The Bathurst Observatory has received a special, one-off grant from the state government to assist with the relocation process.
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For the last two years, the observatory has been in the process of relocating from its original site in Kelso to Billywillinga.
The grant, worth $5000, has been awarded to help fast-track the process.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the observatory has the potential to put Bathurst on the map in the national and international star-gazing circles.
"Ray Pickard [Bathurst Observatory principal] is doing a great job and it's clear there are exciting times ahead for the facility," Mr Toole said.
"Apart from being able to be developed into a tourist drawcard, both nationally and internationally, there's plenty of educational opportunities to market and new experiences for visitors to be explored."
Mr Pickard said the grant will hopefully allow the observatory to reopen within the next six months.
"At this stage we're looking at being back in business by mid-year," he said.
"It's a big job moving the building, telescopes, museum, meteorite display and collection."
Mr Pickard said the observatory's new location has alleviated concerns of light pollution emerging from Bathurst's growing residential environment.
"It's far enough from town that the city's lights don't impact on the viewing experience," he said.
"We have plans for new tours, allowing people to bring their own telescopes up here to spend time under the night skies and the educational potential."
