The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

About this tour

Drive the world's longest Virtual Solar System route through New South Wales's astronomy heartland, departing from Coonabarabran's Visitor Centre towards Siding Spring Observatory. This self-guided audio tour takes 1–2 hours depending on your pace, featuring six planet models on roadside displays and insights from Dark Sky Traveller director Marnie Ogg and Fred Watson, former head astronomer. Control when you start, pause at viewpoints, and access the tour indefinitely via VoiceMap app—works offline with turn-by-turn navigation.

Highlights

• Six planet billboards across Australia's largest Solar System drive route
• Audio commentary from Dark Sky Traveller producer Marnie Ogg
• Insights from Fred Watson, 20-year Observatory astronomer
• Flexible 1–2 hour itinerary on your schedule
• Offline GPS navigation and permanent tour access
• No entrance fees required for the self-guided experience
• Works on smartphone via VoiceMap app

What to expect

After booking, you'll receive a unique code to activate in the VoiceMap app on your phone. The app guides you from Coonabarabran Visitor Centre with automatic GPS playback and clear turn-by-turn directions. As you drive towards Siding Spring Observatory, you'll stop at six marked planet displays, each accompanied by audio from the producers and Watson's observations about the solar system and the observatory's work. Pace is entirely yours—hurry through in an hour or spend two hours lingering at each stop. Navigation functions offline, so no data connection needed once downloaded.

Good to know

Bring your own smartphone and headphones. The tour itself is free; any museum or attraction entry fees are separate. You'll have lifetime access to replay the tour anytime. Physical ability isn't a barrier—you're driving between stops. Suitable for all ages.

Frequently asked

How long does The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour take?

The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour runs for approximately 1 hour – 2 hours.

How much does The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour cost?

Prices start from AUD $10 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.

Where does The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour run?

This tour operates around Australia. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.

Who runs The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour?

The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. AU & NZ Travel earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.

Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?

The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.