Earth is passing through the path of Halley’s comet once again. Get ready for an epic meteor shower this week.
Halley’s Comet has captivated humans for millennia, earning icon status as one of the most spectacular celestial events in our skies. While it won’t return for another 36 years, debris left in its wake creates an annual meteor shower that lights up the sky with streaks of light. This year, mark your calendars for 6-7 May, when peak meteor activity from the Eta Aquariids Shower is expected. Best of all? It’s most visible in the southern hemisphere, and Australians are positioned for the best seats in the house to catch a glimpse of this spectacular display. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss this dazzling meteor shower.
What is the Eta Aquariids Shower?
A meteor shower happens when the Earth passes through the 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 an otherworldly display of lights zipping across the sky. The Eta Aquariids Shower happens every year when the Earth passes through the meteoroids left behind by the path of Halley’s comet, last seen in 1986. She’s not due back until 2061, but the annual Eta Aquariids Shower is a magnificent reminder of her impending return.
Circle your calendar, the Eta Aquariids Shower will peak 6-7 May. (Image: Getty/Willscape)
When to see the Eta Aquariids Shower?
The Eta Aquariids Shower is usually active between 19 April and 28 May every year, but it’s set to reach its peak from 6-7 May this year, meaning these nights will be your best shot at catching a glimpse, weather permitting!
The Eta Aquariids Shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris from Halley’s Comet, creating stunning streaks of light. (Image: Getty/ Merrillie)
How to see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower
The answer is simple: all you need is a clear night, a dark area and a little patience. The best recipe for viewing the meteor shower is to head away from sources of light pollution, pour yourself a beverage of choice, give your eyes time to adjust and wait for the show to start. We’ve rounded up some of the best stargazing spots in Australia for a little bit of inspiration.
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.
Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.
Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.
1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama
Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.
An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats .
For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.
Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park . Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.
More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat , where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.
If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.
2. Explore the Murray River
Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.
Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.
Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours , or join a river safari for a guided experience.
3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama
Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.
On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail . Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.
Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.
4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options
Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.
Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill , offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.
Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co , a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.
Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion .
5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars
Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.
Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar , a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.
Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.
For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar . You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.
6. Follow local art trails
Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.
The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.
Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.
7. Dive into local history
See the historic Port of Echuca.
The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca . Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.
The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.
Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.
