Walking through a field of man made fireflies on an island at night is an ethereal experience and one that everyone can enjoy if you pay a visit to Mildura in Victoria, a mere 4 hours’ drive from Adelaide.

Trail of Lights is the latest artistic light installation by British artist Bruce Munro, who is also behind the Field of Light wonder at Uluru.

This experience has been installed on Lock Island which separates Lock 11 and Mildura weir on the Murray River and the trail of lights have been installed throughout the 15 hectare island.

When you visit, you can park directly opposite the Lock and start your evening at Rio Vista Park, which is the hub for Field of Lights. Here you can enjoy a drink or something to eat from the shipping container cafe Jessica Rabbit, while you wait for darkness to descend. There are also some heaters placed around the park to keep you comfortable.

Lock Island is open from 5.30pm and its just a short walk from Rio Vista Park, over the lock gates and onto the island where a softly lit pathway leads to this magical space. A number of trails have been created to suit everyone’s abilities, ranging from a 950 metre walk, to the full 2.2 kilometre trail which circumnavigates the island.

It’s an easy walk on well laid out paths that are lit just enough to guide your way, without disturbing the ambiance of the main light show. Fireflies is the main installation where 12,500 points of light seem to float and sway in the natural setting, also reminding me of jellyfish delicately suspended in space.

It pays to stop every so often and just take in the overall effect of the fireflies that stretch into the distance for as far as the eye can see, creating a dreamlike setting in the darkness of night. This is one of those times, when photos fail to capture the serene feeling of the experience.

As well as the fireflies that cover the island, there is another series of lights called Gone Fishing, 22 semicircular arrays of fibre optics which are there to resemble fishing rods and the contemplative act of fishing.

This Trail of Light installation is a quiet and contemplative walk to do where you can just float through the display and enjoy the spectacle.

Trail of Light can be seen in Mildura at Lock Island and will be on display for the next couple of years, at least. At the moment the opening hours are Fridays to Sundays from 5.30 to 10.30 pm. The trail is suitable for all access and prices start from $35 for concessions and $25 for children.

Dress warmly for the evening, wear good, comfortable walking shoes and take a raincoat during winter just in case.

Mildura has a number of caravan parks to stay at and loads of great dining, wineries and touring options, so plan a visit to stay a while and experience it all.

Enjoy

Glenys