Australia’s events calendar is full of light festivals that combine the beautiful natural landscape with inspiring artistic creations.
Whether looking for a night out with the family or a unique date idea, this list of the best light festivals in Australia has something for you.
Vivid, Sydney
Of course, any list of light festivals in Australia has to start with Vivid. This annual event takes place in Sydney and is an amalgamation of light, music, creativity, innovation and food that brings visitors from around the globe.
For 23 nights and days, local and national artists showcase their captivating installations and projections, illuminating the city’s historic buildings and streets. Visitors are encouraged to attend thought-provoking talks, pop-up markets, and performances designed to inspire and delight. Plus, Vivid utilises Sydney’s vast spaces, including everything from disused tunnel tracks to the iconic Harbour Bridge, making it a great way to experience the city like never before.
Illuminate, Adelaide
Every year, Adelaide comes to life in a celebration of art, light and music that spreads to every corner of the city. Artists and innovators display bright installations that chase the winter blues away, dazzling locals and visitors alike.
The program includes an array of free and ticketed events, with something for everyone in the family. In 2024, the standout installation was Fire Gardens, a collection of flaming sculptures in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. For three weeks, thousands of handcrafted fire pots, kinetic sculptures and candle-lit pathways transformed the space into a wonderland straight out of the stories.
At Basecamp, in the heart of the city, you will find installations and live performances between the laneways of the historic Lot Fourteen. Here, you can also grab a bite to eat or a drink from the best vendors and distilleries in town.
Parrtjima, Alice Springs
Parrtjima Festival of Light is an exciting free event in Australia’s Red Centre, featuring installations, music and talks.
It is the only Aboriginal light festival in the country, celebrating the world’s oldest continuing culture through the use of modern technology. This year, standout installations include Arelhe Urrperle, a six-metre tall puppet that roamed across Parrtjima, recognising “the influence and importance of our First Nations women, their strength and spirit, and their role as providers to the families connected to the Arrernte skin groups.”
Another highlight of the 2024 program was ‘The Arrernte’, a presentation of iconic Indigenous symbols, totemic connections and language created using many objects and materials including cars.
Outback River Lights, Cunnamulla
This unique festival is all about blending rugged outback terrain with magical and illuminating light installations. One of the biggest events on the outback Queensland calendar, the weekend-long festival includes events such as a ‘light up your garden’ competition, roving circus, art workshops, concerts, lantern parades and more.
Here, you will find yourself immersed in a strong sense of community as Cunnamulla residents get together to cover their town in laughter and lights.
Moama Lights Festival, Moama
Running over four weekends in July, Moama Lights Festival is an immersive sound and light trail sharing stories of natural wonder as visitors wander along Horseshoe Lagoon.
The vibrant spectacle begins as soon as night falls, combining installations and soundscapes including illuminated ripples on the water and the projection of children’s art onto the surrounding landscape.
As you walk the gentle path, you will come across both world-class projections and natural beauties, such as the river redgums. When you reach the end, take a seat in the pop-up beer garden for a refreshing drink and a chat with friends.
Lightscape, Melbourne
Lightscape is an immersive experience set in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Make your way along the trail to find interactive installations and art pieces embracing the beauty of light. From the wildly popular ‘Winter Cathedral’ and ‘Laser Forest’, to new exhibits designed by local artists, families are bound to enjoy this experience.
Plus, the welcome zone is full of mouth-watering food options, and The Terrace Food Hall takes its market style appearance from a European Carnival. There’s no better way to embrace winter with the family!
Nocturnal, Blue Mountains
Nocturnal is an immersive and sensory display set in the heart of Scenic World. Visitors are invited to descend the world’s steepest railway at dusk, enjoying breathtaking views of the valley, before emerging beneath the trees for a stunning light trail. The field of light flowers is dotted with hidden creatures, holograms, and a quest for kids that takes them through the Gundungurra Story of Creation. With access to all three Scenic World attractions after dark, kids and parents alike will love this exciting adventure.
Trail of Light, Mildura
Next year, Mildura based artist Bruce Munro is preparing to install a stream of light consisting of more than 12,550 ‘fireflies’, 502 ‘pods’ and projectors, and 126 solar units. Brought together, this will create a sparkling walking track of more than 301,2000 flickering lights, illuminating the beautiful natural surrounds of Mildura for all to enjoy.
This year, Bruce completed two world-class installations in the Mildura-Wentworth region, both breathtaking and intriguing in their own rights.
Loving these light festivals in Australia? Check out our complete guide to cultural experiences by clicking here.
