The artist who lit up Uluru has come to The Murray.
Every year, 750,000 people travel to the red centre to stand inside Bruce Munro's Field of Light — a shimmering sea of 50,000 fibre optic stems that turned Uluru into one of Australia's most iconic after-dark experiences.
Now, that same artist has created something entirely new — and he's built it here, on the Murray, where the river meets the outback.
Eighty Hills Hoist clotheslines — the most Australian object imaginable — transformed into a glowing orchestral pit. An original symphonic score by an Emmy Award-winning composer. Ancient sandhills that are 40,000 years older than the pyramids as your backdrop. And an outback sky so full of stars it makes the art look modest.
This is the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra. And it's just the beginning of what happens when the sun goes down on the Murray.
From Wentworth to Mildura, Swan Hill to Barooga, The Murray has quietly become home to more permanent after-dark art installations than any other regional destination in Australia. No other region in Victoria or NSW can say that. Not the Great Ocean Road. Not Gippsland. Not the High Country.
When the lights go on, the Murray lights up. Only on the Murray.
Because nobody else has this.
Vivid Sydney attracts 2.3 million visitors a year — but it's a festival. It runs for three weeks, in a city of five million people, and then it's gone.
The Murray's lights are permanent. They're open year-round. And they're set in landscapes so ancient and so quiet that the art doesn't compete with anything — it becomes the landscape.
Here's what makes the Murray different after dark:
World-class art in outback settings. FOSO sits at the foot of the Perry Sandhills, 40,000-year-old sand dunes at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers — two of Australia's most significant waterways meeting in one place. Trail of Lights occupies Lock Island, surrounded by the Murray on every side. You don't visit a gallery. You walk into the art, in the landscape.
Year-round experiences. The Murray's after-dark installations operate every week, all year. Winter is actually the best time — earlier sunsets mean more darkness, colder nights make the outback sky sharper, and there's something about walking through 80 glowing columns with your breath visible in the air that a summer visit can't replicate.
Multiple installations, one journey. Within a 30-minute drive, you can experience two Bruce Munro installations — FOSO and Trail of Lights — on consecutive nights. Add a paddle steamer cruise, cellar door visits, and a houseboat stay, and you've got a three-night trip that doesn't exist anywhere else in Australia.
Accessible and affordable. FOSO adult tickets start at $35. Trail of Lights at $25. A dual experience ticket covering both installations is $55 — less than a family trip to the cinema. Both installations are wheelchair accessible, and FOSO is a Companion Card affiliate.
Wentworth, NSW | Opened April 2026
This is the anchor. The headline act. The reason people are driving five hours from Melbourne and flying in from Sydney.
Eighty illuminated Hills Hoists — each one 3.5 metres high, 4 metres in diameter, encircled by thousands of fibre optic cables — arranged in the formation of a symphonic orchestra on the edge of the outback. As the sun drops behind the Perry Sandhills and the sky shifts from gold to deep blue to black, the installation wakes up.
The lights scroll through a rainbow spectrum synchronised to an original orchestral score composed by Nainita Desai — a British composer whose Emmy Award-winning work spans film and television. The colours correspond to the notes of an octave. You don't just see the symphony. You walk through it.
The experience takes about 45 minutes, but most visitors stay longer. There's a bar on-site serving local wines from Monak Wine Co. and Trentham Estate, light refreshments, and the kind of silence between songs that makes you realise how rarely you hear nothing.
FOSO is a $4.9 million investment by the NSW Government through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund — and it's the result of a cross-border collaboration between Wentworth Shire Council and Mildura Rural City Council. It's open for at least two years, with the ambition to become permanent.
The Details: - When: Thursday and Saturday evenings (check mildura.com/lights for current schedule) - Winter hours (April–October): Gates open 5:30pm – 9:00pm - Summer hours (October–April): Gates open 7:00pm – 10:30pm - Where: Log Bridge Road, Wentworth NSW 2648 (4km from Wentworth township, 35 minutes from Mildura CBD) - Tickets: Adult $35 | Child (3-16) $15 | Concession $22 | Family (2+2) $85 | Infant free - Dual Experience (FOSO + Trail of Lights): Adult $55 | Child $25 | Concession $35 | Family $120 — save 20% - Book: mildura.com/lights or phone (03) 5018 8380 - Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram accessible paths, accessible parking and restrooms, viewing platform, Companion Card accepted - Tips: Arrive at sunset. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes (sandy terrain). Dress warm in winter — desert temperatures drop fast after dark. The site is cashless.
Lock Island, Mildura, VIC | Open since April 2025
If FOSO is the symphony, Trail of Lights is the overture.
Bruce Munro's first installation in the Murray region occupies Lock Island — a natural island in the middle of the Murray River, just 1.7 kilometres from Mildura's CBD. It's an after-dark walking trail through 12,500 fibre optic "firefly" lights and Munro's signature Gone Fishing sculptures, set among the island's natural river red gum landscape.
Where FOSO builds to a crescendo of colour and sound, Trail of Lights begins in stillness. It's contemplative. Reflective. The kind of experience where you find yourself walking slower than you planned to and staying longer than you expected.
Together, they form a complete emotional arc — stillness to symphony — and they're designed to be experienced on consecutive nights. Mildura one evening, Wentworth the next. Two landscapes, two moods, one luminous journey.
Trail of Lights has already attracted over 12,000 visitors since opening and has become one of Mildura's most popular evening experiences.
The Details: - When: Check mildura.com/lights for current operating days and hours - Winter hours (April–October): Gates open 6:00pm - Where: Lock Island, Mildura VIC (1.7km from Mildura CBD) - Tickets: Adult $25 | Child (3-16) $12 | Concession $16 | Family (2+2) $60 | Infant free - Dual Experience (both installations): Save 20% — see FOSO pricing above - Book: mildura.com/lights or phone (03) 5018 8380 - Tips: Start here on your first night, then experience FOSO the following evening. The contrast between the two installations is part of the design.
Swan Hill, VIC
Set on the banks of the Little Murray River at the Pioneer Settlement, Heartbeat of the Murray is a 360-degree multimedia spectacular that uses water, light, laser, sound and special effects to tell the story of the Murray River — from 30 million years ago to today.
This is the first show of its kind in the world to use a natural river environment as its backdrop. The river itself becomes the screen.
Heartbeat of the Murray has been running for years and is one of the Pioneer Settlement's signature experiences. It's a different kind of after-dark experience to FOSO — theatrical rather than immersive, narrative rather than abstract — but it adds another dimension to the Murray's growing lights story.
The Details: - When: Nightly, 6:00pm – 9:00pm - Where: Pioneer Settlement, 125 Monash Drive, Swan Hill VIC 3585 - Tickets: Check pioneersettlement.com.au for pricing (included with some Pioneer Settlement passes) - Book: (03) 5036 2410 or pioneersettlement.com.au - Note: Contains strobe lighting. Wheelchair accessible.
Barooga, NSW (Cobram-Barooga)
An immersive after-dark experience that brings the Indigenous history of the Cobram-Barooga region to life through laser light, water, fire and First Nations storytelling.
Nestled along the banks of Bullanginya Lagoon, this captivating night walk features mesmerising laser installations celebrating local flora and fauna, with artful storytelling that showcases the deep connection between the Bangerang people and their Country. It's a cultural experience first and a light show second — and that makes it one of the most meaningful after-dark experiences on the Murray.
Created through genuine collaboration between the local community and Bangerang creatives, Bullanginya Dreaming is exactly the kind of experience that can't be replicated anywhere else. The stories belong to this place.
The Details: - When: Nightly (check bullanginyadreaming.com.au for seasonal hours) - Where: 10-16 Burkinshaw Street, Barooga NSW 3644 (at Sporties Barooga) - Tickets: Book via 123tix.com.au or phone (03) 5873 4448 - Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Welcomes visitors with learning and communication challenges.
The Murray's after-dark experiences are spread across 550 kilometres of river — which means every lights trip is also a road trip, a food trip, and a river trip. Here are three ways to see them all.
Mildura → Wentworth
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Friday | Arrive Mildura. Settle in. Trail of Lights on Lock Island at sunset. Dinner on Feast Street afterwards. |
| Saturday | Mildura by day — cellar doors, Murray River cruise, or Mungo National Park day trip. FOSO at Wentworth in the evening. |
| Sunday | Breakfast in Wentworth. Walk the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers. Drive home via the Murray River Road or Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. |
Stay: Houseboat on the Murray, Mildura Grand Hotel, or Trentham Estate accommodation Drive from Melbourne: ~5.5 hours | From Adelaide: ~4.5 hours
Mildura → Wentworth → Mungo
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Mildura. Trail of Lights. |
| Day 2 | Winery trail — Trentham Estate, Monak Wine Co., Chateau Mildura. FOSO in the evening. |
| Day 3 | Day trip to Mungo National Park — 40,000 years of human history in one of Australia's most extraordinary landscapes. |
| Day 4 | Houseboat day on the Murray. Final night in Mildura or Wentworth. |
Stay: Mix of houseboat (1 night) + hotel/B&B (3 nights) Best for: Couples, photography enthusiasts, cultural travellers
Barooga → Swan Hill → Mildura → Wentworth
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Start at Barooga. Bullanginya Dreaming — First Nations light experience on Bullanginya Lagoon. |
| Day 2 | Drive to Swan Hill (2.5 hours). Explore Pioneer Settlement by day. Heartbeat of the Murray in the evening. |
| Day 3 | Drive to Mildura (3.5 hours). Afternoon at cellar doors. Trail of Lights in the evening. |
| Day 4 | Mildura day — Murray River cruise, galleries, Feast Street. |
| Day 5 | FOSO at Wentworth. The grand finale. |
Stay: A different Murray town each night. Holiday parks, B&Bs, or houseboats. Best for: Road trippers, families on school holidays, anyone who wants to see every light on the river.
Best time to visit: Autumn and winter (April–September). Earlier sunsets mean more darkness, cooler temperatures make the evening walks more comfortable, and the outback sky is at its sharpest. FOSO and Trail of Lights are open year-round.
What to wear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes for all installations (you'll be walking on natural ground). Dress warm in winter — the Murray's inland climate means cold nights, even when days are mild. Bring a jacket even in autumn.
Getting there: - From Melbourne: ~5.5 hours to Mildura, ~6 hours to Wentworth (via the Murray Valley Highway — itself one of Australia's great drives) - From Adelaide: ~4.5 hours to Wentworth/Mildura - From Sydney: ~10 hours or fly to Mildura Airport (REX Airlines, daily services) - From Canberra: ~8 hours - Mildura Airport receives daily flights from Melbourne and Sydney
Tickets: All installations are ticketed. Book in advance for weekends and school holidays, especially FOSO. The Dual Experience ticket (FOSO + Trail of Lights) saves 20%. Book at mildura.com/lights.
Accessibility: FOSO and Heartbeat of the Murray are wheelchair accessible. Bullanginya Dreaming caters to visitors with mobility, learning and communication needs. Trail of Lights — check mildura.com/lights for current accessibility information.
Group bookings: FOSO offers 15% off for groups of 10-19 and 20% off for 20+. Corporate and private hire may be available. Email lights@mildura.vic.gov.au.
The lights are just one reason to visit. While you're here:
What is FOSO? FOSO (Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra) is a world-first immersive light and sound installation by British-Australian artist Bruce Munro — the same artist behind Field of Light at Uluru. Located at Wentworth, NSW, FOSO features 80 illuminated Hills Hoist columns synchronised to an original orchestral score by Emmy Award-winning composer Nainita Desai. It opened in April 2026 and is funded by a $4.9 million NSW Government investment.
What is the difference between FOSO and Trail of Lights? FOSO and Trail of Lights are two complementary installations by Bruce Munro, designed to be experienced on consecutive nights. FOSO (Wentworth) is a dynamic symphonic experience — 80 illuminated columns that pulse with colour and music. Trail of Lights (Lock Island, Mildura) is a contemplative walking trail through 12,500 fibre optic firefly lights and Gone Fishing sculptures. Together they form a complete journey from stillness to symphony.
How do I get tickets for FOSO and Trail of Lights? Tickets for both installations are available online at mildura.com/lights, by phone on (03) 5018 8380, or in person at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre and Wentworth Visitor Information Centre. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays. A Dual Experience ticket covers both installations and saves 20%.
When is the best time to visit? Autumn and winter (April–September) offer the best experience — earlier sunsets provide more darkness, the outback sky is at its clearest, and cooler temperatures add atmosphere to the outdoor walks. FOSO and Trail of Lights operate year-round. Winter hours: gates open 5:30pm (FOSO) and 6:00pm (Trail of Lights).
Is FOSO suitable for children? Yes. FOSO is a sensory experience suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Children aged 0-3 enter free; children aged 3-16 are $15 (FOSO only) or $25 (Dual Experience). The site is accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
How far apart are FOSO and Trail of Lights? FOSO is located 4km from Wentworth township. Trail of Lights is on Lock Island, 1.7km from Mildura CBD. The drive between the two installations is approximately 35 minutes. Most visitors experience one installation per evening and stay at least two nights in the region.
Are there other after-dark experiences on The Murray? Yes. The Murray has more permanent after-dark installations than any other regional destination in Australia. In addition to FOSO and Trail of Lights, visitors can experience Heartbeat of the Murray (a 360-degree laser and light show on the Little Murray River in Swan Hill) and Bullanginya Dreaming (a First Nations cultural light experience at Barooga). A full Murray lights trail covering all four installations takes 5+ nights.
Is Bruce Munro connected to the Field of Light at Uluru? Yes. Bruce Munro is the artist behind both Field of Light at Uluru — which has attracted over 750,000 visitors — and the FOSO and Trail of Lights installations on the Murray. FOSO is a completely new, world-first concept featuring an orchestral arrangement of light columns synchronised to a symphonic score.
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