HomeAttractions > Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Deep Space Station 34 Deep space communication antennas
Deep Space Station 43 - largest dish in Australia
Capturing whispers from deep space at Deep space communication antennas
Radio quiet valley location at Canberra Deep space communication complex
Educational displays in the visitor centre at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Inside view of visitors browsing displays at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Deep Space Station 34 Deep space communication antennas
Deep Space Station 43 - largest dish in Australia
Capturing whispers from deep space at Deep space communication antennas
Radio quiet valley location at Canberra Deep space communication complex
Educational displays in the visitor centre at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Overview

Take a leap into outer space at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, a 45-minute drive from the heart of Canberra.

At the visitor centre, you’ll discover the role Canberra plays in NASA’s Deep Space Network - an international network of antennas that supports dozens of interplanetary spacecraft missions.

The site features four large radio antenna dishes that send and receive data from spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond. The large 70-metre dish is the largest steerable parabolic dish in the Southern Hemisphere.

Exhibits in the visitor centre include real space hardware and memorabilia and includes an actual piece of the Moon returned to Earth on the Apollo 11 mission. It is 3.8 billion years old!

Enjoy excellent views of the antenna complex and watch films on the latest space discoveries in their theatres.

A unique place in Canberra and Australia to visit.

Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
421 Discovery Drive, Tourist Drive 5, Tidbinbilla, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 488 reviews

“Can’t be bothered opening”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 2yrs ago by Brian E

In a time when domestic travel has boomed at the end 2021 and with many opting to travel in Australia one would think this facility could get it right and open up. Nope. Despite many continuing to...

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“Closed while being told this facility was open”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 3yrs ago by Bob M

Cannot say too much about this facility as we could only take photos from the outside. We arrived after driving 42km from Canberra on a windy road with a lot of roadworks & cyclists to find the...

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“Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 3yrs ago by joniquelife

We stumbled upon this little Gem by accident on the way back from a hike. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, it is an active site with several satellite dishes, an amazing museum inside...

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Facilities
  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Gallery / Museum
  • Interactive Centre
  • Non Smoking
  • Pet Friendly - Enquire
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet