Inside the Aussie home with a satellite dish in the backyard

A NSW property has captured attention thanks to an out-of-this-world inclusion in the backyard – a telescope and satellite dish.

The Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope sits on an 84ha property in Hoskinstown, about 40km south east of Canberra.

The observatory was operated by the University of Sydney’s School of Physics between 1965 and 2023.

It mapped the entire southern sky through the Sydney University Molonglo Sky Survey, as well as detecting fast radio bursts.

1152 Hoskinstown Road, Hoskinstown. nsw real estate

The observatory was retired to make way for next-generation of facilities like the Square Kilometre Array in WA.

Over the course of its 58 years in operation, generations of astronomers lived in the on-site student quarters while conducting their research.

As well as the student residence, the site includes a three-bedroom fibro cottage, administration building with offices, workshop, and of course the satellite dish.

The entire property sold at auction for $1.25m on October 4, following a campaign that attracted the interests of two distinct buyer groups.

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1152 Hoskinstown Road, Hoskinstown. nsw real estate

Ray White Bungendore selling agent Ellie Merriman said astronomy enthusiasts and local farmers were captivated by the listing.

Farmers, Ms Merriman said, were eyeing off the property’s grazing land, while astronomers were attracted to its scientific significance.

“The sale attracted considerable local interest, including parties with historical connections to the land, which was originally resumed by the government for the observatory’s construction,” she said.

“This is an Australian landmark.”

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1152 Hoskinstown Road, Hoskinstown. nsw real estate

Speaking to the uniqueness of the sale, Ms Merriman described the property as “next level”.

“I’ve sold old convents and quirky properties over the years, but never a giant telescope,” she said.

The property has RU1 Primary Production zoning and sits on fertile Hoskinstown land, with the new owners planning to use the property for grazing and cropping.

According to Ms Merriman, discussions are underway about potentially restoring the decommissioned telescope and buildings.

Ms Merriman said the telescope remains under heritage protection by Queanbeyan Council.

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