Set amidst the natural beauty of the wallum wetlands within the grounds of Kingfisher Bay Resort, the innovative installation aims to enhance visitor experience and provide a unique nighttime attraction, exclusive to resort guests.

‘Illumina’, the new artistic platform, will showcase the world’s largest sand island with the ‘Return to Sky’ exhibition, an extraordinary journey of discovery, regeneration, and growth, told in one mesmerising 20-minute light show.

To bring the product to life, Kingfisher Bay Resort has engaged Melbourne-based international Light Artist, Bruce Ramus, and his team from Ramus Illumination, renowned for creating symphonies of light and colour at various destinations around the world, including Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru, an Australian tourism first.

Bruce Ramus, Director of RAMUS Illumination expressed his admiration for K’gari, describing the island as the “Ultimate regenerative space. The inspiration behind ‘Return to Sky’ comes from the light within unique landscapes and vibrant ecosystem that is K’gari – the constantly shifting sands, the island’s natural healing qualities, and its incredible ability to regrow itself will all be celebrated.”

“Illumina will captivate audiences and enrich the mind and soul, while evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for this remarkable natural environment”, Ramus added.

With the installation set to launch in September 2024, Kingfisher Bay Resort promises to elevate the status of the Fraser Coast to more than a premier tourist destination.

Kane Bassett, Group General Manager of Kingfisher Bay Resort expressed his excitement for the groundbreaking product.  “We are thrilled to offer visitors an enchanting nighttime spectacle unlike any other product we’ve seen on K’gari, with innovation that’s the first of its kind in Queensland.”

“The ‘Return to Sky’ narrative aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences, connecting guests with the movement, texture, and colours of K’gari”, Mr Bassett said.

A range of accommodated ‘Illumina’ experiences are available for pre-booking now, in preparation for the show’s official opening later this year. Visitors can opt for the Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze packages, staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort, with ferry transfers and food and beverage inclusions.

The Platinum and Gold packages offer the complete island experience, with premium resort accommodation options and 4WD touring also included.

Watch the light show unfold: Illumina (illuminakgari.com.au)

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From award-winning fine dining to an international dining experience only minutes from the city centre, Canberra knows how to make your night out memorable. Start adding these must-dine spots to the bucket list and we guarantee your special someone will be more than impressed.

Such and Such

Canberra’s dining scene is waiting to surprise you, and Such and Such is the perfect marvel to kick things off. This quirky eatery boasted the title of New Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Awards – across Canberra and New South Wales – in 2023. And if that title alone isn’t enough for you to travel to Canberra for an impressive meal, then we’re not sure what is.

KOTO

Traditional architecture and dramatic design, the KOTO interior preserves and revitalises the half-a-century old, Japan-heritage architecture of The Lobby; one of the most prominent historical buildings within the National Triangle. Dine under the knowing menu of sushi master, Shinya Nakano, who trained in Kyoto with a fifth-generation sushi master, later working his magic at Australian restaurants where he was awarded two-hats from Good Food Guide for his 18-course omakase style menu. So, while the building alone will astonish you, be sure to prepare for a dining experience that matches its fit-out’s prowess.

Corella Bar

Corella is an intimate escape away from the daily grind. This cosy restaurant and bar feels a world away from normal, yet it is right in the centre of the bustling Braddon precinct. The service is polished yet unpretentious, and with a thoughtful wine list and bespoke cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a romantic date night.

Pilot

Pilot is upscale dining, but not as you’re used to it. A restaurant built on pure hospitality and delicious Australian ingredients, Pilot’s chic fit-out and seven course degustation menu is sure to leave you satisfied, impressed, and deeply comfortable. They boast a smart, low-fuss experience and love hearing the phrase, “just treat us” from their patrons. And treat you, they will.

OHNO!

The OHNO! date night enjoys loud flavours and messing with the classics, flipping what’s expected of Pan-Asian cuisine on its head. Drop by, graze over some share plates, and select from their extensive wine list. Or wander upstairs to the cosy cocktail bar to sip or snack in the company of in-house DJs while you wait for your table to dine.

Louis

Located within a five-star hotel, Louis is the newest crown jewel of one of Canberra’s most celebrated fine-dining chefs, Ben Willis. It aims at bringing a multi-layered culinary offering right at the heart of the capital, combining a classical European dining experience with sophisticated cocktails. If you’re in the mood for romantic French cuisine with your loved one, Louis is the go-to – oui oui!

INKA

If you haven’t tried Peruvian Japanese fusion before, now is your chance to indulge at Inka. Prepare to be delighted by the Nikkei concept of this beautiful dining room, which promotes an enticing scope of cocktail styles and flavours from both Japan and South America, combining finesse and balance with the wild and tropical.

RAKU

You’d be forgiven for thinking a shopping centre isn’t the obvious place to look when you’re seeking romance – but RAKU delivers it in spades. This sleek modern Japanese restaurant is a versatile date-night destination. Sit at the bench and watch the chefs craft beautiful plates of sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls or hide out in one of the sculptural timber booths and ignore the rest of the world. Whichever option you choose, you’re assured of a memorable dining experience.

Bada Bing

If casual dining meets cosy rat-pack hideaway is the feeling you’re seeking for date night, then Bada Bing Dining Club has you covered. Seamlessly blending retro charm with light-hearted fun, sink into the impeccable style and culinary of old-school Italy at this inner-city eatery. Everything from traditional pastas to woodfired pizza, it’ll definitely be “that’s amore” for all involved.

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Commune with nature in the mountains

Embrace the subterranean at Jenolan Caves, a 70-minute drive from Katoomba, as you navigate a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms carved by underground rivers. Look up in awe in the Lucas Cave at the spectacular limestone formation known as Broken Column and the Cathedral, a 54m-high chamber that is sometimes used for musical concerts.

Lace up your bushwalking boots and recharge with an invigorating hike in rugged bushland — there are great walks throughout the Blue Mountains, from easy strolls leading to remarkable lookouts to longer hikes such as the spectacular Grand Canyon Track, a 6.3km loop past waterfalls and sheer sandstone cliffs starting from Evans Lookout in Blackheath.

Challenge yourself on the three-day Six Foot Track walk along the old coach road between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves — or make things a little easier on your legs by joining a guided tour with Life’s An Adventure, which will transport your backpack so you can focus wholeheartedly on your surrounds. Sign up with Tread Lightly Eco Tours for a guided bushwalk or 4WD tour where you can immerse in local history as you visit some of the oldest rainforests, tallest waterfalls and deepest canyons in the area.

In Katoomba, take a thrilling ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway, at Scenic World, or steady yourself as you gaze down at ancient sandstone ravines 270m below you in the glass-bottomed Scenic Skyway cable car. Thrill to cockatoos screeching as they fly beneath you and let the serene sound of the wind in the trees far below wash over you on a Beyond Skyway experience, climbing onto the roof of the cable car as it hangs in the middle of Jamison Valley (safely harnessed, of course).

For a gentler natural high, surround yourself in flowers and bushes at formal and informal gardens across the mountains. During spring, revel in the sight of magnificent private gardens in the villages of Leura and Blackheath blooming with bluebells, azaleas, magnolias, camelias and cherry blossoms, ready for the annual Leura Gardens Festival in October and the Blackheath Rhododendron Festival in November.

Lose yourself in reverie as you wander around the five hectares of beautiful European-style gardens at Everglades House & Gardens, designed by famed Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen, in Leura. Or take the scenic drive along Bells Line of Road to The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah to be spellbound by majestic cool-climate gardens framed by panoramic views.

Discover an elevated dining scene

You’ll work up an appetite in the bracing air of the Blue Mountains. In Katoomba, ease into the evening with a cocktail (or an ale by Katoomba Brewing Company) at Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar in the heritage-listed Carrington Hotel, or venture to the Echo Point lookout and enjoy a glass of fine wine as you take in the iconic Three Sisters from BAR NSW.

Linger in Katoomba for a hearty dinner at Avalon Restaurant, housed in the former Savoy picture theatre opposite the Carrington Hotel, or settle in for a memorable meal of modern Australian fare at Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels Resort & Spa, facing the escarpment at the far end of Katoomba Street.

At the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath, around a five-minute drive from Katoomba, soak up spectacular valley views over lunch at Boiler House Restaurant or afternoon high tea at The Wintergarden.

Savour a seasonal menu that’s as creative as the industrial car art at Leura Garage, an award-winning bar and restaurant housed within a former auto-mechanic workshop near Leura’s train station. After lunch in Leura, indulge your sweet tooth by popping in to Josophan’s Fine Chocolates and picking up exquisite handmade chocolates.

Rest and recharge in luxury

Bed down in art deco splendour at the magnificent Carrington Hotel, steps away from the train station in the heart of Katoomba, or head down to the other end of Katoomba Street to immerse in the timeless charm of Echoes Boutique Hotel and its sister property Lilianfels Resort and Spa, a historic mansion surrounded by lush manicured gardens. Keep the kids engrossed with a games arcade, heated pool, cinema and pony rides at Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains while you take in the serene views of the dramatic escarpment in nearby Leura.

Steep in romance and nostalgia while luxuriating in modern-day opulence at the circa-1904 Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath, from the group behind Lilianfels and Echoes. Step back a few decades into the recent past when you check in to Kyah Boutique Hotel, a reimagined and recently renovated 1970s motel in the village of Blackheath, or venture off the highway to soak up a sense of seclusion in a freestanding luxe studio set in bushland at Chalets at Blackheath.

Treat yourself and contribute to the health of a magnificent bushland valley at the same time when you stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley conservation resort, a 70-minute drive from Katoomba. Sink into a heritage-style villa with your own private plunge pool and gaze at the magical escarpment views, revitalise in the resort’s stunning wellness sanctuary and take part in bush regeneration efforts for the ultimate feelgood escape.

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