You’ve probably heard of Uluṟu’s Field of Light. Enter Trail of Light: a new installation set to captivate visitors to Mildura on the banks of the Murray River.
Bruce Munro is a renowned installation and light artist, whose work appears in some of the most iconic landscapes worldwide. His most well-known work is undoubtedly Field of Light in Uluṟu, which draws thousands of visitors to wander through the otherworldly lightscape after sunset. Now, Mildura in Victoria joins the list of Munro’s installation sites, with a brand-new work set to captivate visitors and create a coveted after-dark attraction from 4 April. With tickets on sale now, we’re taking a look at what visitors can expect from the latest major installation lighting up the Murray River.
The banks of the Murray River are the backdrop to Trail of Lights. (Image: Serena Munro)
Trail of Lights
The new large-scale installation, Trail of Lights, will open on 4 April, injecting light and colour along the banks of the Murray River.
Bruce Munro's Trail of Lights in Mildura – composed of 12,500 gently glowing ‘fireflies’ – invites visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.
Located just 1.7 kilometres away from Mildura’s CBD on Lock Island, the work will consist of 12,500 firefly lights that complement the natural beauty of the river.
Trail of Lights will consist of 12,500 lights along the Murray River. (Image: Serena Munro)
In addition, Gone Fishing, an installation of 22 light sculptures made from fishing rods suspended over the water, will complete the whimsical dreamscape on Lock Island.
Gone Fishing is a contemplative light sculpture made out of fishing rods. (Image: Serena Munro)
“Trail of Lights is about creating a moment of stillness and contemplation in an extraordinary natural setting," says Bruce Munro. “The Murray River provides the perfect canvas for light and landscape to interact in a way that is both evocative and deeply personal."
The installation will illuminate Lock Island for two years, enriching Mildura’s art and culture offerings, adding to its allure as a destination for food, wine, and natural beauty.
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. (Image: Matt Donovan)
From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.
Murray River
The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)
A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.
Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell
The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)
These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon. After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.
You Yangs, Geelong
Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.
Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.
Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland
Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)
The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.
Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges
Enigmatic Hanging Rock. (Image: Visit Victoria/ Rob Blackburn)
This six-million-year-old volcanic rock was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill, a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.
The Great Stupa, Bendigo
The Great Stupa in Bendigo. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.
Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.
