Winter Solstice viewings at Elizabeth Bay House

Whether by accident or design, Elizabeth Bay House was built in direct alignment with the sun’s rays on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, creating a magnificent display as the sun rises over the horizon.

Wrap up warm and arrive at the elegant Elizabeth Bay House before dawn to experience this phenomenon, presented by Dr Andrew Jacob, curator and astronomer at Sydney Observatory.

Afterwards, join us for a hot drink and a pastry in the dining room.

Event schedule

• 6.30am: Elizabeth Bay House opens for this event

• 6.45am: Introduction to the Winter Solstice with Dr Andrew Jacob

• 7am: Sunrise

• 7.30am: Enjoy a pastry and hot drink by the fire in the dining room and listen to the talk on celestial alignments and the phenomenon led by Dr Andrew Jacob & Angela Sanfilippo, Museums of History NSW

• 8am: Short guided tours of Elizabeth Bay House

• 8.30am: Event concludes (House remains open until 9am)

Photography is permitted at this event. We politely ask that children are supervised by their parent or guardian during this event.

Book now via the Museums of History NSW website.