Explore an illuminated outdoor art experience at Botanic By Night: NightGlow, running from September to October 2026. Set within Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, parents and kids can wander a lantern-lit trail featuring luminous Australian wildlife sculptures, First Nations storytelling, immersive soundscapes, and delicious food truck treats after dark.
Botanic By Night: NightGlow
As the blanket of night descends over Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Botanic By Night: NightGlow awakens. From 25 September until 10 October, visitors are invited to explore a lantern-lit outdoor art experience where storytelling, culture and nature come together through a collection of illuminated sculptures inspired by Queensland’s native wildlife.
Thoughtfully presented at night to showcase Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha in a new light, Botanic By Night: NightGlow celebrates the wildlife, habitats and stories that shape Queensland’s natural environment, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Gardens from an entirely new perspective after dark.
Enter an atmospheric and contemplative evening realm where you can slow down, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in a living, breathing art installation. Wander through an enchanting 800-metre event route and meet along the way 11 luminous and larger-than-life Australian animals – brought to life in stunning colour and sound as sculptural lanterns. From kangaroos and koalas to platypus, dingoes and green tree frogs, each artwork celebrates the beauty, character and stories of Queensland’s remarkable natural environment.
Designed by award-winning creative studio Ample Projects in collaboration with First Nations artists Casey Coolwell-Fisher and Nathan Peckham, Botanic By Night: NightGlow illuminates Brisbane’s botanic world like never before through glowing artworks and immersive storytelling, informed by sacred First Nations knowledge. Beyond the wonder of the artworks themselves, Botanic By Night: NightGlow celebrates the vital connections between wildlife, plants and place.
Each installation tells its own unique story through contemporary art, cultural perspectives and an original ambient soundscape, creating one-of-a-kind moments of wonder and connection throughout the journey.
Weaving through paved sections of the Queensland Conservation Trail and Gardens Explorer Trail, Botanic By Night: NightGlow has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of the Gardens while respecting and protecting its surrounding environment.
Whether you’re planning a magical family outing, a memorable evening with friends, or a unique date night beneath the stars, Botanic By Night: NightGlow promises an unforgettable spring experience for visitors of all ages.
Stop by the food truck precinct in the route and enjoy an array of delicious food and sweet treats from Brazzo Boys, The Feel Good Foodie, Best of the Wurst, Di Piu Tiramisu and Oh Waffles.
Entry sessions commence every 30 minutes from 6.30pm nightly, with the final session beginning at 9pm. While the experience takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace.
This spring, discover the stories, spirit and wonder of Queensland’s native wildlife through a unique fusion of art, culture and nature when Botanic By Night: NightGlow makes its debut at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.
Plan your visit
When: Friday 5th September – Sunday 10th October 2026, from 6.30pm nightly, with the final session beginning at 9pm
Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, 152 Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-tha 4066
Cost: General admission is $30 and $15 for children aged 3-12 years, while Brisbane residents receive discounted local pricing of $25 for general admission and $12.50 for children aged 3-12 years. Children aged two and under are free, however a ticket is still required.
More information and purchase tickets here
