Fresh on the heels of one of Australia's most successful tourism campaigns, Mildura, the capital of Tropical North Victoria, has taken centre stage again as the setting for Australia's newest and arguably most unique tourism experience following the official opening of the eagerly anticipated Trail of Lights last tonight.
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney was on hand for the opening, alongside Mildura Mayor Helen Healy and Trail of Lights creator, internationally renowned artist Bruce Munro.
Trail of Lights is a mesmerising fusion of art and nature, integrating 12,500 firefly lights with the natural beauty of the mystical Lock Island to create a truly magical experience for locals and visitors alike.
Mayor Helen Healy said Trail of Lights was not only a landmark cultural attraction for the region but would serve as a beacon for national and international visitors seeking a unique experience.
"This art installation will have a transformative impact on our region, elevating us to new heights as a must-see location on the national and international stage," Cr Healy said.
"It's probably the biggest, most important initiative ever envisioned for our region from a tourism perspective and it's exciting to see it become a reality tonight.
"It's also a shining example of what can be achieved through a whole host of positive partnerships, including with the Victorian Government through its Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects fund, which has been critical to the success of this amazing project."
Trail of Lights received a $3 million investment through the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos spoke about the project.
"Mildura is such a beautiful part of the state. Whether you've visited the Murray River many times, or have never been, this stunning installation is a truly unique way to experience one of Victoria's most awe-inspiring natural wonders," Minister Dimopoulos said.
Minister for Skills and TAFE and Minister for Water Gayle Tierney added, "I applaud Bruce on this stunning work, because attractions like Trail of Lights are so important to our regions, bringing visitors from near and far and boosting local jobs and economies."
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes agreed, "Trail of Lights will shine a spotlight on Mildura, attracting visitors from near and far while boosting local businesses and jobs in the region."
Munro is celebrated for his visionary light installations worldwide and is best known for his iconic Field of Light installation at Uluru, Northern Territory—a globally recognised masterpiece that draws in thousands of visitors each year.
He said Sunraysia's iconic Murray River setting provided the perfect backdrop for a unique and immersive experience.
"Trail of Lights is about creating a moment of stillness and contemplation in an extraordinary natural setting," Munro said.
"The Murray River provides the perfect canvas for light and landscape to interact in a way that is both evocative and deeply personal."
Cr Healy said Trail of Lights was expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors in its first two years, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.
"This installation builds on the momentum generated by the hugely successful Tropical North Victoria campaign, leveraging on our ideal climate, which is perfectly suited to Bruce Munro's art installations," she said.
"Our days, with more sunshine than the Sunshine Coast, have always been perfect for outdoor activities such water sports, fishing, golf, hiking and beautiful bike riding.
"Now our beautiful clear nights will not only have the most amazing views of the Milky Way, but the sheer genius of a specifically curated art installation from one of the world's leading artists.
"For many decades we have been known as a City of Public Art, and this memorable light installation just adds even more to our inspiring region.
"It will have a lasting impact on our tourism landscape given the sheer number of new visitors it's expected to draw to our region.
"For many of these tens of thousands of visitors it may be their first time in our region, representing huge potential flow-on benefits for years to come in terms of return visits.
"It's also a great opportunity for our local community who have the amazing privilege of an international tourism attraction in their own backyard that they can experience year-round."
Trail of Lights will be followed by Munro's second stunning major installation in the Sunraysia region later this year, the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) near Wentworth, which will offer yet another unique experience, again merging the internationally-renowned artist's incredible vision with our region's natural landscape.
