Coonabarabran's Siding Spring Observatory is set to help aspiring astronomers and eager star gazers more than ever before after receiving $577,120 grant to upgrade the premises as part of the Elevate Siding Springs project. 

Branioc Rankine, partner and owner of local business, Coonabarabran Stargazing, said the funding was fantastic, not only for tourists but also to get the local community involved in the observatory. 

"The funding is ear-marked for all sorts of great ideas, including a new interactive playground, holographic displays, revamping the café and having live feed TV's available for visitors to view things like the sun or the International Space Station," he said. 

Mr Rankine's company is contracted to run tours and also manage the public access areas at the observatory. He said he enjoys his role in educating the public.  

"We have a substantial amount going on here all the time and we are looking to get some events off the ground, starting with Sundaes on Sunday which we hope will be underway soon." 

Mr Rankine is particularly passionate about getting locals involved. 

"Tourism is great but at the end of the day, the Observatory needs local support so we are trying to come up with ways to encourage people from the town to come up. Ideally, I would love to see night-time viewing come back." 

At the moment, his company's night time star gazing is situated at the Getaway Tourism Park in Coonabarabran. 

Observatory Manager Robert Brookfield said he is excited about the Elevate Siding Spring Observatory Project. 

“This project will revitalise the visitor experience by upgrading and enhancing the visitor centre, which, in conjunction with unique behind the scenes tours, will improve the visitor experience and boost local tourism,” Mr Brookfield said.  

“The project includes upgrading the exploratory with modern interesting and interactive exhibits which will promote the science performed at the observatory, and an exploratory deck with covered seating showcasing views across the Warrumbungles."