Charlotte Varcoe
MOUNT Gambier’s iconic Cave Gardens will light up this winter as the region is given receive a sneak peek into the Illuminate Adelaide art, light and technology showcase.
Digital Garden in Mount Gambier is the first of three regional installations as part of the extensive program, which will largely take place in Adelaide from June 9.
The inner-city garden will be illuminated by art installation from international and Australian artists, with an immersive experience to also explore the union of future technologies and creative industries.
A trail of installations, lasers and light projections will feature at the tourist site as part of the free exhibit.
South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex said the exhibit would be for the community but would aim to bring visitors to the region.
“The great thing about Mount Gambier is it has central access to both the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, which is an important market for the state,” Mr Harrex said.
Mr Harrex said prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the South Australian-Victorian border, Victorians accounted for close to 40pc of tourists entering South Australia.
“We see this event as a great taster in the build up to the Adelaide event, which we know works well,” Mr Harrex said.
“We are giving Mount Gambier and its surrounds a look ahead of everyone else, which is really exciting for the region.
“Mount Gambier has a good population base and a fantastic environment for the installations and the Cave Gardens is really a natural amphitheatre where everyone can enjoy themselves.”
Despite being a winter event, the chief executive encouraged residents and visitors alike to don their best coasts and enjoy a meal at the gardens while observing the show.
“The exciting thing is that it will be exhibited for an extended period of time giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience it over and over again,” he said.
Given the exhibit needs to be viewed at night for full effect, Mr Harrex said it would mean people would need to stay overnight in the region.
The Mount Gambier Library will host a series of events throughout June to coincide with the installment.
