Perth Observatory
Bickley
It’s been standing for 125 years, and yet, this Bickley institution is yet to have recorded a definitive sighting of the man in a red suit. There is always a first time. Unfortunately, their popular night sky tour is on pause until the new year (is this pressure from the Big Elf Industrial Complex? Do they not want powerful telescopes pointing skyward at Christmas?) the tour would make for a great present and a fun January activity with older kids.
Reabold Hill
City Beach
The highest natural point on the Swan Coastal Plain, this is a great spot to stand and be really, really, quiet and try and hear a distant “Ho! Ho! Ho!” or see if you can spy Rudolph’s nose in the distance. Vehicle access is only until 8pm. If visiting at night, take a torch.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Lancelin
The perfect place for stargazing AND pretending you have entered a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The Lancelin sand dunes are a great place to play sleigh spotto. Just don’t forget to bring a torch and navigation equipment if you are visiting at night.
Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory
Gingin
This Observatory is also closed on Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day, (Big Elf again). But on most Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, you can buy tickets to the observatory, or check out the Gravity Discovery Centre during the day. There is also a school holiday program for budding rocket scientists.
The Pinnacles
Nambung National Park
A famously popular spot for stargazing and astrophotography, it would also be the perfect location to snap a picture of Santa flying into WA. A two-hour drive from Perth, there are multiple stargazing tours to the site outside of Christmas.