Charleville Cosmos Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit to Queensland's premier stargazing destination.
When is the Cosmos Centre open?
The centre is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm for daytime experiences. Evening sessions for stargazing tours begin after dark and vary throughout the year — check our Tour Times page for the current schedule.
Where is the Cosmos Centre located?
We are located at 1 Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470, near Charleville Airport. Parking is available on site, including coach parking for group visits.
Do I need to book in advance?
Bookings are strongly recommended, especially for evening stargazing tours which are popular and can sell out. You can book online, by phone on (07) 4656 8377, or in person at the centre.
What happens if it's cloudy?
We acknowledge that weather can sometimes affect our tours. When this happens, we will provide an alternative experience of equal value. If no suitable alternative is available, rescheduling or a full refund will be offered.
What are the ticket categories?
We offer pricing for infants (0–4 years), children (5–12 years), students (13+), and adults (18+). Specific prices vary by experience — visit our booking page or contact us for current rates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your scheduled tour will be processed without any penalty. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a charge. Please review our full cancellation policy when booking.
How do I book?
Bookings can be made online through our website, by phone on (07) 4656 8377, or in person at the centre during opening hours.
What experiences are available during the day?
Daytime options include Sun Viewing; where you observe the Sun through specialist telescopes that are extremely rare worldwide, and Planetarium Films, screened in Queensland's largest planetarium. There are also interactive exhibits throughout the centre to explore at your own pace.
What evening tours do you offer?
We offer two night experiences. Outback Stargazing is our signature group tour using powerful 14-inch Meade telescopes to view planets, star clusters, and nebulae. Premium Stargazing is a smaller, more personal experience using our 30" Dobsonian — the largest currently in Queensland — ideal for moonless nights.
What might I see through the telescopes?
Depending on the season and conditions, you may see Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae — all thousands of light years away. Our expert guides explain what you're seeing in clear, engaging terms.
What should I wear to evening sessions?
Please dress warmly — outback nights can be much colder than expected, especially in winter. Layer up with the warmest clothes you have. During summer, be prepared for mosquitoes and bring repellent.
Do you cater for school and educational groups?
Yes! The Cosmos Centre is family and group friendly, and we welcome school excursions. Our experiences combine education and storytelling to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of astronomy and space science.
How do I arrange a group or school booking?
Please contact us directly on (07) 4656 8377 or The Charleville Iinformation Centre on (07) 4656 8359, otherwise reach out via our website enquiry form to discuss your group's needs, preferred dates, and any curriculum links. Coach parking is available on site.
Are conference or event facilities available?
Yes, we have conference and convention facilities available. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we'll be happy to assist with planning your event.