A Symbol in Time

Sydney’s first observatory is built in 1788 at Tar-ra, on the western edge of Warrane [Sydney Cove] where the Harbour Bridge’s southern pylons now stand. It is designed by Lieutenant William Dawes, who arrives with the First Fleet in possession of instruments including an astronomical quadrant, a 3 ½ feet treble object glass achromatic telescope and several clocks. Instructed by the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, to make observations of a comet expected in the southern skies later that year, he begins a program of meteorological and astronomic observations.

This is the colony’s first scientific building, its instruments installed by 31 July 1788.

The current site of the Sydney Observatory – the highest point above Warrane – is employed for different purposes by the colonists. In 1797, it houses a windmill – declared useless less than a decade later. In 1804, it is designated the site of Fort Phillip and construction begins – suspended as incomplete two years later. From 1810, it is used as a signal station – until the current Signal Station is completed nearly forty years later.