Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Setting out on a tour of Australia’s astronomy capital with a virtual twist might sound like a space-age novelty, but it’s precisely what makes the Virtual Solar System Highlights a unique experience. This self-guided drive takes you from the charming town of Coonabarabran to the impressive Siding Spring Observatory, showcasing six of the nine 3D planet models displayed along the world’s largest Virtual Solar System Drive. With a budget-friendly price of just $6.99 per group—up to 15 people—it offers a flexible, educational outing that appeals to families, space enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
What we love most about this tour is its combination of technology and storytelling—you get to control when and where you stop, listening to engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides like Marnie Ogg and special guest Fred Watson, Australia’s former Astronomer-in-Charge at Siding Spring. The second highlight? The visual spectacle of giant, colorful planets on billboards along the route, offering both fun and educational value. The main drawback? Some travelers have noted that navigating the directions can be tricky at first, so paying close attention to the instructions or having a map handy helps.
This tour is perfect for those who want to combine a scenic countryside drive with learning about our solar system—a relaxed way for families, astronomy buffs, or anyone interested in space to enjoy a flexible, self-paced adventure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of tech, storytelling, and outdoor exploring without the fuss of organized group tours.
Key Points
- Self-guided flexibility: Start and end whenever you like, with unlimited access before and after your booking.
- Educational commentary: Learn from expert voices including a seasoned astronomer and a tour producer.
- Visual appeal: Boldly colored three-dimensional planets on billboards make viewing engaging and fun.
- Cost-effective: At under $7 for up to 15 people, it offers good value, especially for families or small groups.
- Offline access: The VoiceMap app works without internet, so you can focus on the drive and scenery.
- Potential navigation challenge: Some reviews mention initial difficulty with directions, so be prepared.
Exploring the Tour Itinerary in Detail
The journey kicks off outside the Coonabarabran Visitors Centre, a logical starting point given its visitor-friendly location. Here, you’ll receive instructions on how the tour works via the VoiceMap app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The app is designed for offline use, ensuring a smooth experience even in rural areas with limited connectivity.
Once you’re set, the real fun begins. The drive covers roughly 1 to 2 hours, giving you the option to breeze through or take your time exploring each stop. Along the route, six of the nine giant 3D planet models are displayed prominently on billboards. These are not just decorative—they’re educational anchors, helping you visualize the vastness of our solar system.
If you prefer having a local expert, these guided New South Wales experiences could work well
First Stop: Saturn
Starting at the Visitor Centre, the route directs you to Saturn, with some reviewers noting that the directions aren’t perfectly clear at this point. This is a small hiccup; having a quick glance at the route map or the app’s GPS cues helps clarify when to stop. The billboard presents Saturn in all its iconic rings—big, bright, and compelling for photos and curiosity.
The Other Planet Billboards
The drive continues with Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus. Each billboard provides a visual feast—large, colorful, three-dimensional models that immediately catch the eye. These giant representations are designed to make the vast distances and relative sizes of planets tangible. As you stop, you’ll hear commentary, providing insights from producer Marnie Ogg and, in some cases, Fred Watson, the renowned astronomer.
The Experience of the Commentary
Multiple reviewers have found the commentary to be engaging and informative, especially when it’s delivered by professionals with deep knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that the “tricky to get it going” app could be frustrating, but support is available if technical issues arise. The tone is friendly and aimed at making space accessible, which is especially great if traveling with children or space-curious adults.
Ending at Siding Spring Observatory
The drive concludes at the Siding Spring Observatory, Australia’s largest telescope. Here, the tour wraps up with the option to explore further through a dedicated audio tour of the Observatory itself—an extra, paid experience. Though this part isn’t included in the self-guided drive, many find it a fitting end to a celestial journey.
You might also want to explore these New South Wales activities
What the Reviews Say
Several travelers appreciate the educational value and the chance to see the scale of our solar system firsthand. One noted that “starting at the observatory and you’ll be amazed by the distances,” highlighting the sense of awe created by the display and commentary.
Some reviews point out challenges, especially with directions: “Directions from the Information Centre to Saturn didn’t tell us to stop there,” a reminder to keep a map or the app’s GPS handy. Others found the visuals captivating, especially with children excited to spot planets and take selfies. One remarked, “Fascinating and engaging looking out for planets,” emphasizing how the billboard style makes the experience more interactive.
A few reviewers mentioned technical difficulties, such as trouble activating or navigating the VoiceMap app. However, the support channels are available, and overall, many find the virtual tour a fun and informative way to learn about space without leaving New South Wales.
Analyzing the Value
At just $6.99 per group, this experience is a budget-friendly educational activity. For travelers who love science, astronomy, or simply want a relaxing drive with an educational twist, it offers ample flexibility—you can do it at your own pace, revisit sections, and enjoy the countryside along the way.
While it doesn’t include entrance fees to attractions or meals, the cost covers the entire virtual experience—audio commentary, GPS-guided directions, and offline access—making it a practical choice for independent explorers.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This virtual solar system drive suits families with children, space enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a light, educational activity that adds a layer of understanding about the universe. It’s perfect for those who enjoy self-guided adventures and want to control their timing. The tour’s flexibility means you can linger longer at sections you find especially intriguing or zip through if you’re in a hurry.
It might not appeal as much to travelers who prefer guided tours or need detailed directions upfront, but with a little prep (like having a map or GPS), most will find it a rewarding experience.
The Sum Up
The Virtual Solar System Highlights offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore the vastness of our solar system without leaving New South Wales. The combination of large, colorful billboard planets and informative commentary makes it an engaging experience for a wide range of travelers—especially families and space buffs. The ability to go at your own pace, plus the offline capability of the app, enhances its appeal, making it a practical addition to your itinerary.
While it has some minor navigational quirks, the overall value lies in its visual impact and educational content. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in space, looking for a relaxed outdoor activity, or seeking a memorable way to appreciate how small and vast our solar neighborhood truly is.
If you enjoy discovering new ways to see the world—whether through science or scenic drives—this tour deserves a spot on your list.
Ready to Book?
The Virtual Solar System Highlights: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
“Zoom through space and journey through the Solar System and picturesque countryside on one or all of the five drives. This is a great way to explor…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the large billboard planets and engaging commentary make it a fun and educational experience for children, especially those interested in space.
How long does the tour take?
It typically lasts around 1 to 2 hours, but you can take longer if you wish to linger at the stops or explore more.
Do I need internet to do the tour?
No, the VoiceMap app provides offline access once downloaded, so you can complete the tour even in remote areas.
What is included in the price?
The $6.99 fee gives you unlimited access to the tour, the use of the VoiceMap app, and its offline features.
Are there any entrance fees?
No, the tour itself is self-guided; it does not include tickets to museums or attractions along the route.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is flexible—you can begin and end whenever you choose within the operating hours.
What if I encounter technical issues?
Support is available via email or phone through VoiceMap, and guides recommend having a backup map or GPS.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for groups but works well for individuals who enjoy self-guided exploration.
Does the route include public transport or only driving?
It’s a driving tour; public transportation is not suitable for following the route.
What makes this tour different from just visiting the observatory?
It offers a virtual, visual experience of the planets along with expert commentary, making it educational and engaging outside the physical visit to Siding Spring Observatory.
In essence, the Virtual Solar System Highlights is a smart, budget-friendly way to bring the universe a little closer, perfect for those curious about space and looking for a flexible outdoor activity.
