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Lightscape Lights Up the Royal Botanic Gardens in 2025
Get ready to experience the magic of Lightscape as it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 20 June to 10 August 2025. This after-dark spectacle transforms the gardens into an illuminated wonderland, with breathtaking light displays, immersive installations, and a dazzling new trail to explore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable evening, Lightscape 2025 promises to be a must-see winter event.
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Lightscape 2025 will transform Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne into a mesmerising display of more than 20 brand-new illuminations.
Wander through glowing floral canopies, marvel at the stunning ‘lawn of light,’ and lose yourself in a landscape reimagined with artistic lighting and immersive soundscapes.
Stroll beneath the stars, sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate, and indulge in delicious treats—all while surrounded by a symphony of light and nature.
Event Details – Lightscape 2025
Dates: 20 June – 10 August 2025
Location: Entrance via Observatory Gate, near the Visitor Centre, Birdwood Avenue (opposite the Shrine of Remembrance)
Opening Days:
Wednesday to Sunday
Additional dates during Victorian school holidays:
Monday 7 July & Tuesday 8 July
Monday 14 July & Tuesday 15 July
Ticket Prices
Off-Peak (Wed/Thu & Mon/Tue in school holidays)
Adult: $36
Concession: $32
Child (4–12 yrs): $28
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $120
Flexi Ticket: $50
Regular (Fri/Sun & Wed/Thu in school holidays)
Adult: $40
Concession: $36
Child (4–12 yrs): $32
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $136
Flexi Ticket: $55
Peak (Saturday)
Adult: $44
Concession: $40
Child (4–12 yrs): $36
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $152
Flexi Ticket: $60
Session Times
Tickets are timed in 15-minute increments from the first session each evening.
Last entry to the trail is 10 minutes after the final advertised time.
Cover image: Geraint Lewis. Courtesy Culture Creative
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Lightscape 2024 will feature new highlights like the immersive Submergence, where visitors can wander through thousands of suspended lights, each shifting and changing colour in response to their movements.
Among the anticipated attractions is Lili, making its Australian debut from the French artistic studio TILT. This series of illuminated, abstract flowers, standing at three meters tall, promises to captivate both young and old alike.
LIGHTSCAPE will also bring back beloved favourites such as the Winter Cathedral and the popular Laser Garden at Fern Gully. Meanwhile, the welcome zone will offer delightful food and treats to enjoy along the illuminated trail.
LIGHTSCAPE has been a resounding success since its debut in the UK over a decade ago, attracting millions of visitors worldwide. Its introduction to Melbourne in 2022 quickly became a highlight of the city’s winter cultural calendar.
Join in the magic of LIGHTSCAPE and create memories with loved ones as you celebrate winter in Melbourne in a truly enchanting way.
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LIGHTSCAPE 2024
Date: Fri 14 June – Sun 4 August 2024
Time: First entry is 5.15 pm, 5.30 pm or 5.45 pm depending on sunset time, last entry is 9:00 pm (Wed / Thurs & Sun), 9:30 pm (Fri / Sat).
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne 3004
Price: Peak (Fri-Sun): Adult: $40, Child (4-12yr): $32, Family (2 adults, 2 children): $144
Off-peak (Tue-Thu): Adult: $36, Child (4-12yr): $28, Family (2 adults, 2 children): $128
Early Access: Peak: $44, Off Peak: $40
Anytime pass: Peak: $60, Off Peak: $55
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Lightscape 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the entrance?
The entrance for Lightscape is via Observatory Gate, near the Visitor Centre on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance.
Do I have to book in advance?
It is recommended that families book in advance online. Each timed entry has a limited capacity, and some nights may sell out.
If I book the wrong date, can I transfer my ticket to another date?
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
If I am delayed and miss my time slot, can I join a later slot?
Yes. They will accommodate you in the next available time slot on the same night.
Tickets for Relaxed Sessions
Relaxed sessions are for anyone who would benefit from experiencing the event in a more relaxed environment. Relaxed sessions will take place on: Wednesday 3 July at 5.15 pm and Wednesday 24 July at 5.30 pm
In a relaxed session, the capacity of the event has been considerably reduced. There will be bright, flashing, flickering, and patterned effects but no strobe lighting. Some lighting features will include lasers. There is also an accompanying soundscape, smoke and haze effects.
What happens if it’s raining?
Lightscape is an outdoor event and will go ahead in the event of rain or wind. If the weather presents a hazard and a safety risk, the event may be cancelled.
Are there toilets along the trail?
Yes, there are several toilets along the trail.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, strollers are allowed.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
