Mount Stromlo - 2026 Easter School Holiday Programme - Youth Voyager (Year 7 - 9)

Logistics Detail: 

Age Group & Date:

• Year 7 – Year 9 | 7 Apr - 10 Apr
  

Location: 

• Mount Stromlo Observatory Visitor Centre

Meals:

• Breakfast available (if required). The program may include additional food at times.
• Please bring lunch boxes to cover morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. IMPORTANT: We are a nut-aware program, and we kindly request that you remove nuts from your lunch boxes.

Schedule and What’ll they do

Youth (Year 7 – Year 9) — 7 Apr - 10 Apr

Daytime activities: 08:30–18:00 | Night observing: 19:00–22:00 (Days 3)

Dive deep into the role of Astronomers and Mount Stromlo Observatory, challenge yourself by conducting astronomy research with fellow voyagers, and put your science communication skills to the test by giving a final presentation on the last day of the programme!

• Day 1 – Foundation Workshops: Meet other voyagers as well as real-life astronomers and kick-start the mini research project.
• Day 2 – Solar System Discovery: Deep-dive into the science of the solar system, Aboriginal astronomy, and more chance to work on the project.
• Day 3 – Field Exploration + Night Observing: Behind-the-scenes excursion to see science in action, telescope research session after dinner.
• Day 4 – Deepen & Extend + Family Night: Refine projects, learn science communication, then present their findings to friends and families in the evening, followed by stargazing.

Drop off & Pick-up

Youth:  

• Day 1 & 2: pick-up 5:00 pm
• Days 3: pick-up 10:00 pm (after night observing)
• Day 4: pick-up at 6:00 pm and stay for Family Night.

Family Night (Thu 2 Oct):

• 6:00–7:00 pm BYO dinner & Youth presentations
• &:00–9:00 pm Stargazing (parents from both programmes welcome).

What to bring

• Water bottle + Meals
• Warm clothing options
• Jacket / weather-proof gear
• Enclosed walking shoes for exploring
• A backpack that they can comfortably carry
• Spare clothes (optional)
• (Family Night, 2nd Oct) Dinner 

Important Notes

• Parents must sign children in/out each day. *Any changes to pick-ups MUST be informed to staff asap.
• Please note — the fee for pickups after 5:00 pm without signing up for childcare service in advance is $50. Unless otherwise requested, this will be charged to the credit card connected to the booking.
• Staffed and developed by the experienced and qualified Education Guides, we pride ourselves on delivering a program like no other.
• The excursion will see a larger bus booked with accredited bus companies.
• All staff/Astronomers have current WWVP and First Aid.
• The programme may be adjusted for weather or partner availability. Final details will be in your welcome email.

Pricing & booking

• Youth (4 days): AUD $530