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.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

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