A Snow Moon is rising over Australia this weekend

On Sunday 1 February, a Snow Moon will shine above Australia. We’ve rounded up the best spots to see this extra-bright full moon in every state.

Last year’s lunar spectacles had us collectively spellbound, with a Strawberry Moon, Harvest Moon, Beaver Moon and Cold Moon setting the night skies aglow. And while this weekend’s ‘Snow Moon’ isn’t a supermoon (the result of a full moon reaching its closest point to Earth along its elliptical orbit), it is a brighter-than-normal moon worth looking to the skies for. Here’s when and where to catch it.

What is a snow moon and why is it special?

Catch the Snow Moon above the Walls of China, Mungo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

A Snow Moon is really just a fancy word to say the second full moon of the year. It derives its name from the snowfall that’s usually seen in the Northern Hemisphere in early February. Of course, we Aussies can’t relate that much – being in the height of summer and all – but the Snow Moon is still significantly brighter than a usual moon.

Whether you’re dusting off the binoculars, setting up your camera at a scenic lookout or simply poking your head out after dinner, this lunar eye-candy will be visible with the naked eye all over the country – making it an easy win for every skygazer out there.

When to see the Snow Moon this weekend in Australia

While the Snow Moon will reach its peak the morning of Monday 2 February at 9:09am, the daylight means we won’t actually be able to see the spectacle in all its glory. This means the best time to see the Snow Moon shining brightly is on Sunday evening, 1 February, around 30 to 60 minutes after the sun goes down. During this time, the moon will appear full, large and low on the eastern horizon. It will continue to be visible later into the night, passing directly overhead between midnight and 1:00am (depending on what state you’re in), when it crosses the meridian.

The best places to see this weekend’s Snow Moon in Australia

snow moon australia — See the moon from Kata Tjuṯa, NT. (Image: Unsplash/Melanie Dretvic)

The best lunar viewing spots are elevated, unobstructed and distant from the light pollution of cities. If you’re planning to catch the Snow Moon at moonrise (when the moon begins to appear above the horizon), make sure to look towards the east. Below are the top places for viewing the Snow Moon in each Australian state.

NSW:

Walls of China, Mungo National Park

Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains

Palm Beach Headland, Sydney

Sydney’s eastern beaches (such as Bronte, Coogee and Maroubra)

Observatory Hill, Sydney

Broken Hill

WA:

Kings Park, Perth

Perth Observatory, Bickley

Lancelin Sand Dunes, Lancelin

Cape Leeuwin, Margaret River

The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung

SA:

Mount Lofty, Adelaide

Semaphore Jetty or Glenelg Foreshore, Adelaide

River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Vic:

Arthurs Seat lookout, Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island

Grampians National Park

ACT:

Mount Ainslie Lookout, Canberra

Mount Pleasant Lookout, Canberra

Qld:

SkyPoint Observation Desk, Surfers Paradise

Redcliffe Peninsula, near Brisbane

Double Island Point, Cooloola

Winton

Palm Cove

Tas:

Seven Mile Beach

kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit, Hobart

Constitution Dock, Hobart

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

NT:

Kata Tjuṯa/Mount Olga, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Earth Sanctuary Alice Springs

What other lunar events are happening in 2026?

There’s more in store for lunar lovers! Look out for the total lunar eclipse on 3 March, a Blue Moon on 31 May and a supermoon on Christmas Eve, 24 December.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

A Snow Moon is rising over Australia this weekend – here’s where to spot it