One ticket, two light shows: the new combo deal that could supercharge tourism in Mildura–Wentworth

Photo Credit - Serena Munro

If there’s one thing we know in Sunraysia, it’s this: when you make it easier for visitors to do more, they stay longer and they spend wider.

That’s why this is worth a proper mention: a new combined ticketing model is now live, letting people bundle Trail of Lights with the upcoming Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) into the one visit plan. It’s been shaped by community and visitor feedback, and it’s designed to balance affordability with the long-term viability of both experiences.

And from a tourism point of view? This is the kind of move that can genuinely turn a quick overnight into a two-night (or three-night) trip.

Why this matters for tourism

Photo Credit _ Serena Munro

Up until now, a lot of people have treated Trail of Lights as a “one-and-done” night activity — come in, do the experience, grab dinner, head home.

But when you add a second major night-time drawcard just up the road in Wentworth, you’ve suddenly got a ready-made regional itinerary:

• Night 1: Trail of Lights + dinner in Mildura

• Night 2: FOSO + a Wentworth/Perry Sandhills sunset mission

• And while they’re here? Cafes, pubs, accommodation, tours, galleries, river cruises… the lot.

Wentworth Shire’s mayor even framed it in exactly those terms: the goal is to increase visitation, boost length of stay, and encourage visitors to spend widely across the region.

That’s the magic phrase right there — spend widely. That’s when tourism stops being “a nice thing” and becomes real economic fuel.

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It also helps lock in Easter as a “book it now” tourism moment

FOSO is slated to open in April 2026, and the messaging is already leaning into the fact it’s timed around the Easter period, the perfect window for Melbourne/Adelaide/Regional NSW visitors to do a proper getaway.

The other smart part? Tickets are available early, which turns it into a gift idea and a trip-planning anchor. People love having a “main event” booked, then building the rest of the holiday around it.

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The flow-on benefits we actually want

Photo Credit - Serena Munro

Since opening in April 2025, Trail of Lights has already pulled more than 12,000 visitors, and it’s
helped activate the riverfront area, including the revamped Rio Vista Park with venues like Jessica Rabbit Café and the TOL Bar. 

Now imagine that same energy, but doubled — with a second world-class night experience drawing people across the border and giving them a reason to stay an extra night.

That means:

• more bookings across local accommodation

• fuller restaurants midweek, not just weekends

• more tour sales (river, wine, paddlesteamers, day trips)

• more “we came for the lights and ended up loving the whole region” stories

That’s the win.

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Where to grab tickets

Local and general admission tickets, combination packages and gift vouchers are available via mildura.com/lights/tickets. 

And if you’re planning ahead: keep an eye on April 2026, because if this combo ticketing does what it’s meant to do, Easter in Mildura–Wentworth is going to be very, very busy.