Featured image: Time-exposure in the observatory by Andrew Cool, Member Astronomical Society of Australia; Member of Technical Committee, Australasian Dark Sky Alliance.
Australia’s largest private space telescope was officially unveiled last week at the new Swan Reach Observatory in South Australia, marking a major milestone for both the small River Murray town and Australia’s astronomy community.
The $1.3 million facility, located in the internationally recognised River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, was launched on Thursday 13 November 2025 by Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon. Don Farrell. The observatory, two years in the making, is a community-led project spearheaded by local philanthropist and Swan Reach Progress Association Chair, John George OAM.
At the heart of the new facility is the US-built PlaneWave CDK700 telescope, a professional observatory-class instrument with a 70-centimetre aperture and a total weight of more than 500 kilograms. Delivered at a cost of around $500,000, it represents the biggest privately owned high-tech “eye on the sky” between Sydney and Perth.
“This telescope is the Ferrari or Porsche of the telescope world,” said Mr George at the unveiling. “After two years of planning, this observatory proves what we can do as a small community. It will bring joy and education to many and new wealth to the village of Swan Reach in South Australia. This is just the beginning, and I am proud to be involved.”
The Swan Reach Observatory is designed to support education, science, and tourism, providing access to schools, universities, and astronomy groups via an online booking system. The building includes a meeting area with a 98-inch screen, a control room, kitchen, and accessible facilities, with sealed parking for cars and buses.
Set within one of the darkest places on Earth—measuring up to 21.9 on the darkness scale—the observatory is ideally positioned for deep-sky observation. The project builds on the 2019 accreditation of the Swan Reach Conservation Park as Australia’s first International Dark Sky Reserve at gold-star standard.
When initial council-led observatory plans stalled due to funding delays, Mr George personally financed the development on his own land to accelerate progress. “We are proud to declare that our telescope is the biggest eye on the night sky between Sydney and Perth, and it will be open for educational and enthusiast organisations as a commitment to regional development,” he said.
The facility is managed by a not-for-profit board comprising community and science leaders. Its PlaneWave CDK700 features cutting-edge direct-drive alt/az mount technology and a Nasmyth Focus system, keeping the eyepiece at a constant wheelchair-accessible height—enhancing usability for public and educational observatories.
With the unveiling complete, Swan Reach—home to just 300 residents—has officially become one of Australia’s brightest new destinations for stargazers, educators, and astro-tourists alike.
For more info, head to the Swam Reach Observatory website here.
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