Review of the Moon Lantern Trail – OzAsia Festival 2022
One of the most well-loved aspects of the OzAsia Festival, the Moon Lanterns, are back in trail form for 2022. This free, family-friendly event really is a must see!
Review by Claire Davill
Spanning the Torrens pedestrian bridge and Tarntanya Wama/Pinky Flat, the Moon Lantern Trail winds past large lanterns with information boards explaining the mythology behind the structures. There are also smaller lanterns dotted around the trail, and hanging in the trees as well.
Starting on the footbridge, you’ll be greeted by the huge 40 metre long Hong Kong Dragon. After crossing the bridge, turn right to the view point to see a new installation, an actual moon lantern floating in the water in the river!
To access the rest of the lanterns, you will need to pass through the gates where bag checks will occur. Wind your way amongst the lanterns to the lake, which is surrounded by plenty of seating and some food trucks. A stall selling small lanterns for children – these are $10 each (discounts for multiple purchases) are a big hit with the kids.
The trail is open from 5pm on Thursday and Friday and 12pm on Saturday and Sunday, and closes at 10pm. The lanterns are great to see in the daytime, but look spectacular after dark. The lights are officially turned on at 7:30pm, but many lanterns will have their lights on earlier, and will be glowing from around 7pm onwards.
If you can wait until 8pm, you’ll get to see two large Indonesian puppets, Rama and Sita, wandering through the trail and bowing to people and lanterns as they go.
Things to consider:
- Entry is only through the gates on War Memorial Drive, near the Torrens footbridge. There is an exit along the Torrens linear path if you don’t want to walk back through the lanterns.
- The area is open and spread out, mostly flat and stroller friendly. The whole area is fenced, but you will still need to keep an eye on little ones, especially as it gets darker.
- There are plenty of toilets, a first aid tent and water refill stations.
- There are a few food trucks selling food suitable for lunch or dinner, and desserts and drinks (including a bubble tea stand that also sells enticing plushies). If the Dumpling Market is too busy and loud, this might be a quieter alternative. There are ample tables and chairs set out under the trees to relax and recharge.
- The trail is less busy during daylight hours, but more impressive at night. The best time to view the lanterns for younger children is right on dusk, around 7pm.
- War Memorial Drive is closed during this event. Access is from the Torrens footbridge from Elder Park, where the Lucky Dumpling Market is located. This is worth a visit too!
- The closest parking is the Festival Centre car park, or there is limited parking along Victoria Drive. There are ample public transport options, but either way, be prepared for lots of walking to, from and around the venue.
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Click here for more information about this year’s Moon Lantern Trail
Lucky Dumpling Market 2022 | OzAsia Festival | Review
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: all photos by Play & Go Adelaide 2022
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