Lightscape 2025 - Melbourne - Royal Botanic Gardens becomes a winter

Lightscape 2025 is back at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, lighting up the winter nights with a dazzling mix of colour, sound, and artistry. Held during the cooler months when darkness falls earlier, the event allows the intricate light displays to truly shine against the night sky. We visited on the very last day, arriving at 5:45 PM to make the most of the evening. Tickets for adults are $40, children between 4 and 12 are $32, and children under 4 can enter for free. There are also concession prices, family passes, and a Flexi option at $55 for those wanting extra flexibility with their visit.

Highlights	Lightscape 2025 transforms Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens into a winter wonderland of lights, sound, and nature, perfect for families, dates, and night strolls.
Cost	$40 for adults on peak days or $32 for kids between 4 and 12
Location	The entrance is via Observatory Gate near the Visitor Centre, Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance
Website	https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/lightscape/

This year’s Lightscape is filled with all-new installations and a strong focus on Aboriginal culture and heritage. It is a family-friendly event that blends nature with creativity, and it has something for all ages. The 2025 edition features more than 20 brand-new illuminations, each designed to evoke awe and spark curiosity. From glowing floral canopies to the shimmering beauty of “Effervescence,” the gardens have been transformed into a magical landscape. Visitors are encouraged to wander at their own pace, enjoying both the artistry and the ambience of the gardens at night.

The route takes you through various sections of the gardens, each with its own theme and soundtrack. One of the highlights early in the trail was an immersive light display set to Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars. The synchronisation of the lights with the music created a truly breathtaking moment that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Families in particular will find Lightscape welcoming, although the number of prams on the path can make navigation a bit tricky in some sections. The event attracts a lot of parents with young children, so expect a lively and bustling atmosphere rather than a completely serene walk. Still, the overall mood is warm and joyful, with people stopping often to take photos and admire the installations.

It took us about an hour and a half to complete the circuit, allowing time to pause at the more intricate displays. Along the way, the kids particularly enjoyed the opportunity to toast marshmallows at The Terrace food centre. This area also offers a range of treats, from tacos and donuts to warm drinks like hot chocolate and mulled wine, perfect for keeping cosy on a cool winter night.

Lightscape 2025 manages to balance large-scale spectacle with moments of quiet beauty. The illuminated pathways, creative light sculptures, and immersive soundscapes make it much more than just a walk through the gardens — it is a fully realised sensory experience. Whether you are coming for a romantic evening stroll, a fun night out with friends, or a memorable family activity, it is an event that captures the imagination and celebrates both the gardens and Melbourne’s creative spirit.

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