Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens have been transformed into a winter wonderland of light, sound and taste. After a sold out 2022, Lightscape is back for another season with an impressive new range of light exhibitions, and a big lineup of food trucks.
Embark on a two-kilometre walking path dotted with light exhibits paired with mesmerising soundscapes. Think light tunnels, an eight-metre light sphere choregraphed to accompanying music and a garden of flames, just to name a few. Each exhibition is individually curated with a QR code for visitors to learn more about the piece.
The lights and sound tracked music were mesmerising, but the experience of the gardens after hours was equally enjoyable. Bats swooping overhead, birds crying out, trees illuminated in purple and red lights – it gives you a new appreciation for mother nature’s attention to detail, and this beautiful part of Melbourne.
Any winter night exhibition wouldn’t be complete without mulled wine. Melbourne foodies don’t fret, there is an impressive lineup of food and drink trucks along the route to ensure no visitor leaves hungry.
The Lightscape Welcome Zone, located at Observatory Gate, has eight food trucks for guests to grab a pre or post-walk meal, and the Terrace Food Hall inside the exhibition has even more food and drink options, including my favourite, a marshmallow roasting station! Prosecco vans are dotted along the two-kilometre path serving up Italian prosecco and hot mulled wine.
It takes one and a half to two hours to experience the full exhibition and complete the walking trail. My recommendation – make a night of it and come hungry. Don’t forget to save space for those toasted marshmallows!
Lightscape runs through August 6 and tickets can be purchased here. Book early as the event tends to sell out!
– Ember Mitchell
Ember is an American turned Aussie. Her love affair with Melbourne goes back five years, and she still can’t get enough of this city! Discovering new hideouts and hidden gems around Melbourne is her hobby. Marketing Strategist by day, spontaneous adventurer, brekky enthusiast, and aerial acrobat by night.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
https://www.lightscapemelbourne.com.au/
Get rugged up, grab a mulled wine, and explore the Melbourne Botanical Gardens after dark at Lightscape.
