G
LOW at Sydney Zoo is set to return this winter with an updated after-dark experience, as Sydney Zoo prepares to host the event from 8 May to 14 June.
Now in its fifth year, the seasonal attraction has steadily built a following, drawing more than 100,000 visitors in 2025. Organisers say the 2026 edition will expand on that momentum, with a larger footprint and a redesigned trail aimed at offering a different perspective of the zoo once the sun goes down.
Visitors will move through a guided path featuring large-scale light installations paired with curated soundscapes. Familiar animal enclosures are reworked into illuminated scenes, with the intention of shifting how guests experience the space at night. The trail includes the Luna Light Journey, developed by Laservision, known for producing outdoor light and sound displays both in Australia and internationally.
Chief executive Michael Kelly said the event has become a fixture in the city’s winter calendar and continues to evolve in response to visitor demand. He noted that the 2026 program introduces new interactive elements designed to appeal to a wide audience, from families to groups of friends.
Beyond the main trail, organisers are positioning the event as a broader night outing. Food and beverage stalls will be spread across the site, while a carnival-style entertainment area at the entrance will operate as a free-access zone. This section will be open to both ticket holders and the general public, offering rides and activities separate from the ticketed experience.
The event has been developed in collaboration with partners including Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Carnival Cruise Line and Blacktown City Council, alongside media support from Nova. Production input has also been shaped by teams behind Scenic World’s Nocturnal program.
Ticket prices start at $35 for adults during midweek sessions, rising to $39 on weekends, while children’s tickets are priced at $19.99. Capacity will be limited across the run, continuing a model used in previous years where sessions have sold out.
Night-time events have become an increasingly common feature across major Australian attractions, offering venues a way to extend operating hours and attract visitors during quieter seasons. While organisers highlight the entertainment value and accessibility of the experience, some observers note the growing competition in Sydney’s winter events calendar, where light-based installations and immersive trails have gained popularity in recent years.
For Sydney Zoo, the focus appears to be on building a repeat audience while maintaining a format that remains easy to navigate. The contained layout and timed entry system are designed to keep the experience manageable for visitors, particularly families.
With bookings opening ahead of the season and demand expected to remain strong, the 2026 edition of GLOW will test whether its updated format can continue to draw crowds in an increasingly busy winter events market.
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