Lakes Lights
Step into an illuminated wonderland on the shores of Lakes Entrance as πππππ¦ πππππ§π¦ returns for one spectacular night only!
β¨ LAKES LIGHTS: Guardians of Nature β¨
π Saturday 12 July | Lakes Entrance
π Part of the 2025 East Gippsland Winter Festival
Wander through glowing enclaves of giant artist-made lanterns, projection art, ethereal soundscapes and roving performers (yes, including the famous Lakes Entrance Sea Hags!) as the Lakes Entrance foreshore is transformed into a magical world inspired by Guardians of Nature.
π Join the lantern parade
Attend one of the lantern making workshops and bring your lantern along for the popular community lantern parade. Gather at the historic Slipway Sheds from 4pm to ‘Sing the Sun Down’ with Harry Hook is Real. Grab a bite to eat and then get set for the heart warming and spectacular procession along the foreshore and across the iconic Lakes Entrance Footbridge. Lantern Parade departs the Slipway at 6pm.
π₯ Explore the installations
Wander into a whimsical wonderland on the small stretch of land between the Gippsland Lakes and the surf beach, where natureβs guardians come to life in light, sound and story.
π Support the local traders
LEADA are co-ordinating an array of food options! Eateries along the Esplanade and Myer Street will stay open late with plenty of delicious winter warming specials on the menu. There will also be a range of food stalls on the foreshore by the Rotunda with live music and fire pits to keep warm.
ποΈ Book your FREE tickets now!
We are delighted to once again offer LAKES LIGHTS as a FREE event, however you must book in advance. To help spread out the crowd and keep the experience enjoyable for all, there are allocated time slots to cross the footbridge. There are limited spots available for each 30-minute entry window. Once you cross the footbridge, you can stay as long as you like!
β€οΈ LOVE Lakes Lights? Make a donation!
If you are in a position to do so, we would greatly appreciate a gold coin donation (per person) to ensure this event can return next year. You can add a donation when you book your tickets, or keep an eye out for our donation points at the start of the Footbridge.
π New in 2025: The VIP Experience
Want the best view in town? Grab a Lakes Lights VIP Pass and enjoy exclusive early access (prior to the parade), a welcome drink on arrival, scrumptious finger food by Albert & Co Catering and stunning views of the lantern parade and display from the Surf Life Saving Clubβs VIP balcony. Limited tickets available – $50pp.
π« Book your tickets now!
πMake a weekend of it.
Middle weekend of the school holidays = the perfect time to visit East Gippsland. Round up your crew and lock in your winter plans now!
π«Experience ‘HOW WE WINTER’ in East Gippsland
Lakes Lights is part of the 2025 East Gippsland Winter Festival, running from 20 June β 20 July with 100+ events on the program. The region will come alive with a month-long festival of luminous art, epic feasts, lively music, winter solstice soirees, dark skies and roaring fires. Check out the full program!
Proudly supported by VicHealth, GJ Gardner Homes East Gippsland, Snowy River Caravans and Saltwater Properties.Β
NOTE: We love animals but it’s not really suitable to bring them to Lakes Lights, so please let your pets at home. Service dogs ok. Thanks
