Hobsons Bay, Victoria, is home to the Melbourne Observatory, a historic astronomical observatory located adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Established in 1862, the observatory played a crucial role in advancing the field of astronomy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and educational center, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe and learn about its rich history. The Melbourne Observatory was once the best-equipped observatory in Australia and participated in significant projects, such as the worldwide effort to observe the transit of Venus in 1874 and the international "Carte du Ciel" project to chart the sky in 1887. In the 1870s, it was the hub of Victoria's meteorological service, recording weather details daily. The observatory's time was established using a transit telescope to observe the movement of "clock stars" - stars whose positions were accurately known. While the Melbourne Observatory is not located directly within Hobsons Bay, it is an important nearby attraction for those interested in astronomy and the history of science.
Another relevant attraction in the Hobsons Bay area is Scienceworks, located in Spotswood. Opened in 1992, Scienceworks is a science museum that aims to provide a hands-on, interactive learning experience for young people. It features observatories and planetariums, making it an exciting destination for visitors seeking to explore the wonders of science and the universe.