The enchanting gardens and wetlands of Boneo Maze in Fingal provide the inspiration for over 80 hand-crafted lanterns. As the sun sets, the lights of the stunning silk sculptures illuminate the natural landscape and a journey into fantasy begins. The lanterns whisper the story of Australian animals and plants and explore ideas underpinning the Dreamtime stories. Children and adults alike will be captivated as they wander 27 acres of garden, boardwalks and outdoor play spaces. Returning for a second year, these specially designed new sculptures transform bush land and peaceful gardens into an ethereal walk-through journey. Dreamtime characters will shimmer on the landscape: Elder wombat, Waa the wise crow, the heroic eagle Bunjil, the thirsty frog Tiddalik and others.

Mesmerising 3m high sculptures cast shimmering reflections over the lakes and waterways while cute illuminated critters inspire imagination. Learn more about aboriginal Australia with Carla Lauch, of Living Culture (a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man), through his didgeridoo meditation performances, bush tucker gatherings and tools and weapons demonstrations. In the games garden, families can picnic under the stars surrounded by illuminated sculptures or enjoy supper at the lakeside cafe watching the gardens glow. Frogs calls and bush sounds mingle with laughter and chatter- this is an outdoor experience like no other in a truly magical setting.

After a successful Lantasia season last summer, managers Tyson Savannah and Justine Watt are thrilled to incorporate new designs and storytelling elements to this year’s event. ”By opening the gardens at night and creating unique light sculptures, we’re bringing a little magic to the Mornington Peninsula,”said Tyson. Boneo Maze will take its magic further after the season, with the Bunjil and Waa laterns starring in the Melbourne White Nights event. LANTASIA tickets also include Boneo Maze’s popular twilight mini-golf in the entry price. The newly licensed cafe will serve Indigenous inspired meals accompanied by local Mornington Peninsula wines and beers.