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Friday’s Cold Moon is your last chance to see a supermoon in 2025 

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
On 5 December, a spectacular ‘Cold Moon’ will close out this year’s supermoon trilogy with a bang.

Australian skies have been shamelessly showing off this year. We’ve had meteor showers Eta Aquariids and the Perseids sprinkling sparks across the sky, seen a striking strawberry moon and witnessed our first blood moon since 2022. But galaxy gazers and photographers have more to look forward to before we tick over into the new year. 

The Cold Moon will loom large and luminous on Friday, 5 December. Following the Harvest Moon in October and the Beaver Moon in November, it marks the third and final supermoon of the year.  

What is a supermoon?

According to NASA , a supermoon occurs when a full moon reaches its closest point to Earth along its elliptical orbit. There are roughly 12 full moons each year, but only a select few draw close enough to qualify as ‘super’. When they do, they can appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than usual – a breathtaking visual illusion that has skywatchers in awe. 

When to see the Cold Moon on 5 December  

supermoon above ocean
Look East to catch the Cold Moon on 5 December. (Image: Getty/Gergo Rugli)

While it may be visible earlier, the best time to catch the Cold Moon is a little after sunset, when the ‘moon illusion’ is at its most dramatic. Here are the respective sunset and moonrise times for each capital city in Australia: 

Sydney – 7:52pm – 8:35pm AEDT  

Melbourne – 8:30pm – 9:16pm AEDT 

Brisbane – 6:32pm – 7:07pm AEST 

Perth – 7:11pm – 7:57pm AWST 

Adelaide – 8:17pm – 9:02pm ACDT 

Hobart – 8:36pm – 9:28pm AEDT 

Darwin – 7:01pm – 7:31pm ACST 

Canberra – 8:06pm – 8:49pm AEDT 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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How to see it

december supermoon
The Cold Moon will rise on the eastern horizon. (Image: Pexels/Oscar Sánchez)

You won’t need any fancy equipment – supermoons are nature’s way of offering a zoomed-in lunar study to anyone with functioning eyesight. That being said, binoculars or a telescope will reveal craters and maria (large, dark basaltic plains) in sharper detail, ideal for those seeking to soak up the Moon’s geological drama. 

Quick tips for viewing the December supermoon in Australia

  • Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon 
  • Just after sunset is when the moon appears largest and brightest 
  • Turn down the exposure and brightness on your phone camera to avoid fuzzy, blown-out white photos of the moon
  • Check the weather forecast before heading to your viewing spot 

Why is it called a Cold Moon?

cold moon
The Cold Moon marks the arrival of the coldest months in the northern hemisphere. (Image: Pexels/David Kanigan)

In the northern hemisphere, the December supermoon is nicknamed the Cold Moon as it signals the arrival of winter’s chill and the year’s longest, darkest nights. Down under in Australia, of course, it does the opposite – ushering out the cool weather and heralding summer’s peak. 

Celestial events to look forward to in 2026

Worried about missing the December Cold Moon? No need for lunar FOMO. Another splendid supermoon will grace our skies on 3 January 2026, with two more following on 24 November and 23 December 2026. 

Aussies can also mark the calendar for a total lunar eclipse in March, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in May and a close rendezvous of Venus and Jupiter in June.  

Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

    Lara Picone Lara Picone
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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.