Dazzling After-Dark Festival Lightscape Is Returning to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for Winter 2024

Walking through stunning lights as far as the eye can see, moseying beneath a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees, wandering between ribbons of flashing beams, taking the most luminous 2.2-kilometre stroll through nature that you can imagine — you'll be able to do all of this again when Lightscape returns to Melbourne in 2024.

If you went to the 2022 and 2023 versions, this third Lightscape stint in the Victorian capital from Friday, June 14–Sunday, August 4, 2024 won't just include favourites that you've already been dazzled by. Along with comebacks for the Winter Cathedral made out of glowing bulbs and the vibrant Laser Garden, 2024's iteration will also feature all-new installations. Submergence will let you move through suspended — and colour-changing — lights by the thousands, for instance, while Lili is all about lit-up three-metre-tall flowers.

Accordingly, prepare to see the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne illuminated by immersive and large-scale pieces scattered along that lengthy walking route, including sparkling trees, shimmering walkways and bursts of colour that look like fireworks. Prepare to feel like you're being bathed in radiance — and ample neon — as well.

Lightscape first hit Australia in 2022 after first taking over gardens across the United Kingdom and the United States. Developed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK, it has understandably proven a huge success — and more than two-million people wandered along its glowing trails in a season overseas.

"We are thrilled to see Lightscape returning to Melbourne Gardens for its third year. The Gardens provide an exquisite canvas for us to create a magical world of light, nature and wonder," said David Harland, Director and Chief Executive, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

"Everywhere I go in Victoria, people of all ages tell me what an overwhelmingly positive, heartwarming and joyful experience it is... so we've challenged ourselves to push the boundaries of creativity and excite everyone again this coming year."

"In 2024, we have a few surprises up our sleeve as we build on the experience to make it exhilarating for both returning and first-time visitors," Harland continued.

Pop-up food and drink stalls will be scattered throughout Lightscape in Melbourne again — selling, we hope, mulled wine to keep hands warm in the thick of winter.

Lightscape will return to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, from Friday, June 14–Sunday, August 4, 2024. For more information or to buy tickets from Friday, December 8, head to the event's website.