Port Macquarie Observatory Website Rebuild: Case Study

Project Overview

The Port Macquarie Observatory has been inspiring stargazers and fostering a love for astronomy amongst the local community for decades.

Following a major refurbishment of the physical space, including upgraded visitor areas and a new event space, the team needed a modern website to reflect their transformation and support their expanding operations.

Objectives & Strategy

Communicating the Transformation
Our goal was to capture the new identity of the Observatory. Whilst still deeply rooted in community and science education, they now also offer modern facilities for events, talks, and tourism. We worked with the Observatory team and local photographer Astyn from Noughts & Crosses to showcase the revitalised space through striking visuals.

Our Creative Director, Jess, led the design process. She crafted a thoughtful layout that balances clean, modern aesthetics with intuitive UX/UI principles, all while reflecting the Observatory’s newly revitalised space.

Seamless Event & Tour Bookings
We integrated TryBooking links to streamline the process of reserving spots for tours, talks, and public events - creating a smooth user experience for visitors.

Celebrating a Rich History
The Port Macquarie Observatory has a long-standing legacy, stewarded by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Society. We developed a dedicated history section, showcasing archival photos and stories to honour the Observatory’s contribution to science and the local community over the past 60+ years.

Execution
The website combines a clean, mobile-friendly design with impactful visuals, including new photography and astrophotography contributed by Observatory members. The layout emphasises accessibility and clarity, allowing visitors to easily discover tour times, event details, membership benefits, donation options and space hire options.

We also implemented strong SEO foundations to support the Observatory’s visibility in both tourist-related and educational searches.

Outcome

The final result is a digital presence that matches the Observatory’s revitalised physical space, modern, functional, and inviting.

The site makes it easier for the public to engage with the Observatory, whether they’re booking a night tour, hiring the venue, or simply curious about what’s happening next.

Conclusion

This website refresh project reflects the power of thoughtful web design in enhancing visibility, engagement, and accessibility for community organisations. With modern tools, a historical foundation, and a strong focus on user experience, the Port Macquarie Observatory is now ready to reach new audiences and continue its mission well into the future.

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