Artists and animals are set to collide in the city this autumn. For two glorious weeks, Melbourne Zoo will transform into an extravaganza of lights, projections, installations and interactive performances when the inaugural Neon Playground takes over.
Your journey begins at the entrance, where multidisciplinary artist Kit Webster will take inspiration from the Art Deco features of the Zoo's magnificent gates with a towering light installation. From there, step into Awareness Alley, to immerse yourself in a blaze of lasers created by Robin Fox, and then learn about the Zoo's battle against extinction, thanks to the colourful artworks of Carla O'Brien.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. Among Neon Playground's many other adventures are a giant maze — made from 600 metres of neon — that takes its cue from the Southern Corroboree frog and a 3D interpretation of of Graeme Base's picture book Waterhole, filled with illuminated puppets.
When you're feeling peckish, head into Carousel Park, to discover Relaxoland — a myriad of pop-up bars and food trucks.
Neon Playground runs nightly from 5.30–9.30pm.