K'gari Illumina: This Mesmerising Show Is Another Reason to Visit

Discover K’gari’s light and sound show from the creative genius behind Uluṟu’s Wintjiri Wiṟu.

K’gari has long been known for its natural beauty, but Kingfisher Bay Resort offers visitors a whole different way to experience its breathtaking landscapes. The K’gari Illumina stage at Kingfisher Bay Resort, shares an immersive light and sound show, Return to Sky. This magical nighttime experience takes visitors on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and stunning scenery, all while lighting up the island in ways never seen before.

Just like the stunning Wintjiri Wiru show at Uluru, also created by renowned light artist Bruce Ramus , Illumina brings the island’s rich history and natural beauty to life in a truly unique way.

What is Illumina?

blue scene from k'gari illumina — Discover *Illumina* at Kingfisher Bay Resort. (Image: TEQ)

Illumina is a specially designed stage set on K’gari, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Butchulla people. The entire setup uses cutting-edge light and sound technology to illuminate the island’s landscape in an eco-friendly way. However, Illumina is more than just a visual experience – it is a platform created to tell stories that have shaped this extraordinary island.

Enter Return to Sky

red scene from k'gari illumina — *Illumina* uses cutting-edge light and sound technology. (Image: TEQ)

Return to Sky, is nothing short of spectacular. Visitors are taken on a visual and auditory journey through the skies, seas and sands of K’gari, guided by stunning light projections and powerful soundscapes. As the sun sets and the island’s natural beauty becomes shrouded in darkness, Return to Sky lights up the landscape in vibrant colours and shapes that seem to transport you into another world.

The show’s use of eco-friendly lighting ensures that its impact on K’gari’s pristine environment remains minimal, while still delivering maximum visual impact. As you walk along the illuminated pathways, the natural features of the island are transformed into living canvases for the story to unfold.

The scope for future shows

purple scene from k'gari illumina — *Return to Sky* is the inaugural show. (Image: TEQ)

Just as Wintjiri Wiru has become a staple attraction at Uluru, Illumina has become that for K’gari. Bruce Ramus, the creative force behind both projects, is renowned for his ability to blend storytelling with technology, making each show a unique experience that’s tailored to its location.

At Uluru, Wintjiri Wiru celebrates the connection between the Anangu people and their land through a stunning display of lights, lasers and drones. In K’gari, Illumina will similarly offer a platform for the Butchulla people to share their stories in a way that captivates and educates visitors from around the world.

The flexibility of the Illumina stage means the possibilities are endless. Future shows could explore everything from the island’s flora and fauna to its environmental challenges, all through the lens of the Butchulla people’s deep knowledge and respect for the land. It’s a space where tradition meets innovation, and the results are bound to be breathtaking.

A visionary collaboration with Bruce Ramus

people watching k'gari illumina — *Illumina* leaves visitors in awe. (Image: TEQ)

Much like his work at Uluṟu, Bruce Ramus has brought his visionary talent to K’gari, helping to create an experience that’s both visually stunning and deeply respectful of the land and its people. Ramus is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with light art, and Illumina is no exception.

His approach to Return to Sky focuses on creating a harmonious connection between technology and the environment, ensuring that the show enhances the island’s natural beauty rather than detracting from it. The result is a performance that feels as though it belongs to the landscape – a seamless blend of nature, light and culture that leaves visitors in awe.

As the creative mind behind some of Australia’s most iconic light installations, Ramus has a deep understanding of how to use light to tell stories. Whether it’s illuminating the sacred lands of Uluru or the forests of K’gari, his work is always grounded in respect for the culture and history of the places he transforms. His ability to create meaningful, immersive experiences is what makes Illumina such an exciting new addition to K’gari’s tourist attractions.

The future of light art in Australia

walking through gate to k'gari illumina — The future is bright. (Image: TEQ)

With the success of Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru and Illumina at K’gari, Australia is quickly becoming a global leader in immersive light art that celebrates both nature and culture. These shows are setting a new standard for how we experience iconic destinations, allowing us to connect with the land in ways that are both innovative and deeply respectful.

As more stages like Illumina are created across the country, we can expect to see even more incredible stories told through light. Whether you’re mesmerised by the cultural significance, the environmental awareness, or simply the beauty of the displays, these shows are proving that light art is here to stay – and it’s shining a spotlight on Australia’s most spectacular landscapes.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

K’gari’s Illumina light show is one visual spectacle you need to see