The Great Barrier Reef Observatory

The Great Barrier Reef Observatory is located on Hamilton Island in the beautiful Whitsundays in Queensland's Tropical North. The observatory is operated by Ray Johnston of Star Dreaming.

The observatory also runs the Great Barrier Reef Observatory Outreach Program, Tropical Stargazers, which promotes astronomy at regional level, encouraging the old and young alike to widen their horizons. Collaboration with ABC's Tropical North Radio serves to reinforce the promotion of local astronomy with the Outreach Program and ABC's Tropical North presenting events such as public stargazing nights.

Director Ray Johnston has recently, in recognition of a lifetime's contribution to the furtherence of the field of astronomy, been nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in 1820 and received its Royal Charter in 1831 from King William IV. The Society encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science.

Ray also has a regular radio show on ABC Tropical North, during which he talks about current astronomical topics and how best to enjoy the night sky.

For cloudy nights Ray is also the Director of Star Dreaming, which operates a mobile planetarium and educational theatre. With spectacular and amazing images zooming across the dome, The Dream Dome brings the excitement of a major theatre into schools, halls, or libraries, with films on many topics including a full curriculum-linked Astronomy presentation.

The Dream Dome is an "on the road, go anywhere" cinema which captivates and excites audiences of all ages. It combines learning and entertainment, with an ever-expanding library of new films.