Australia is in for an astronomical end to the year.
Get ready Australia, the first supermoon of 2025 is lighting up our skies tonight. Known as the harvest moon, it’s also the beginning of a months-long lunar spectacle, with several more celestial events on the near-horizon.
What is a harvest moon?
The harvest moon gets its name from the northern hemisphere’s autumnal equinox. (Image: Dave Xu/Unsplash)
The harvest moon gets its name from the northern hemisphere, representing the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox. Its bright light once helped farmers work late into the night, gathering their crops in time for a new season.
Characterised by its fully formed face and luminous orange glow, the harvest moon is also classified as a supermoon. And yes, this is different from a regular full moon. Just like Earth orbits the sun once a year, the moon orbits Earth roughly once a month. During this 27-day journey, sunlight hits different parts of the moon as it moves, taking it from a thin crescent to a perfect sphere or a full moon.
A supermoon only happens when that monthly full moon is also at its perigee – the point in its orbit closest to Earth. Sounds a bit complicated, right? In simple terms, a full moon is when the moon appears fully lit, but a supermoon is when it’s fully lit and at its closest point to Earth making it look bigger and brighter – like tonight!
How to see it
The moon appears at its largest near the horizon. (Image: Film Plus Digital/Unsplash)
When it comes to most astronomical events, the southern hemisphere (and Australia in particular) doesn’t have too much luck. But tonight, the scales are firmly tipped in our favour. The harvest moon will be very easy for us to see – as long as it’s not overcast. It will rise around sunset in the eastern sky and will be visible all night before setting in the west come sunrise.
While the moon will technically reach peak fullness around 3:45am on Wednesday, it will appear at its largest during dusk on Tuesday due to a phenomenon called ‘moon illusion’. This trick of the eye makes the moon appear bigger when it is low on the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky, a visual effect photographers should take full advantage of.
Other upcoming celestial events
Australia is in for a months-long lunar spectacle. (Image: Ganapathy Kumar/Unsplash)
Our night sky has truly taken centre stage this year, from meteor showers like Eta Aquariids and the Perseids to a breathtaking strawberry moon in June and our first blood moon since 2022. And while the harvest moon might be stealing the spotlight tonight, it’s just the beginning of an epic celestial line-up.
Over the next three months, multiple astronomical events will light up our skies. After tonight’s harvest moon, there will be not one, but two more supermoons this year – both named after seasonal events in the northern hemisphere.
On 5 November, we’ll be treated to the Beaver Moon. Its name is drawn from Native American folklore, a symbol of the busy beavers readying their homes for winter’s arrival. Come 4 December, the third and final supermoon of 2025 will rise. Known as the Cold Moon, it marks the arrival of the north’s coldest and darkest months. For us, it’s more of a farewell!
C/2025 R2 (SWAN) was only discovered a few weeks ago. (Image: Adam Block)
But that’s not all. A recently discovered comet known as C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will be passing Earth this October. While you’ll need binoculars to catch a glimpse of its bright green glow and exceptionally long tail, it’ll definitely be worth it, as SWAN won’t be back for another 600 years.
The excitement continues into 2026, with another supermoon scheduled for January and a total lunar eclipse in March. Best of all, you should be able to catch every single one from your balcony or backyard. It truly is a great time to be an Aussie astronomy lover.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.
Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.
Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.
If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.
The Murray Farm Gate Trail
The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.
1. Rich Glen
Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.
2. How Now Dairy
A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.
3. Cactus Country
Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.
4. The Olde Creamery
The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.
Wineries, breweries and distilleries
The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.
1. Squires Winery
Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)
With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.
2. Cape Horn Vineyard
Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.
3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery
Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.
A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.
4. Monichino Wines
Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.
5. Corowa Distilling Co
Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.
Farm-to-table dining
If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.
1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine
O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.
2. Stock and Barrel
Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.
3. The Bend
With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.
4. Blacksmith Provedore
Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.
5. Broken Willow
As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.
While you’re there
Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)
Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.
Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.
If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .
In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.
