Returning in 2026 after sell-out seasons in 2024 and 2025, take a winter walk like no other at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from Thursday 12 June to Saturday 2 August 2026 as the grounds are lit up once more for Lightscape.
This year’s event features a 2.1km trail with 15 new and returning installations, offering families a reimagined journey through light and sound.
Lightscape Melbourne
Lightscape is an immersive, after-dark botanical garden light show experience with illuminated creations lighting a journey through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne.
This immersive experience comes to Melbourne from the famous botanic gardens light show developed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London.
If you visited in 2024 and 2025, don’t worry. In 2026 there is an all-new trail with some old favourites returning. You can expect it to be just as dazzling as previous years!
This year, the trail showcases spectacular new installations including the Australian premiere of Bifröst — a glowing tunnel of cascading arches — and Firefly Field, where hundreds of floating lights shimmer above the ground.
Returning favourites like the towering Winter Cathedral and the much-loved Fire Garden (reimagined with a spiral of 150 candles) also make a comeback.
Walk beneath tree canopies drenched in colour, through mesmerising ribbons of light and into a dynamic, glowing tunnel. Lady AB exclaimed that it was so beautiful it made her heart burst!
Watch as vibrant colours rise from the undergrowth to light up trees like fizzing fireworks in a sea of light, take time to linger at waterside reflections and pause at the scented fire garden filled with laser light fireflies for a moment of calm
Allow approximately 90 minutes for the experience, though you can move through as fast or as slow as you wish. With kids, we spend about 75 minutes walking and pausing to take photos. There are lots of photogenic locations so bring your camera!
There’s a designated route so find the small pockets of quiet where you can.
The 2026 route continues to prioritise accessibility, making it easier for prams and wheelchairs to navigate.
As this is an outdoor event that happens whatever the weather, make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for walking.
I recommend a cosy coat, scarves and Merry People gumboots for the whole family. Umbrellas are allowed but are a bit of a nuisance for yourself and other people – wear a raincoat instead!
Eating & Drinking at Lightscape
New for 2026, the Welcome Zone offers a range of food and drinks right at the start, including hot chocolate, mulled wine and family-friendly options to grab before you begin the trail.
Before you start your walk to see the Botanic Gardens lights, treat yourself to a range of tasty food on offer from food trucks located in the entrance courtyard at the Observatory Gate.
Take your pick from pizza, pies and gourmet burgers to tacos, nachos and Vietnamese street food.
However, if you’re visiting with young kids who are used to eating at 5 pm, then I recommend eating before you go or even packing a thermos of hot food or snacks to enjoy during Lightscape. The food trucks are busy and can easily take 30 minutes to complete your order. I speak from experience – no parent wants to be waiting in line for a food truck with hungry kids!
For something a little more fortifying the Lightscape bar serves hot drinks including mulled wine and hot cocktails. There are also drinking fountains en route, but I still recommend taking a water bottle.
Along the 2.2km route there are also stops for drinks and snacks, with a major stop about mid-way through at the Terrace. There you’ll find a Food Hall with dumplings, brioche pastries and toasted marshmallows.
We take our own giant marshmallows and telescopic marshmallow toasting forks and take advantage of the open fire pits for roasting our marshmallows!
Lightscape Melbourne tickets
Lightscape tickets are available for purchase through Ticketek. Pricing varies based on the day and ticket type.
Due to record-breaking presale demand in 2026, booking early is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date and time.
In 2026 there are five types of tickets:
- General Admission tickets permit entry to a selected time-slot on a chosen date.
- Flexi tickets permit entry on a chosen date, any time between the first advertised timeslow and last entry (10 minutes after the last advertised timeslot).
- Super Flexi tickets permit attendance once, on any date at any session time during the Lightscape season. Please check the season dates and times before you attend.
- Over 18s tickets permit entry to adults-only evening sessions on selected dates throughout the Lightscape season.
- Relaxed Session tickets permit entry to specially designated sessions designed for guests who benefit from a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Off-Peak (Wed/Thu & Mon/Tue in school holidays):
- Adult: $36
- Concession: $32.40
- Child (4–12 yrs): $28
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): $124
- Flexi Ticket: $50
Regular (Fri/Sun & Wed/Thu in school holidays):
- Adult: $42
- Concession: $37.80
- Child (4–12 yrs): $32
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): $144
- Flexi Ticket: $60
Peak (Saturday):
- Adult: $46
- Concession: $41.40
- Child (4–12 yrs): $36
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): $160
- Flexi Ticket: $65
Super Flexi Tickets: $98
Note: Children aged 3 and under are free of charge. Tickets purchased on the day of entry incur a surcharge of $4 per person.
Can Companion Card Holders enter Lightscape?
Yes, holders of a government-issued companion card can access a free ticket for their companion. Proof of eligibility will be required upon entry.
You can book these Companion Card tickets by calling Ticketek’s Accessible Line on 1300 665 915.
Lightscape Melbourne Group Bookings
Groups of 10+ are eligible for a discount of 10% on Lightscape tickets. If you wish to buy more than 21 tickets for a group, please contact Ticketek here.
Lightscape Gift Vouchers
You can purchase Lightscape Gift Vouchers to give as presents to friends and family.
The vouchers can only be used to purchase Lightscape Tickets (via website or at Ticketek Agencies). Vouchers cannot be used for dining packages or onsite food and beverages.
Vouchers do not guarantee entry to Lightscape and must be used to purchase tickets in advance. That means we recommend redeeming your voucher early as time slots will sell out.
Please ensure you redeem the full value of your gift voucher – no refunds are issued.
Why Families Love Lightscape
Lightscape continues to be one of Melbourne’s most popular winter events — and for good reason.
It has also earned back-to-back Gold wins at the Victorian Tourism Awards, cementing its place as a must-do winter experience.
For families, it ticks all the boxes:
- Easy walking trail
- Visually stunning (even for toddlers)
- Flexible pace
- Food options on site
- Plenty of “wow” moments
It’s also now easier to access than ever, located just moments from the new ANZAC Station, making public transport a great option for families.
Lightscape Melbourne FAQS
What are the dates and hours of Lightscape Melbourne?
Lightscape Melbourne is open from Friday 12 June to Sunday 2 August 2026.
Session times for Lightscape Melbourne are every 15 minutes from 5.15pm, 5:30pm and 5.45pm onwards to 11pm depending on the sunset times of the event date.
Each event day, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne closes at 3pm and opens to Lightscape audiences from 5.15pm, 5:30pm or 5.45pm onwards depending on the chosen event date.
General Admission tickets permit entry to a selected time-slot on a chosen date.
Flexi ticket permits entry at any time (between first and last entry) on a chosen date.
The last entry onto the trail will be 10 minutes after the final advertised timeslot. No entry to the trail will be permitted after this time. First and last session times vary over the course of the season.
Where is the entrance to Lightscape Melbourne?
The entrance to Lightscape is via Observatory Gate of Melbourne Gardens near the Visitor Centre, Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance.
A box office will be available at the entrance if you need to pick up tickets at the event, or if you have any queries on the day.
There will be no second entrance to Lightscape in 2026.
Can I buy tickets to Lightscape Melbourne at the door? Where do I pick up tickets?
We strongly recommend booking in advance online. Each timed entry has a limited capacity, and we expect this event to sell out in 2026. Tickets will only be available at the door when not sold out.
The box office is located at the Observatory Gate only. If you need to pick up or purchase a ticket in person or have any ticketing queries, please enter via the Observatory Gate entrance.
Can I change the date of my Lightscape Melbourne ticket booking?
Unfortunately, no. So it is important to make sure that you choose the right date and time slot when you buy tickets, as Ticketek will not offer exchanges or refunds after tickets have been purchased.
If I miss my timeslot can I enter Lightscape later?
Yes. They will be able to accommodate you in the next available timeslot on the same night.
How long should I spend at Lightscape Melbourne?
Allow 75-90 minutes to walk through the 2.2km trail, though once you enter you can go as fast or slow as you wish. There are lots of photogenic moments and opportunities to eat and drink.
What happens if it’s raining? Is Lightscape cancelled in bad weather?
Lightscape goes ahead in rain or wind, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
If the weather becomes dangerous and a risk to safety, and Lightscape is cancelled, you will be notified via email and SMS of any cancellation and the re-booking process which will include the ability to book on another day or a refund if this is not possible.
If I am visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne during the day, do I have to leave the gardens and then re-enter for Lightscape in the evening?
Yes. On Lightscape event days, the Gardens close at 3pm and reopen for Lightscape ticketholders at 5.15pm, 5:30pm or 5.45pm depending on the chosen event date.
Where is the best place for parking when visiting Lightscape?
Limited street parking is available on Birdwood Avenue, Anderson Street and Alexandra Avenue.
If you’re not planning to arrive by around 5pm (or even earlier), we recommend you take public transport or ride-share, as parking will be at a premium on the event nights.
Where is the nearest public transport?
The nearest public transport is option is via ANZAC station, or the Shrine of Remembrance tram stop on St Kilda Road.
Can I bring food and drinks into Lightscape?
Officially you can only bring food and drinks purchased at the Observatory Gate Welcome Hub into Lightscape and there is food available along the trail. However, I see plenty of people bringing in small snacks from home. Just don’t bring in eskies or picnics!
Open fire pits for marshmallow toasting are located midway on the trail, so we recommend bringing your own marshmallows and reusable marshmallow roasting sticks! We highly recommend the giant ones from Grounded Pleasures.
Can I bring a chair into Lightscape?
The experience is designed to be walked through, so no chairs are allowed.
Are the pathways pram or wheelchair accessible?
The route is designed so that it is mostly on hard-surfaced pathways so you’re not walking on grass. Note there are some paths that are a bit steeper.
You can’t explore other parts of the gardens while Lightscape is on – you have to stay on the designed Lightscape trail.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has a limited number of manual wheelchairs that can be loaned, free of charge. Book wheelchairs here. Wheelchairs can be collected from the Observatory Gate entrance.
Are pets allowed into Lightscape?
No pets are allowed, except for service animals.
Is there a cloakroom at the Botanic Gardens Melbourne or Lightscape?
No cloaking facilities are supplied, so travel light. I take a backpack with some water, snacks and extra weather gear.
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