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Jr. Staff Writer
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April 24, 2026
A new observatory perched high in the Northern Rivers is aiming to turn a quiet stretch of the Richmond Range into one of Australia’s most compelling stargazing destinations.
The Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout has officially opened to the public, inviting visitors to take in sweeping hinterland views by day and enjoy a front-row seat to the Milky Way by night.
The site sits on a rare latitude where the galactic centre passes almost directly overhead, giving it a genuine point of difference as interest in “dark sky” tourism continues to grow across regional Australia.
Architecture That Mirrors The Sky
Source: Terroir
Backed by more than $3.3 million in state and local funding, the project is as much about regional revitalisation as it is about astronomy. NSW’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund contributed the bulk of the investment, with Kyogle Council helping bring the concept to life as part of a broader push to draw visitors west of the coast.
What sets the lookout apart is its design and positioning. Created by award-winning architecture firm Terrior, the structure takes the form of a skeletal, armillary-inspired sphere, which acts as part sculpture and part scientific instrument. As a result, it has already attracted international attention and earned a place on the World Architecture Festival shortlist.
Step inside and the experience shifts depending on the time of day. Sunlight filters through carefully carved apertures, framing views of the surrounding World Heritage-listed landscape—rolling green hills, distant ranges and the iconic silhouette of Wollumbin.
Also, after dark, those same openings turn skyward, guiding the eye to constellations, star fields and passing satellites in remarkable clarity.
Designed for day and night
Source: Terroir
There’s also a contemporary layer to the experience. A digital installation allows visitors to walk through a large-scale visualisation of the Milky Way, blending physical observation with augmented storytelling.
The Mallanganee Observatory Lookout also acknowledges the deep cultural connection the Githabul people of Bundjalung Country have with the night sky, weaving First Nations perspectives into the visitor experience.
State and local leaders are betting on the observatory becoming a year-round drawcard. Moreover, officials say the goal is to extend visitor stays in the region and create a steady stream of foot traffic for small businesses across nearby towns, from Mallanganee through to Tenterfield.
Mayor Danielle Mulholland described the project as a community-driven idea that has grown into a major regional asset, pointing to rising demand for nature-based and night-sky experiences.
The site now includes new amenities, upgraded roads and walking paths to handle increased visitation, though crews are still completing some landscaping work. Visitors from Sydney who venture inland will find fewer crowds, darker skies and a unique opportunity to stand in a place where the galaxy aligns overhead.