A Brief History

Astronomy in Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie's long connection with Astronomy dates back to 1885 when William John MacDonnell built an amateur observatory behind the Bank of New South Wales which he managed. If you would like to learn more about W.J. Macdonnell's telescope click here.

The Vision

Mr Albert York circa 1960 - with a model of the proposed Observatory (this design housed a Focault Pendulum - and was not built)

The original observatory was built in 1961/62 through the efforts of Albert York a retired master builder and architect. He intended building an observatory on the top of a building in Joffre Street but was opposed by a neighbour.

The local council enquired into the matter and among those on the committee of enquiry were some Rotarians. They became interested in the idea of an observatory in Port Macquarie and Albert York was asked to address a meeting of the local Rotarians.

As a result of the speech Dr. McLaren suggested that Albert York inspect a 5 inch telescope that was lying in disuse at the local Hastings District Public Hospital. The telescope was a gift from Bob Stanfield, a publican at Port Macquarie to be used for viewing ships at sea.

Due to the size of the telescope it was realised that it would need to be housed in a proper building. Albert York was asked to draw up plans for an observatory. The local council approved the plans and the Lands Department set aside land in Rotary Park for the observatory.

The Rotary Club made the construction an official project and the observatory was built during 1961/62. The 5 inch telescope was installed in the building and the Port Macquarie Observatory was born.

A public meeting was held in the C.W.A. hall where the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association was formed with Albert York as the first president. He held this position until 1983. He passed on in 1984 at the ripe old age of 94.

Original Observatory

Port Macquarie Observatory circa 1970 and remained until its replacement in 2024

Since then an auditorium has been added to the building and the original 5 inch telescope has been replaced with a 14 inch. The observatory was the home of the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association an active group of about 50 members.

Over the years equipment was been upgraded from glass slide projectors, to movie projectors, 35mm talking slide projectors to a modern digital projector.

We at the Observatory are proud of our past and look forward to an equally exciting future in our new Port Macquarie Astronomy and Science Centre

Today

The new Astronomy and Science Centre

Thanks to Jim Daniel for much of the information in this article.