The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is once again home to an immersive light and sound show, using the natural beauty of the space to surprise and delight us as we follow the lit path on a self-guided journey of discovery. While smaller than the sensation to be found in winter’s Illuminate festival, Natural Wonders offers six impressive works of digital art amongst the trees, ponds and meadows. The gates open at dusk for those with an early ticket, and we are invited to take our time exploring each station. Gorgeously lit trees hide the speakers welcoming us to country as we weave our way to Project Earth by Liam Somerville and Michael Ellingford. This hardcore laser light and sound show kicks off the night with high energy. The lighting projects onto the grass and trees in a multi-coloured, digital spectacle that has some watching passively and others dancing in the dizzying futuristic disco. It’s each to their own to enjoy this visual treat from the outside or within. Onto The Spirit Lives On by Ngarrindjeri woman, Nicole Gollan in partnership with Same River Studio. A backdrop of purple and blue lit trees reflect in the lake until a water-screen erupts from the lake to create a living misty cinema reflecting on our first Australian’s connections to country and totems. This piece is short but worth taking a seat for. Let the visuals and narrations wash over you and marvel at the serenity and beauty of the lighted landscape either side of the film. ArchiBio by Andrej Boleslavsky is as technically fascinating as it is a visual curiosity. Live ants scale miniature models of the Museum of Economic Botany. They are projected onto the building itself. In the darkness of the night, the Museum sits alone, it’s façade brightly lit with giant ants appearing to crawl all over it. The artist/operator is there to chat about how it’s done for those wanting more than just the visual surprise. Photographer Alex Frayne has travelled extensively throughout South Australia for his cinema in the garden, Time on Country. The film is a presentation of his stunning landscapes, edited by Katrina Penning and set to the soundtrack of The Great Skua by Sea Power. We’re invited to stand or sit on the grass to enjoy these few minutes of celebration for SA’s diverse and inspiring places. It’s works like this that remind us how unique our state is and how much pride we should have in it. From observing to immersing oneself, Dan Acher’s Borealis is everything opposite to the opening techno station. Laser projections in a misty field create a man-made aurora borealis. This surreal field of lighted trees and slowly evolving patterns of light in the sky is dreamy and breathtaking. The low-level lighting will be of concern for those with poor vision but warnings are provided on the Fringe booking page. This soothing experience is the second off-path venture of the evening so wear sensible shoes too. Harsh Realities earn their name with Passage, the grand finale; an installation of a walkthrough tunnel of harsh lights and sound. Once again, some stand immersed in the full cycle, while others take a slow walk along the length of the passage as it bombards the senses. Natural Wonders is another fine use of our Botanic Gardens, offering the fun of the fair across the road without the crowd or persistent noise. Sadly, there’s no station to pause for a drink or bite to eat. Nor is the event fully accessible for those living with some disabilities. Check with the Fringe before purchasing tickets.