Australian skies are about to be graced with some of the fastest-moving meteors known to Earth.
Is anything more magical than a meteor shower? This special blend of a striking cosmic light show and all the human history and myth that goes along with it. The only downside is that so many of them seem to skip Australia – but not the upcoming Leonids meteor shower, set to grace our skies next month.
What is the Leonids meteor shower?
The Leonids are responsible for one of the biggest meteor storms in history. (Credit: Getty Images/ M Gucci)
Fast and vibrant, the Leonids are known as some of the fastest-moving meteors, putting on a pretty spectacular display. In fact, they’re so fast that they created one of the greatest meteor storms in living memory. What does that mean? It meant that thousands of meteors were zooming in the sky per minute for 15 minutes on the morning of 17 November 1966. And while the 2026 shower is not expected to hit quite that rate (storms like that only come around every 33-34 years when the Earth passes through a dense concentration of fresh comet debris), under a dark sky with no moon, you might see 10 to 15 Leonid meteors per hour. And they’ll often appear as bright, colourful fireballs and long-tailed Earth-grazer meteors (meaning they’re bright and enter Earth’s upper atmosphere almost parallel).
The Leonid meteor shower is associated with the ‘parent comet’ 55P/Tempel–Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 33 years, leaving behind the shooting stars we see (fun fact: they’re actually bits of icy, dusty debris left behind by that specific comet on its orbit).
When can you see them?
The Leonids will peak in November. (Credit: Getty Images/ M Designer125)
Happily, Australians will be able to enjoy this meteor shower (as long as the weather plays fair, of course). The Leonids meteor shower is active in mid-November, typically peaking around the 17th or 18th. For the best viewing, head outside (and away from light pollution) in the pre-dawn hours.
Where can you see them?
You won’t need any special equipment to spot them. (Credit: Getty Images/ Nazarii Neshcherenskyi)
The good news is, you won’t need a telescope or binoculars to spot the shower. But you will need a spot out of the city and away from light pollution. You can discover our top 21 places around Australia for stargazing. But if you can’t make it to those, remember that Hipcamp’s upgraded dark sky map makes finding a campsite away from the harsh city light far easier.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Whether it’s a pre-game tipple, night cap, settling in for long conversations or getting social, there’s something sophisticated about these stylish hotel bars.
From James Bond’s Casino Royale to the colourful Grand Budapest Hotel, there’s a reason so many classic films feature scenes set in hotel bars. With sleek designs, intimate ambience and sophisticated undertones, a hotel can be the highlight of a night out, or indeed an entire holiday. Whether you’re sipping on a whisky neat or a virgin martini, these hotel bars are the perfect places to linger in.
1. Together & Co Bar, Albany
Raise a glass to local flavours and harbour views.
Overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, Together & Co in Albany is a hotel bar the locals love. Bright and airy, with sweeping water views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the interior is fitted out in warm timber and leather with muted green and blue accents. This popular hotel bar is part of the acclaimed open-plan Together & Co. restaurant on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Albany and its design reflects the colours of Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
The extensive drinks menu includes regional highlights, such as Western Australian craft beers, local Great Southern wines (try the regional Riesling), and Margaret River Giniversity gins, alongside seasonal cocktails. Pair your choice of liquid with the deep-fried brie with poached pear, cream cheese brittle and balsamic glaze – and sit back and enjoy the view.
2. The Deck Bar, Alice Springs
Relax with local flavours as the desert comes alive at sunset.
There are few places in Australia that carry the cultural weight and natural awe of the Red Centre. A visit here will stay with you for a long time, so it’s worth staying somewhere as memorable. Surrounded by the burnt-orange MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers a sharp contrast to its desert setting with lush gardens and inviting open-air pool.
The hotel’s Deck Bar not only brings desert views into its design, but the interior’s earthy tones and timber and stone-coloured upholstery allows the desert sunset to take centre stage. Grab a crisp local beer or Australian wine and a seasonal grazing board (or loaded fries) and relax, Northern Territory-style.
3. Together & Co Bar, Busselton
Sip local wines with views of Busselton Jetty.
Whether you’re looking for a post-swim snack, a long languid lunch or an evening cocktail, the relaxed, casual atmosphere of the Together & Co Bar in Busselton will deliver. Not only will you be just steps from the shores of Geographe Bay, but you’ll also be able to see the iconic Busselton Jetty from this popular hotel bar. As part of the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Together & Co Bar is dedicated to local produce and local beers, wines and spirits. For a quick pre-dinner drink, grab one of the seats at the bar and order a chilled Margaret River chardonnay and Native Salt & Pepperberry Squid to start the evening off in style.
4. Edge Terrace, Cairns
Grab a drink and linger by the Cairns waterfront.
As Far North Queensland’s tropical humidity drops and the heat gives way to gentle sea breezes, the alfresco terrace at Edge Terrace in Cairns is the place to be. Why? Well, it might have something to do with incredible views of Trinity Bay, with the Lamb Range in the distance. Perhaps it’s the location, right in the heart of the Cairns foreshore, where you can watch Great Barrier Reef vessels return to the marina at sunset. Or the fact there are resident DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
Whatever it is, the Hilton Cairns’ hotel bar is a local hot spot with a great selection of Australian wines and beers, and bar bites that will leave you wanting more.
5. Vine Room Bar, Cairns
Order a signature cocktail.
A little further up on the Esplanade, closer to the famous Cairns Aquarium, the inviting hotel bar at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is the latest addition to Cairns’ nightlife. The Vine Room Bar brings a Mediterranean-inspired menu to this poolside location with fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and fresh bread with home-made dips are among the standouts.
The coastal design includes comfy cane and woven dining chairs, natural timber, soft beige tones and large windows opening onto the waterfront terrace. If you visit on the weekend, be sure to book a table to enjoy the live acoustic music sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings as the sun dips into Trinity Harbour.
6. Palm Court Bar & Lounge, Darwin
Escape the heat with cocktails and classic elegance.
If you’re after an expertly made cocktail in a classic hotel lounge and bar setting, then the Hilton Darwin has you covered. The Palm Court Bar & Lounge is the perfect place for an intimate pre-dinner drink or late-night cocktail. With ambient lighting, plush seating and sleek design, this is a hotel bar with unbridled sophistication and excellent air-conditioning to escape Darwin’s heat.
Of course, you could order a champagne or something from the highly curated wine list, but why not try one of their signature piña coladas or a reimagined classic like their Ginger Lily’s Negroni instead? Add a light bite to it, or order from the hotel’s PepperBerry restaurant and settle in for the night.
7. Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats, Gold Coast
Enjoy the coastal glamour of Ms Margot’s.
The interior design of Ms Margot’s Bar & Eats at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is the epitome of coastal glamour. There are the white marble and stone finishes, woven textures, light timber tables, a luxurious marble cocktail bar and even floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the famous Orchid Avenue.
While the bar serves up steaming barista coffee in the morning, come midday you can sink into a craft beer or cider, then order from the impressive cocktail menu. No matter when you arrive, choose from the all-day menu which includes share plates, tapas, cheeseboards and pizzas. Don’t miss the popular Signature High Tea with duck bao buns, green pea croquettes, freshly baked eclairs and scones and gelato bon bons – with bottomless bubbles, of course.
