce light pollution.
Opened our permanent observatory facility in 2018, featuring research-grade telescopes and imaging equipment.
Our educational initiatives now reach over 5,000 students annually across Victoria.
Our illustrated guide to southern hemisphere astronomy has sold over 25,000 copies.
Developed Australia's first formal certification program for astronomical tour guides.
Launched our "Southern Cross Finder" app with over 50,000 downloads to help beginners navigate the southern sky.
"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!"
"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."
"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!"
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.