The observatory is located roughly 50 km (30 miles) north of Hobart, (Australia).

The observatory was officially opened by the Governor of Tasmania in February, 2013.

The facility is named in honour of longtime University of Tasmania astrophysicist Dr John G. Greenhill (1933-2014).

The site replaces the University of Tasmania's previous observatory at Canopus Hill, near Hobart.

The site was developed with the installation of a 1.3 m telescope in mind, and consideration given for possible future expansion.