Getting to Lightscape

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Getting to Lightscape

The only entrance for Lightscape in 2024 is via Observatory Gate near the Visitor Centre, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance.

First and last session times vary over the course of the season. Last entry will be 10 minutes after the last advertised session start time for that day. Please ensure you check the session times for the day you wish to attend.

Lightscape is located in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, 3004.

The entrance to Lightscape is via Observatory Gate near the Visitor Centre, Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance.

A box office will be available at the entrance if you need to pick up tickets at the event, or if you have any queries on the day.

There will be no second entrance to Lightscape in 2024.

The trail finishes at Oak Lawn Gate (on Birdwood Avenue, just 200m from the entrance) and is designed to be travelled in one direction only.

CAR

Limited street parking is available on Birdwood Avenue and around the Gardens. We recommend you take public transport or ride-share. Parking will be at a premium on the event nights, so please allow plenty of time to find a park and walk to the event entrance.

Street parking is only permitted in marked parking bays. Please ensure you adhere to parking restrictions. No parking is permitted in parklands or on grassed areas (including in Kings Domain South Parklands). Council officers are actively patrolling the area and will issue penalties for vehicles that are parked incorrectly.

Paid off-street parking is available in the area, including at:

  • Ace Parking – 2 Bowen Cresent, Melbourne (15 min walk). Open 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Arts Centre Melbourne – 4 Sturt Street, Southbank (15 – 20 min walk). Open 24 hours.
  • Wilson Parking – 436 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (20 min walk). Open 24 hours.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The nearest tram stops are:

  • The Shrine of Remembrance stop on St Kilda Road is the closest to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Be sure to plan your journey with Public Transport Victoria as road works may affect your journey.

BIKE OR SCOOTER

There will be bike parking on site, however, we expect it to be at a premium. Lightscape is a walking trail, vehicles (whether foot propelled or motorised) are not permitted on trail. This includes but is not limited to bikes, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, balance bikes and roller skates.

Wheelchairs and recognised mobility aids are allowed.

Key Event Info

  • Dress for the winter weather and wear suitable footwear, Lightscape will go ahead in the event of rain. You will not be able to refund or exchange your tickets if you choose not to attend due to inclement weather.
  • There will be a range of food and drinks on offer at the Welcome Hub at the entry at Observatory Gate, as well as along the trail catering for dietary restrictions. The Terrace, approximately half way around the trail, will also have a Food Hall with an extensive food and beverage offering.
  • Please refrain from bringing picnics or alcoholic beverages.
  • Toilet facilities are located throughout the trail.
  • Be sure to look out for the artist installation signage and scan the QR code to learn more about the artwork.
  • There are no cloak room facilities available.
  • No pets except for service animals.
  • The entire Lightscape trail remains on the path. Most of the trail is fully wheelchair accessible, except for some sections of the paths that are on a steep gradient where audience members may require assistance. To discuss access options please contact (03) 9252 2300.

You should allow about 90 minutes to 2 hours to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the full experience. Last entry onto trail will be 10 minutes after the final advertised timeslot. The event will close 90 minutes after the final advertised timeslot.

To avoid unnecessary queuing at the entrance please remember to:

  • Have your tickets downloaded or printed before you arrive.
  • Arrive at the start of the trail 5 minutes before your ticketed start time.
  • Please ensure all members of your party have their own tickets ready to be scanned.
  • Ensure the brightness on your mobile phone is turned up to aid the speed of scanning.

The trail is 2.1km long and is designed to be travelled in one direction. For your safety and the protection of the Gardens, please stay on the paths at all times.

For any further queries, please see Lightscape FAQs here. 

Remember to share your Lightscape photos and videos on social media using #Lightscape, #LightscapeMelbourne, #RoyalBotanicGardensVic, #RGLive and #SonyMusicAustralia.

In the unlikely event that Lightscape is cancelled unexpectedly, you will be informed of the cancellation via email and SMS on the day / evening of the trail. Please ensure your email and mobile phone number are up to date in your Ticketek account. Please check our website and social media pages for updates.