Get ready to look up, the Beaver Moon will light up Australian skies this week.
Australia’s night skies have been putting on quite the show lately – from the Harvest Moon to the Blood Moon and Strawberry Moon, it’s been a year of spectacular lunar moments. But this week’s event might just outshine them all.
On Wednesday, 5 November, Aussies will witness the Beaver Moon – the closest, biggest and brightest full moon of 2025. This supermoon will appear larger, whiter and more luminous than usual as it reaches its closest point to Earth (known as perigee). The moon will rise just after sunset, glowing low on the horizon in all its golden glory.
When to see it
The Beaver Moon is not just another supermoon; it’s the biggest of the year. (Image: James Peacock / Unsplash)
Australians can catch the Beaver Moon just after sunset on Wednesday. The moonrise times for the capital cities:
The moon officially reaches fullness at 12.19 am AEDT on Thursday 6 November, but it will look full to the naked eye both the night before and after.
What makes this one special
It’s not just another supermoon; it’s the biggest of the year, appearing up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a regular full moon. For photographers and sky-watchers, that means a perfect excuse to head somewhere dark, open and scenic – think beaches, headlands, lookouts or even your own backyard if the clouds stay away.
As it rises near the horizon, you’ll also experience the “moon illusion", which makes it look even bigger thanks to visual contrast with the landscape.
Why it’s called the Beaver Moon
The moon coincides with when beavers built their dams and prepared for winter. (Image: Sanket Gupta / Unsplash)
The November full moon was nicknamed the Beaver Moon by early North American settlers, because it marked the time beavers built their dams and prepared for winter. While the name comes from the northern hemisphere, the timing still brings a sense of transition down under – the moment spring tips into summer and nature hums to life.
A night for reflection (literally)
Connect with nature and stability during the Beaver Moon. (Image: Getty Images / AHM Alomgir Kabir)
Astrologically speaking, this super full moon in Taurus is said to heighten connection with nature and stability – a moment to slow down, breathe and ground yourself. The perfect opportunity to unwind at a bathhouse and fully embrace the lunar event.
But even if astrology isn’t your thing, there’s something soothing about stepping outside, gazing up and letting the year’s brightest moon light your path.
Quick tips for the best view
Head somewhere with a clear eastern horizon.
Catch it as it rises, when it looks its biggest.
Check the weather forecast before you plan your viewing spot.
Expect slightly higher tides – supermoons can cause subtle coastal surges.
Don’t miss it: The Beaver Moon is the largest supermoon of 2025, and the best excuse all year to pause, look up and feel a little bit cosmic.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.
Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.
Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.
1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole
Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)
2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole
Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.
Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Tour the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!
Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).
Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)
4. Dine in Darwin
Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .
Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.
Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Up close with Uluṟu
The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.
There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.
Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)
6. Drive the Red Centre Way
From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.
Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.
Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)
7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa
Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).
Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.
Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)
8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .
Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)
