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 .

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 .

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

This may just be the celestial event of the century.