Albany 2026: Everything you need to know before the dazzling Lighting the Sound takes over Albany this weekend

Lighting the Sound will transform Albany’s coastline into a glowing landscape across three weekends in March.

Created by Finnish light artist Kari Kola in collaboration with FORM, the large-scale installation will illuminate the region’s natural landmarks and surrounding hills, creating an immersive light experience visible across King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.

The installation will run across three weekends from March 13 to March 29, lighting up the horizon every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

Best places to be

The lights will shine from 6pm to 9pm every event night, but visitors are encouraged to arrive in the city centre from 5pm to catch the sunset before the lights begin.

Some of the best vantage points to watch the display will be Anzac Peace Park and along Stirling Terrace, where visitors can enjoy the show from the heart of the city.

The CBD will come alive with Stirling Terrace hosting pop-up market stalls and live music, and local venue Six Degrees extending its outdoor trading onto the street.

Dylan’s on the Terrace will offer a late-night dessert menu, Gourmandise & Co, and Kate’s Place will extend its hours, while Provincial House on Stirling will offer a late-night retail experience, and Down South Creative will open across the first weekend.

Rustlers Steakhouse and Grill, Garrison Restaurant and Bar, and VIEW Restaurant at the Albany Entertainment Centre, among others will offer custom menus and special offerings aligned to the event evenings.

At Anzac Peace Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks, The Dam pop-up beer garden, listen to live DJ music and watch cultural performances by Menang performers.

Stunning views can also be had from atop Albany’s various mounts, including near the National Anzac Centre on Mt Clarence and the Mt Melville Lookout Tower.

How to get there

Organisers have recommended visitors arrive on foot or via shuttle bus to the city centre to help manage traffic congestion and limited parking.

The free shuttle bus service will run every 30 minutes from several designated points around Albany to the Albany Entertainment Centre.

Buses will begin operating from about 5.30pm and continue return services throughout the night.

Route 811 will run from Emu Point with a stop at Middleton Beach, while route 812 will depart Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre and stop at Retravision Stadium.

Route 813 will travel southbound along Albany Highway offering another transport option for attendees.

Visitors can also park at Foundation/Mutenup Park and walk to the viewing area.

Road closures

Several road closures will be in place during the event.

Stirling Terrace will close between York Street and Spencer Street from 5pm to 10pm on the event nights, while the Albany Entertainment Centre carpark will be closed from 2pm to 6.45pm on March 13.

Toll Place will also be closed from the roundabout, with access restricted to ACROD parking from 5pm to 10pm on event nights.