As darkness falls, Melbourne and Victoria come alive with a variety of enchanting winter light experiences. Bundle up and breathe in the crisp night air, then gaze as swirling projections and flickering fairy lights. Some of these dazzling events will take place for just one night only, while others will have a longer season for you to enjoy. Here are some of our favourite light experiences that you can look forward to this winter.
The best winter light experiences around Melbourne and Victoria
Lightscape
The popular winter light experience, Lightscape, is returning to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne for a fourth season. Walk along the trail and feel enchanted by over 20 new installations. It’s all happening from Friday June 20 to Sunday August 10.
Train of Lights by Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy is bringing back their beloved Train of Lights. Journey through the Dandenong Ranges after dark, and gaze in wonder at a spectacular light show. As you move through the countryside, you’ll see sparkling lights, hypnotic patterns and more. The Train of Lights will run for a very limited season, from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 20.
Winter Glow at Adventure Park
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Adventure Park is bringing back their dazzling Winter Glow experience this year. Escape to their delightful winter wonderland, and frolic in the snow, go on the rides, marvel at twinkling lights, see ice sculpting displays and more. This event will kick off on June 28 and run until August 9. Find out more.
Sorrento Fire Festival
Celebrate the winter solstice and wander down the Peninsula to check out Sorrento Fire Festival. Watch a 6-metre human sculpture be set alight after a dramatic countdown, and feel the heat with fire cannons, fire pits and roaming fire twirlers. You can also look forward to illuminated sculptures, food trucks, mulled wine, market stalls and more. Check it out on Saturday June 21 from 3:30pm along the Sorrento Foreshore. Learn more here.
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Feel dazzled by light projections, frolic underneath falling snow, indulge in winter treats and take part in fun activities. Winter Wonderlights will return from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 27. Learn more here.
Electric Wonderland in Bendigo
Bendigo is bringing Electric Wonderland back to Rosalind Park. There will be new installations to look forward to, including a mirrorball laser alley, flowers that fall and bloom from the sky, a twinkling tunnel inspired by Sacred Heart Cathedral and more. This event is on from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 20.
Southern Lights Festival
Head to Coal Creek, a recreated coal mining village in South Gippsland, and celebrate winter at the Southern Lights Festival. Watch lights and lasers bounce off the historic buildings, then have plenty of fun with live music, bonfires, fire twirlers and more roving performers. The night will end with some spectacular fireworks. It’s all happening on Saturday June 7, from 3pm to 10pm. Learn more here.
Mansfield Lantern Festival
Escape to the High Country and celebrate the winter solstice at the Mansfield Lantern Festival. Light up the night with a lantern parade, and have plenty of fun with roving performers, roaring fires and bustling market stalls. The festival will run on Saturday June 21 from 4pm to 8:30pm. Learn more here.
Lakes Lights in Lakes Entrance
Don’t miss one of the highlight events of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, Lakes Lights. Located on the Lakes Entrance foreshore, you can look forward to a night of lanterns, projection art and soundscapes. Join the lantern parade, see installations then warm up with winter treats by fire pits. This event will take place on Saturday July 12 from 5pm to 9pm.
Tales of the Shipwreck Coast in Warrnambool
If you’re going whale watching this winter near Warrnambool, head to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum & Village and check out their spectacular night show, Tales of the Shipwreck Coast. This light and sound show can be seen all year round, and begins every night at dusk. Join the lantern walk and journey along the cobblestones to a purpose-built theatre. Then, see projections on a nine-metre water wall, depicting local Aboriginal stories, tales of the town’s whaling past, as well as fearsome events along the coastline. Learn more here.
River Lights in Swan Hill
Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill has stunning laser light shows every night on the shores of the Little Murray River, and in winter, they’re bringing back River Lights experience. Look forward to lasers, holograms, interactive projections and light sculptures throughout the Settlement from July 11 to 20. Read more here.
Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to Mildura, and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation has been designed by notable artist, Bruce Munro. Nearby, at Rio Vista Park, there’s also a variety of food and drinks to complement your experience. The attraction is open every evening, from 5:30pm to 10pm from now until September.