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

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

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

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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

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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.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

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Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

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Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .