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

If you’re interested in astronomy and looking for a flexible, affordable way to explore Australia’s astronomy capital, this Virtual Solar System Highlights tour offers a unique experience. Priced at just $6.99 per group (up to 15 people), it spans about one to two hours, making it perfect for a family outing or an astronomy enthusiast eager to combine a scenic drive with educational stops.

What immediately appeals to us is the independent nature of the tour—you decide when to start, and you can linger at each of the six planet billboards along the route. Plus, the fact that you can access the virtual tour at home with the same ticket means you can enjoy the experience even before or after your road trip. Another highlight is the insightful commentary from Marnie Ogg, the producer of Dark Sky Traveller, and special guest Fred Watson, Australia’s astronomer-in-charge for over 20 years, adding authenticity and expert knowledge.

A potential consideration is the reliance on self-guided navigation and app functionality. Some reviews point out minor difficulties with directions and app setup, so being comfortable with smartphones and GPS is a plus. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of self-led adventure and are prepared to handle occasional tech quirks.

This experience would suit families, astronomy buffs, or curious travelers who appreciate a blend of science, scenic countryside, and the flexibility to explore at their own pace. If you’re looking for a structured tour with a guide, this probably isn’t your best fit; but if you love the idea of controlling your own space adventure, it could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Affordable and Flexible: Cost is just $6.99 per group with unlimited access, making it a budget-friendly way to explore.
• Educational and Engaging: Commentary from experts enhances understanding of the solar system and local astronomy sites.
• Self-Guided and Convenient: You control your start time, pace, and stops, allowing for a personalized experience.
• Easy to Use: The VoiceMap app offers offline access, turn-by-turn directions, and GPS-based navigation.
• Potential Technical Challenges: Some users have experienced difficulties with app setup and route directions.
• Great for Families and Enthusiasts: The content is engaging for children and adults alike, especially if you enjoy a bit of science in the countryside.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The tour begins outside the Coonabarabran Visitors Centre, a friendly starting point that sets the tone for a relaxed, educational outing. From there, the route takes you through the picturesque New South Wales landscape toward the Siding Spring Observatory, with billboards showcasing 3D models of planets along the way. These billboards are notably large and colorful, offering a clear visual cue that helps you identify each planet. The design aims to make the vastness of space more tangible, especially with planets like Saturn and Uranus being easy to spot.

We loved the way the commentary adds depth—Marnie Ogg’s narration, along with Fred Watson’s insights, makes the space journey feel authentic and educational. The narration is accessible and engaging, perfect for those with little prior astronomy knowledge as well as seasoned stargazers. The audioguide is designed for offline use, so you don’t need to worry about cellular reception once underway.

One of the most appreciated aspects, according to reviews, is the ability to stop and read at each billboard. It’s a leisurely experience, allowing you to absorb the information at your own pace. Several travelers mentioned that their children found the planets exciting and enjoyed the chance to take selfies by the billboards, which adds an element of fun to the educational content.

However, some reviewers noted that navigational directions could be confusing at times. For instance, one experienced traveler mentioned that the directions to the first stop, Saturn, weren’t very clear, leading to some unnecessary backtracking. This highlights the importance of reviewing the provided map and being comfortable with GPS navigation. A few users also struggled slightly with app setup, but support from VoiceMap is available via email or phone if needed.

The journey culminates at the Siding Spring Observatory, Australia’s largest optical telescope, where you can conclude your virtual tour. If you wish, you can also purchase a separate audio tour that takes you inside the Observatory for a more in-depth experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The main draw of this experience is its blend of education, scenic countryside, and self-control. It’s not just about seeing planets; it’s about understanding the scale of our solar system while enjoying the natural beauty of New South Wales. The cost-effectiveness means it’s accessible, whether you’re a family on a budget or a solo traveler with a curiosity for the cosmos.

The expert commentary lends credibility and depth, transforming what could be a simple road trip into an educational adventure. The ability to use the tour repeatedly—before, during, and after your visit—adds to its value, especially if you’re keen to revisit or share the experience with others.

Practical Tips for Your Journey

• Make sure your smartphone is fully charged before starting, especially if you plan to linger at each stop.
• Have headphones handy to enjoy the narration without background noise.
• Check your app’s setup beforehand if you’re not tech-savvy; a quick test run can prevent frustration.
• Review the route map in advance to avoid missing key stops or getting lost.
• Consider timing your drive during daylight hours for better visibility of the billboards, especially if you’re traveling in the late afternoon.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour’s starting point outside the Coonabarabran Visitors Centre is easy to find, and from there, your route takes you toward the observatory with six of the nine three-dimensional planets displayed on prominent billboards. Each billboard is designed to be eye-catching and educational, providing a snapshot of the planet’s size, distance, and characteristics.

The first stop is Saturn, with its iconic rings, which many reviewers found particularly striking. The route then proceeds through the countryside, with subsequent stops representing planets like Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus. The narration enriches the experience, explaining the significance of each planet and their positions relative to Earth.

As you navigate, the app provides turn-by-turn directions, guiding you along scenic roads and through small towns. The self-paced nature of the tour means you can choose to stop longer at any billboard that piques your interest or skip ahead if you’re eager to reach the observatory.

Finally, the tour concludes at the Siding Spring Observatory. Some travelers expressed that the distance and the scale of the planets helped them better grasp the vastness of space, which can be difficult to conceptualize from just pictures or textbooks. Several reviews mentioned the enjoyment of looking out for planets and the excitement children felt when spotting each one.

Value for Money and Final Thoughts

At under $7, this virtual tour offers an affordable way to engage with the solar system, especially considering the lifetime access and offline capabilities. For families or individuals who enjoy a DIY approach to learning and sightseeing, the self-guided nature provides flexibility and a personal touch.

While there are minor drawbacks, such as occasional navigational confusion or app setup hurdles, these are manageable with a little preparation. The knowledgeable guides’ narration makes the experience feel credible and enriching, particularly if you’re interested in astronomy or want to give children an engaging science lesson on wheels.

If you’re comfortable with smartphone navigation and enjoy a relaxed, educational drive through scenic country, this tour could be a highlight of your trip to New South Wales. It perfectly combines science, scenery, and self-reliance, making it a memorable, cost-effective adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that children find the planets exciting and enjoy stopping to read the information. It’s a fun and educational experience for kids and families alike.

Do I need my own smartphone and headphones?
Yes, the tour is accessed via the VoiceMap app on your phone, and headphones are recommended for clear narration.

Can I do this tour in reverse or at any time?
You can start the tour whenever you like, thanks to the self-guided format. It’s available 24/7 and can be paused or resumed at your convenience.

How long does the tour take?
It generally lasts about one to two hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop and your driving pace.

Are there entrance fees at the stops?
No, the tour does not include tickets to museums or attractions along the route. Entry fees, if any, are your responsibility.

What if I have technical difficulties?
Support from VoiceMap is available via email or phone. It’s advisable to test the app before your journey and review the route map to avoid confusion.

Is this a guided tour with a person present?
No, it’s a self-guided audio tour, so there are no guides physically present. You’re in charge of your timing and stops.

This self-guided virtual tour offers a smart way to combine education, scenic driving, and flexible scheduling. If you’re curious about space, enjoy a bit of science, and prefer to keep things simple and budget-friendly, it’s likely to be a memorable part of your Australian adventure.