Exploring our Murray River region will be child’s play this winter, with an abundance of spectacular sound and light shows guiding the way. Prepare to be dazzled as our unique calendar of events light up the Murray and warm your soul on a winter wonderland holiday like no other.
Starting downstream at Swan Hill, River Lights is set to light up the Murray again this winter from June 28 through until July 7, following its huge success in 2023.
River Lights is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a place to explore and immerse yourself in a vibrant night-time activation, which includes light sculptures, dazzling laser effects, interactive projection and magical holograms.
Set within the legendary Pioneer Settlement, River Lights offers multiple artistic projections, lush soundscapes, and digital art experiences, guaranteed to excite the senses. Tickets are limited and must be booked to avoid disappointment.
There's plenty of sunshine in Swan Hill and you won’t want to miss a winter escape to this special spot on the Murray, where you can explore nature fully and make the most of an excellent array of food and drink options. Don’t forget to throw in the golf clubs, push bikes and walking shoes to explore all the activities this part of the world has to offer the whole family.
The Swan Hill region has a little bit of magic about it and you’ll see this in action through the many makers and creators who call this part of the Murray River region home.
Make sure you book accommodation before you travel.
Another shining light on the Murray River winter events calendar is the uber spectacular Moama Lights, returning to River Country this winter from July 5-28. This super popular event is your excuse to head to Echuca Moama, where there is so much on offer to keep the entire family satisfied.
Now in its fourth year, Moama Lights delights all ages, and takes visitors on a whimsical journey of sound and light at Moama’s naturally stunning Horseshoe Lagoon on the banks of the legendary Murray River. This year’s theme, Enchanted Nights honours the natural beauty of this place and is inspired by the Banjo Patterson poem The Daylight is Dying, capturing elements of nature that come to life when the sun sets over the lagoon. Moama Lights promises to deliver illuminated ripples dancing on the water’s surface, projections of local children’s artwork on the landscape and shared tales of the bushland’s mystery. On your light-lit journey through Horseshoe Lagoon towards the Moama Wharf, you’ll be held by majestic river redgums and serenaded by the tranquil sounds of the lagoon as darkness descends - absolutely magical. Tickets can be booked now, and note there is a Low Sensory session available on July 18.
Accompanying Moama Lights again this year, and located just next door, is a winter treat for the whole family with the pop-up Moama Ice Skating running from June 29 to July 28. And to keep you fueled after the thrills and spills of the rink, The American Beer Garden is also back onsite in 2024, offering your favourite beverages as you sit back, relax and enjoy this immersive winter wonderland experience.
There is so much to do for the whole family in Moama and Echuca this winter - your options really are endless. You could literally eat and drink your way around these beautiful twin towns.
As always, don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance. Even though you have the choice of camping, caravan and holiday parks, hotels and motels, houseboat and paddle steamer accommodation, and self contained options, Echuca Moama is super popular with travellers in the winter months.
Just over an hour further upstream along the Murray you’ll discover Cobram Barooga, and a winter light show like no other on the magical banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon.
The incomparable and permanent Bullanginya Dreaming light show experience promises an unforgettable journey through the Indigenous history of the region. This immersive and spiritual experience, features a mesmerising laserlight show, which beautifully weaves in Bangerang Indigenous stories with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire. The captivating Bullanginya Dreaming experience transcends time, and is much more than just a visual delight, offering an enriching sensory experience that fosters a deeper connection between the local community and the vibrant Indigenous culture woven into the fabric of the region.
As a showcase of collaborative artistic endeavours with Bangerang creatives, the installations of Bullanginya Dreaming celebrate the intersection of art, community, and culture, inviting visitors to explore and engage with Indigenous history and traditions.
During this experience you’ll journey an immersive night-time walking track, where you’ll encounter illuminating installations that not only captivate the senses but also educate about the significance of local flora and fauna, the profound connection to the land, and the enduring Indigenous legacy. This winning combination of artful storytelling and multimedia presentations showcases the rich stories, perspectives, and ties to the land inherent in Indigenous identity and culture, and hopes to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding for all who venture into its magical realm.
Cobram Barooga lays claim to one of THE best locations on the Murray River, and it certainly is stunning with beautiful sandy river beaches, river red gums and a nature lover’s paradise all around. There is so much to do here, and plenty of quiet river bends to chill as well. Not to mention an array of activities for the whole family and an abundance of food and drink options. Also claiming to have some of the best holiday parks on the Murray, accommodation bookings are essential all year round.
Your final illuminated touchpoint on the Murray this winter is located at Aurora Luna Light Journey in Albury’s Botanic Gardens from June 28. Now in its third year, this stunning light show invites you to lose yourself among the lights and sounds of Aurora.
Aurora Albury is an immersive sound and light experience that draws people to the heart of the town to light up the winter experience for both locals and visitors.
This is a ticketed community event that transforms the Albury Botanic Gardens and redefines the natural landscape, while unveiling mystical creatures through the use of holograms, lasers, interactive projections, light sculptures, immersive soundscapes and other sensory mediums. An incredible 60,000 people visited recent instalments of Aurora Albury, travelling from southern Riverina and northern Victoria, and as far away as Canberra and Sydney.
The twin towns of Albury Wodonga have long been a mecca for travellers, who are drawn to the magic of the Murray and nearby Victorian High Country. Steeped in history, beauty and culture, there are outdoor activities available for everyone, especially on or nearby a lake, river or waterway. This is also another Murray River location where you’ll want to pack the golf clubs and a decent pair of walking shoes to fully explore the region. Don’t forget to book your accommodation before you arrive.
