Water Lantern Festival

Join us for a breathtaking evening of glowing lanterns, meaningful moments, and unforgettable memories.

lanterns on lake
Location

Lakeside Lawn, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

Date

21 - 22 February 2026

Time

5pm – 9pm

Price

From $39.99

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Duration

4 hours

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A magical first, light up the night

Set within one of Australia’s most beautiful and important botanic gardens, this unforgettable experience brings people together to decorate lanterns, write messages of hope, love, and remembrance, and release them onto the water as they glow under the night sky. 

Surrounded by nature and inspired by the Garden’s mission of caring for plants and the planet, the evening feels both meaningful and serene.

Our lanterns are made from biodegradable, eco-friendly materials, and after the event our team carefully retrieves every lantern and cleans the surrounding area -working closely with the Garden to respect and protect this special environment. Guests are encouraged to celebrate responsibly while enjoying the natural beauty that makes Mount Annan so unique.

With softly glowing lanterns, delicious food vendors, live music, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s more than an event; it’s a shared moment of reflection, connection, and wonder.

Whether you come with family, friends, or someone special, Water Lantern Festival is the perfect way to slow down, connect, and create meaningful memories together - while celebrating in a place dedicated to conservation, biodiversity, and a thriving natural world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the event?

The Water Lantern Festival is a magical and unforgettable event where families, friends, and communities come together to celebrate life, love, and hope. People of all ages and backgrounds gather for an evening filled with inspiration and connection. As thousands of lanterns float across the water, their soft glow reflecting in the night, you'll experience a breathtaking scene that creates lasting memories and touches the heart.

Where can I find more information about the event and how to attend?

Visit the Water Lantern website for more information here

Which areas of the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be impacted?

The event will be hosted at Lakeside Lawn. Parking will also be impacted.

I’m not attending the event, will I still be able to access the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan?

Yes! Our Garden will remain open to visitors until standard closing time of 7pm.

Will there be any sound impacts from the event?

We are committed to complying with all legislations and guidelines covering amplified sound levels at outdoor events. There will be live musicians on Lakeside Lawn between 6pm – 7pm. Messages can be sent to [email protected]  or if there are any urgent issues please phone the duty ranger on 0409 122 953.

What if there is bad weather?

In the event of unsafe weather or if local authorities advise, the event may need to postpone the event to a later date. If this happens, you’ll be promptly notified via email, and the Water Lantern Festival social media pages and website will be updated accordingly.

Is there parking?

All patrons must enter the Garden prior to 7pm. Free parking is available within the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. Please adhere to guidance from traffic controllers while parking. The use of rideshare services is strongly encouraged when possible. Please note: if there is wet weather in the lead-up to the event, parking will be extremely limited.

Are the lanterns sustainable?

The Water Lantern Festival shares the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s commitment to caring for our environment and protecting precious natural resources. The lanterns are crafted from sustainable materials such as wood and biodegradable paper, ensuring they are biodegradable and eco-friendly. After the event, the team carefully retrieves every lantern and removes any litter from the water and surrounding areas. 

How can I find out about more events at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan?

We provide event information via our website, newsletters and social media.

To stay informed, subscribe to our newsletter here or follow us on social media @BotanicSydney.

How do I find out more about hosting an event at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan?

We have a range of venues for hire to suit a variety of different needs. Explore our venues and lawns here.