This Blue Mountains light show is back by popular demand

The Blue Mountains is set to shine brighter than ever with holograms, light installations and ambient sounds.

After a sold-out debut, the Nocturnal light and sound show at Scenic World is returning, transforming the ancient rainforest into a mesmerising after-dark spectacle. Created by Laservision, this immersive nighttime experience will celebrate the native animals and plants of the World Heritage-listed region and Scenic World’s 80th anniversary in 2025.

Running from 3 April to 11 May, Nocturnal 2025 takes inspiration from the Blue Mountains’ unique landscape and wildlife, and celebrates Scenic World’s iconic rides, including the world’s steepest railway and Australia’s first cable car. This fusion of art, technology and the natural world brings the rainforest to life and offers visitors a chance to see the mountainous region glow like never before.

Nocturnal Scenic World — Discover lighting installations throughout the forest. (Image: Gary P Hayes Photography)

Laservision’s owner and CEO, Shannon Brooks, highlighted how the show will build on last year’s success while offering exciting new features:

“This year’s Nocturnal show will feature stunning new dynamic light sculptures and breathtaking aerial lighting effects, alongside crowd-favourite holograms, nature projections, and dazzling starlight lasers."

Expect holographic native creatures, projection mapping on rock formations, rides on Scenic Railway, Skyway, and Cableway, a forest walk illuminating the trees, and views of the Three Sisters lit up.

Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World, highlighted how the show transforms Scenic World, offering a completely new perspective:

“Nocturnal is an opportunity to experience Scenic World in a whole new light – the rainforest around us and even the engineering marvels of our rides take on a fresh character at night."

The show uses innovative technology while paying homage to the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

“We’ve evolved from a small family-run attraction into an internationally recognised destination, and this year, Nocturnal is a tribute to our history, our people, and the stunning landscape we call home," explained Hammon.

Adult tickets start from $54.90 and include rides on the Scenic Railway, Skyway, Cableway and the illuminated rainforest walk. Child tickets start from $40.90 and also include a special Nocturnal quest to uncover hidden clues to the Gundungurra Story of Creation.

For more information visit their website .

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

This spectacular Blue Mountains light show is back by popular demand

The Blue Mountains is set to shine brighter than ever with holograms, light installations and ambient sounds.

A Japanese-inspired bathhouse just opened in the Blue Mountains

This new boardwalk reveals a hidden side of the Blue Mountains

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

A stay at the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is one for the books

Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp