A dazzling meteor shower is about to light up Australian skies

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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You may not be familiar with comet 96P/Machholz. But you’ll want to be familiar with the epic meteor shower it’s set to cause this month.

Comets have captivated humans for millennia, and some are even famous. Halley’s Comet, for instance, is a hotly anticipated event when it returns every 76 years or so. However, you may not have heard of comet 96P/Machholz (less catchy). But you can thank it: it’s the likely culprit behind the dazzling Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower that lights up the sky each year. Keep your eyes on the sky between 18 July and 21 August, when meteor activity from the Delta Aquariids is expected, and circle 30 July in your calendar, as this is when the shower is set to peak. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Delta Aquariids meteor shower?

Long time exposure night landscape with Milky Way Galaxy during the Delta Aquariids meteor shower
The Delta Aquariids meteor shower is set to peak on 30 July. (Image: Getty Images/jk78)

A meteor shower happens when the Earth passes through meteoroids (essentially, bits of rock and space dust) left behind by the path of a comet. When they hit the atmosphere, they burn up and produce a mesmerising light show that looks like dozens of shooting stars zipping about. The Delta Aquariids meteor shower occurs every year as the Earth passes through meteoroids believed to be left behind by the path of comet 96P/Machholz. It’s the lesser-known cousin to the Eta Aquariids shower, which is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet. They share a name, ‘Aquariids,’ because the point in the sky where they appear to originate is near the Aquarius constellation.

When to see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower?

Bright meteor from Delta Aquariids meteor shower
The Delta Aquariids meteor shower occurs every year. (Image: Getty Images/Viktar)

The Delta Aquariids Shower is usually active between 18 July and 21 August, but it’s set to reach its peak on 30 July this year, meaning that night will be your best shot at catching a glimpse, weather permitting!

How to see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower

Night sky with stars and milky way during the Delta Aquariids meteor shower
Head away from sources of light pollution to see the shower. (Image: Getty Images/Orbs)

The best way to view the Delta Aquariids meteor shower is to head away from sources of light pollution. You’ll generally have the most luck just before dawn. Those on the south side of the equator have lucked out, as it’s best seen in Australia, New Zealand and parts of South America.

We’ve rounded up some of the best stargazing spots in Australia for a little bit of inspiration, where you can experience this celestial event in the blissful surroundings of nature. The Perseid meteor shower is also set to begin this month.

Won’t be able to see the Delta Aquariids meteor shower this year? Don’t worry, it will return next year, as will the world’s oldest meteor shower – the Lyrids, and the Eta Aquariids.

Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.