Tallangatta and District Astronomy Club had planned to relocate the original observatory from a property at Towong, donated by one of the town's doctors, but were unable to access it before it went up in flames.

The house on the property was saved, but the club's hopes of securing the structure appeared to be dashed.

Two months later, club president Zachary West was informed the observatory was insured and was asked if he wanted a new one.

The answer was a resounding "yes".

Mr West contacted a Tallangatta Showgrounds official about erecting the three-metre, domed observatory on its site and within a week it had a new home.

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"Being at the showgrounds is a central location. There's a little bit of light pollution but it's not very severe," Mr West said.

"For people from Albury-Wodonga it's only half an hour to come out, while people from Mitta, Corryong, Tallangatta, Tangambalanga, Kiewa, Yackandandah can come and use it and it's not a massive drive."

Mr West was previously Bright Astronomy Club president, and, after moving to Tallangatta, put the feelers out on Facebook for interest in starting something similar.

"Our first meeting we had about 15 people turn up and our second one was about the same," he said.

"We started gearing up for regular meetings and then the fires hit and corona hit and we haven't had a meeting since the start of the year.

"The club is mainly for people who have an interest in the subject, but we are looking at outreach events for educational purposes and using it for tourism."

It was the perfect opportunity for Wayne Middleton to rediscover his passion for stargazing.

Mr Middleton was given his first telescope when he was 10 and is still fascinated by astronomy more than half a century later.

"My mum brought me a little telescope and I saw Saturn. Once you see Saturn you're hooked," Mr Middleton said.

"Comet McNaught was massive in 2007, going from north to south."

Mr Middleton also recalls getting up in the early hours to catch a glimpse of Halley's Comet in 1986, but was a little underwhelmed.

"It was a flop," he laughed.

He's now keen to share his knowledge with budding astronomers throughout the region.

"It would be great to do stuff with the schools. We're not scientists but we've got the equipment here to show people the stars," Mr Middleton said.

"You've got the college in Tallangatta and other schools in the district.

"It would be great to get a solar scope so they could come down during the day."

Mr West hopes the astronomy group can raise funds to purchase a shipping container for storage of equipment and eventually have a clubroom.

For further information or to inquire about membership, visit the Tallangatta and District Astronomy Club Facebook page.