October is the peak time to view this astronomical event.
2025 has been a dazzling year of astronomical events. The planetary parade alongside a host of meteor showers like the Perseid has delighted stargazers, perfectly in line with the growing astrotourism trend. The astronomical events are set to continue this year, with the Orionid meteor shower set to peak later this month.
October 2025 is set to be a particularly good year for viewing the Orionid meteor shower, as it lines up with a new moon, which means darker skies and therefore better visibility from Earth.
What are comets and meteor showers?
2025 has been a dazzling year for watching astronomical events. (Image: Getty Images / Adventure_Photo)
World-renowned astrophotographer and educator Adam Block from the Steward Observatory, part of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona, explains that comets are remnants from the early part of the solar system, made from both water ice and other frozen gases.
“Basically, you have a ball of rock with a trail of gas coming out behind it. It’s the sun that controls all of that; the solar wind blows the gas back," he tells Australian Traveller. “But it’s not just gas; there are also particles of dust released and liberated from the surface of this dirty iceball."
That gas and dust particles released from the surface form a tail behind the comet, creating a trail in space.
“If the Earth runs through that stream of dust, those dust particles will enter the Earth’s atmosphere at around 30 kilometres per second, so they literally burn up in the upper atmosphere," he says.
Simply put, the resulting light trail is the meteor.
The Orionids and Halley’s comet
A comet is an icy, dusty celestial body that orbits the sun. (Image: Adam Block)
Halley’s Comet is one of the most famous comets. Last seen in 1986, it appears roughly every 75 years, with its expected return in 2061. Even though Halley’s Comet isn’t visible in the sky right now, the Orionids are one of the two meteor showers that it creates.
When is the best time to see the Orionids?
The Orionids meteor shower occurs from 26 September to November.
According to Adam, the best time to view the Orionids is after midnight, when the Earth is turned and facing the same direction as we are travelling through space, and it directly encounters the meteoroid stream.
October 20-21 will offer the best viewing opportunities because of the new moon, which offers extra dark skies. Adam also advises heading away from city lights.
How to see the Orionid meteor shower
The good news, according to Adam, is that you don’t need a telescope or optical aid to witness the event; you just need “a dark sky, a clear view and some patience."
For the Orionids, the average is roughly 20 meteors per hour. But given you can’t see the whole sky at once, Adam says you’re doing well if you see a meteor once every five or 10 minutes.
And if you’re lucky, he says you might even see a fireball, also known as a bolide.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.
Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).
But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.
If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.
Where to eat
Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)
From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.
Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.
By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.
And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.
Things to do outdoors
Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.
The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.
While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.
Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.
For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.
The arts and culture scene
Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.
The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.
Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.
On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.
Stay at a local retreat
Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.
No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.
Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.
And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.
