On 5 December, a spectacular ‘Cold Moon’ will close out this year’s supermoon trilogy with a bang.
Australian skies have been shamelessly showing off this year. We’ve had meteor showers Eta Aquariids and the Perseids sprinkling sparks across the sky, seen a striking strawberry moon and witnessed our first blood moon since 2022. But galaxy gazers and photographers have more to look forward to before we tick over into the new year.
The Cold Moon will loom large and luminous on Friday, 5 December. Following the Harvest Moon in October and the Beaver Moon in November, it marks the third and final supermoon of the year.
What is a supermoon?
According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when a full moon reaches its closest point to Earth along its elliptical orbit. There are roughly 12 full moons each year, but only a select few draw close enough to qualify as ‘super’. When they do, they can appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than usual – a breathtaking visual illusion that has skywatchers in awe.
When to see the Cold Moon on 5 December
Look East to catch the Cold Moon on 5 December. (Image: Getty/Gergo Rugli)
While it may be visible earlier, the best time to catch the Cold Moon is a little after sunset, when the ‘moon illusion’ is at its most dramatic. Here are the respective sunset and moonrise times for each capital city in Australia:
Sydney – 7:52pm – 8:35pm AEDT
Melbourne – 8:30pm – 9:16pm AEDT
Brisbane – 6:32pm – 7:07pm AEST
Perth – 7:11pm – 7:57pm AWST
Adelaide – 8:17pm – 9:02pm ACDT
Hobart – 8:36pm – 9:28pm AEDT
Darwin – 7:01pm – 7:31pm ACST
Canberra – 8:06pm – 8:49pm AEDT
How to see it
The Cold Moon will rise on the eastern horizon. (Image: Pexels/Oscar Sánchez)
You won’t need any fancy equipment – supermoons are nature’s way of offering a zoomed-in lunar study to anyone with functioning eyesight. That being said, binoculars or a telescope will reveal craters and maria (large, dark basaltic plains) in sharper detail, ideal for those seeking to soak up the Moon’s geological drama.
Quick tips for viewing the December supermoon in Australia
Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon
Just after sunset is when the moon appears largest and brightest
Turn down the exposure and brightness on your phone camera to avoid fuzzy, blown-out white photos of the moon
Check the weather forecast before heading to your viewing spot
Why is it called a Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon marks the arrival of the coldest months in the northern hemisphere. (Image: Pexels/David Kanigan)
In the northern hemisphere, the December supermoon is nicknamed the Cold Moon as it signals the arrival of winter’s chill and the year’s longest, darkest nights. Down under in Australia, of course, it does the opposite – ushering out the cool weather and heralding summer’s peak.
Celestial events to look forward to in 2026
Worried about missing the December Cold Moon? No need for lunar FOMO. Another splendid supermoon will grace our skies on 3 January 2026, with two more following on 24 November and 23 December 2026.
Aussies can also mark the calendar for a total lunar eclipse in March, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in May and a close rendezvous of Venus and Jupiter in June.
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.
Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.
A creative trail through the Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.
Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)
If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.
Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)
For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.
Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)
The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.
The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.
Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.
Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.
From golf days to spa stays
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses.Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.
Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.
Jetty Road Brewery.
After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.
