The "Spirit of the Whale" drone show, also known as "Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale," is a spectacular drone light event featured at the Brisbane Festival. It tells an Indigenous legend about the creation of the Moreton Bay Islands through a visual narrative of hundreds of drones illuminating the Brisbane River skyline. The story, directed by Traditional Owner Shannon Ruska of Tribal Experiences, recounts a 65,000-year-old cultural tale involving animal totems, a battle for territory, and the origins of the islands shaped by the whale's actions. The event includes an original musical composition and showcases the connection to Indigenous culture, country, and community through this innovative drone display. This show has become a beloved tradition at the Brisbane Festival, performed multiple times with sessions in the evening, offering breathtaking views from the river’s edge at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. It features around 400 drones creating dynamic visuals that represent the ancient story and cultural heritage associated with the Moreton Bay Islands and the annual migration of whales near Brisbane.
