Greg Quicke: Trailblazing Broome astronomer ‘Space Gandalf’ dies at the age of 62

Broome-based astronomer, renowned tour guide and TV personality Greg Quicke — affectionately known as “Space Gandalf” for his distinctive white beard — has died at the age of 62. Known for his “astro-tours” in the Kimberley and showing countless people around the globe the wonders of the cosmos, Quicke brought the Kimberley night sky to life with his charismatic storytelling and deep knowledge of astronomy. Last year, Quicke starred in the flagship TEDxPerth event alongside other high-profile speakers to share almost three decades of experience which has seen him featured on ABC and BBC after rising to national and international prominence. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2023, the ABC reported. When news of his passing broke, tributes began flowing on social media from loved ones, locals and fans expressing their sorrow and celebrating his remarkable life. “The brightest star leaving the planet off to service the universe in a multitude of other ways,” one person wrote. “Thanks Wizard for our shared experiences, you were one of a kind and while you’ll be missed, we carry your words in our hearts and minds whenever we look deep into the skies,” another said. “Your passing is a great loss for our beloved Broome community, family and friends who are as numerous as the stars themselves.” Growing up in the South West before travelling to Queensland to study marine biology at James Cook University, Quick “got bored fairly quickly” and travelled to the North West coast to work as a pearl diver in Broome. “That was fun and I figured out how the tides work from watching the moon while I was at it — this was my first real astronomical step,” Quicke said on his website. He began Astro Tours in July 1995 and was regularly featured in Broome’s annual Shinju Matsuri festival. Quicke is survived by both his parents, sister and daughter.