Your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world’s newest comet

What makes C/2025 R2 (SWAN) so special?

Identified on 11 September by an amateur astronomer in Ukraine, C/2025 R2 (SWAN) is a completely new visitor to our solar system. Vladimir Bezugly, from the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, first spotted the comet when viewing images from SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), a joint-project spacecraft between NASA and the ESA tasked with observing the sun.

C/2025 R2 (SWAN) was only discovered a few weeks ago. (Image: Adam Block)

C/2025 R2 (SWAN) seemingly appeared out of nowhere, a “bright blob" moving close to the sun. It’s not only one of the brightest findings ever made via SOHO, but also happens to be one of the newest comet discoveries in the world. Characterised by its gorgeous green glow and exceptionally long tail (the stream of gas and dust left in its wake), it’s a true sight to behold – and you’ve got one opportunity to catch it.

Experts have been working hard to learn more about the object, which has been classified as a long-period comet with an orbital cycle of over 600 years. For context, Earth’s orbital cycle is just one year, meaning that’s how long it takes us to complete one full lap around the sun. So if C/2025 R2 (SWAN) is about to pass Earth, it won’t be back until 2625.

What’s the likelihood of seeing it in Australia?

The comet is characterised by its green glow and long tail. (Image: Adam Block)

At its most recent, C/2025 R2 (SWAN) clocked a magnitude of +7 (magnitude being the scale astronomers use to measure the brightness of celestial objects). The lower the number, the brighter the object, with +6.5 considered the limit for naked-eye visibility under a non-polluted sky.

While C/2025 R2 (SWAN)’s rating is relatively low compared to others of its kind – Halley’s Comet sat at +2.1 and 96P/Machholz at +2.2 when they last passed Earth – it doesn’t mean you won’t see it. Our interstellar guest is estimated to pass through around mid-October, approximately 40 million kilometres away. For us Earth-dwelling folk, that sounds quite far. But in space talk, it’s quite the opposite!

Hot tips for comet chasers

While a celestial sighting can never be guaranteed, there are definitely ways to improve your chances. One of the easiest ways is simply finding a patch of sky as far-removed from the big smoke as you can get. Light pollution significantly decreases the likelihood of catching an astronomical event, because it’s artificial, it washes out fainter light, reducing the overall contrast of the sky and preventing the human eye from fully adjusting to the dark.

That’s why places like the outback, national parks and other areas are among Australia’s best stargazing spots – they’re isolated by design. Or head to Kestrel Nest EcoHut in NSW, the first official International DarkSky Approved Lodge in Australia.

Kestrel Nest EcoHut is Australia’s only DarkSky Approved Lodge. (Image: Grant Hardwick)

Be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars, too. For those who take the sport a little more seriously, opting for a telescope is your best bet. You’ll also want to bring a camp chair, bug spray, blankets, snacks and a red-light lamp. If you’re determined to catch the show, you may be waiting for a while, so these items will not only keep you comfy but also allow you to stay out later and for longer.

Aussies usually aren’t too lucky when it comes to catching comets, but it seems the odds are in our favour this time. Right now, C/2025 R2 (SWAN) has primarily been visible from the southern hemisphere. Currently tracking further from the sun and closer to Earth, it will reach perigee (its closest point to our planet) on 21 October. C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will then continue on its centuries-long orbit, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You can stay up to date with C/2025 R2 (SWAN)’s movements via The Sky Live .

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.