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.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

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