BOREALIS on the Lake Brings the Northern Lights to Daylesford
This winter, be captivated by Lake Daylesford like never before with Borealis – a spectacular and unique light show installation inspired by the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis.
Prepare to be mesmerised by streaks of beautiful, dancing, waves of light!
BOREALIS on the Lake, Daylesford, Victoria
BOREALIS on the Lake is only showing in Daylesford – a destination in Australia that is synonymous with providing an escape and a place to unwind.
Just like its setting, BOREALIS on the Lake is an experience that will take visitors far away from the stress of the city’s hustle and bustle.
Created by Switzerland-based artist, Dan Acher, BOREALIS on the Lake was created through his desire to create a space where strangers can come together and connect beyond their differences.
He also hopes that through this Borealis lights experience, a sense of belonging and community can be fostered in a society that was forced to be isolated for years.
If you thought you’d never get to experience a northern lights aurora in Australia, BOREALIS on the Lake will help you tick it off your bucket list, without even leaving the country! Through a combination of technology and art, you’ll get to see an artistic display of unique auroras over Daylesford Lake during the show.
Daily changing weather conditions means that every night offers an enchanting one-of-a-kind display of colours and movement.
To take this experience to the next level, the show includes an auditory experience as the light beams dance to the rhythm of the beautifully composed soundtrack of French composer Guillaume Desbois.
The music gives off an ethereal feel to match the auroras and was developed in layers, created using synthesisers and traditional instruments.
Note that the experience is completely outdoors and so if you can, choose a night that is going to be clear. We visit on a rainy evening and while the lights are still beautiful, we are reluctant to stay out in the elements too long so it becomes more of a walking experience for us. However, I think the experience benefits from some stillness so that you can truly appreciate the spectacle.
If you are able to stay awhile then BYO picnic rug or foldable chair to make your seat more comfortable. There are a few park benches along the trail (but not many) and some cold concrete steps that you can sit on. We bring our marshmallows along for roasting but there are no fire pits available, so bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee to keep you warm on the inside.
Speaking of which, my other tip is to rug up – the full beanie, scarf, gloves and winter coat combination! It is cold in Daylesford in winter and even more so in the evening.
The ground is gravel – and when wet, somewhat muddy – so our Merry People gumboots keep our feet dry and warm. You can push a pram along the track.
Things to do in daylesford
Why not plan to arrive in Daylesford a little earlier than your booked show to explore and enjoy everything the area has to offer? My hot tip is to visit the world-renowned Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa – it is called ‘Spa Country' for a reason and you can bring the kids along.
If you’re looking for places to stay, check out this post of all my favourite family-friendly stays in Daylesford.
BOREALIS on the Lake will be on at Lake Daylesford from Friday 15 July until Sunday 4 September 2022 every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 6 pm to 9 pm with tickets costing $20 per person.
Note that there is limited parking is available onsite – I would try Leggatt Street before entering the Boathouse car park, as once you're in there it's hard to get out if you don't find a parking spot.
To avoid car parking hassles every Friday and Saturday you can use the ticketed shuttle service from Daylesford Town Hall.
To avoid missing out and secure your date to the show, make sure to book your tickets in advance here.
See more winter lights at Lightscape Botanic Gardens
Daylesford is one of the places to soak in hot springs in Victoria
Best day spas for a Melbourne day trip
