About the Festival
The vivid Sydney Festival of Lights originated way back in 2009, led by Mary-Anne Kyriakou in league with fellow lighting designers who illuminated the Sydney Opera House exterior and eventually became an annual festival.
The event displays an immerse spectacular light projection bathing the city’s landmarks, which result in surely eye-popping grandiose scenery. You have to consider experiencing it, as it shows not only simple light display but also caters to local and international musician concerts and creative thinker debates that truly won’t bore your visit. These expos can be categorized into three major brackets: Vivid Light, Vivid Music, and Vivid Ideas.
This festive event happens for 23 days, and all throughout those days, the extravagant occurrences will make your heartthrob in excitement. The illumination of the infamous sails of the Sydney Opera House marks the commencement of the festival. Inviting out your lover, family, and friends for a bond would be the best to enjoy luminous light exhibits and performances.
Festival Dates (2024)
The Vivid Sydney is usually scheduled between or within the month of May and June. In 2024, it will illuminate the city from May 24 to June 15, 2024, so be prepared to be mesmerized by breathtaking light installations and kaleidoscopic displays.
Festival Where About
In Sydney, Australia, the New South Wales Estate capital city is the place where the Vivid Sydney Lights Festival happens. The city is known as the city on top of Australia’s and Oceania’s populous city. Home of distinct and iconic infrastructure such as the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
The city is located on the south coast, divided by harbour into Northern and Southern Sydney. Having amazing edifices that can be viewed at the beach makes the area best for cruising as well
In 2023, the address is: Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line and Central Station.
Organizers are yet to announce the specific locations within Sydney for the 2024 edition, so stay tuned for the latest updates and information.
If you’re in Australia, you can also check out these amazing festivals of lights:
How To Get There
When you plan to experience the Vivid Sydney, the advisable options are by taking public transportation and by foot. Riding a boat can also be a choice, but during the festival, ferries become in demand, that is why you should be patient and early to catch one.
If you’re going to the iconic illumination of the sails of Sydney Opera House, you should go to Wynyard Station or Martin Place Station to take a train. These routes are just a short walk away to Circular Quay.
Now to access your desired popular precincts the best way is by public transport. For reference, if you want to visit the Chatswood precinct, Chatswood is the closest station. You can take it via T9 Northern Line and T1 North shoreline trains.
For instance, if you’re planning to Taronga Zoo via train, the best connections are Circular Quay, which can make your way from to the zoo via ferry, or via bus transfer from Chatswood, Waynard, and North Sydney station.
You can also take your own car but expect a challenging ride and parking experience, especially during events, because the closure of roads is left and right.
Festival Hours
Vivid Sydney can be enjoyed by everyone day and night for 23 days or about 3 weeks. But, if you want to enjoy the spectacular light shows, nighttime will be the best. The festival’s main attraction is the Vivid Lights, glamour lights artistic projection mapping and display irradiates from around 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Meanwhile, the Taronga Zoo light exhibit of animal sculpture can be enjoyed every night. It lasts from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, comprising of 2 sessions.
During the event hours, expect a lot of performances and entertainment while being bathed with scenic and luminous ambiance.
How Much It Cost To Visit The Festival
Vivid Sydney can be enjoyed for free. You can already enjoy the twinkling and artistic light show without spending money. To be able to adore the spectacular displays, the Vivid Light Walk is the best option.
However, there are some exhibits that require tickets to be paid such as the Animal Light expo in Taronga and live shows of music performances and Vivid Ideas performances
Tickets for Taronga Zoo from the recently concluded 2023 edition were $25 for children above 5 years old and $30 for adults, while kids 4 years and below had free access. For the 2024 Taronga Vivid edition, ticket prices are yet to be announced so stay tuned for up-to-date information.
Weather
From May to June, Sydney experiences its late autumn to early winter season. The temperature ranges from around 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C). Skies can be a mix of clear to overcast, with occasional rain showers. To fully enjoy the Vivid Sydney Lights Festival, we recommend layering up with a waterproof jacket, a warm sweater, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking. Don’t forget a compact umbrella just in case Mother Nature decides to join in the festivities.
Where To Sleep Nearby The Festival
You probably want to stay late at the festival, right? What comes next is the question, “Are there any hotels nearby that could best accommodate me?” There are! Lots of them, and these are just a few of the hotels.
The Four Seasons Hotel
This luxurious hotel with a panoramic view on its windows overlooks the amazing Sydney Opera House and Harbour Beach. You will experience a memorable Sydney visit by staying here. Very close to the historic Circular Quay and Rocks, located at 199 George Street, Sydney, and surrounded by 378 restaurants and 105 attractions within 0.5 km.
Room Features
- Bathrobes
- Air Conditioning
- Housekeeping
- Interconnected rooms available
- Room Service
- Minibar
- Refrigerator
- Flatscreen TV
Park Hyatt
This will provide you a scenic, direct view of the Vivid Sydney from your room. Located at 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks gives you a harbor with a perfect view of the Opera House. Since it is located in The Rocks, you can stroll around the area appreciate its beauty. It has a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy the festival from afar.
Room features
- King Bed with Harbour View
- King Bed with Opera View
- King Bed with Opera View Deluxe
- Quay Suite (king bed and 3 private balconies) with Sydney Opera House and Harbour view.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
This 5-star hotel offers a luxe accommodation, services, and amenities, where you can have a fancy view of the Harbour Bridge. Very close to Vivid Sydney major spots like Sydney Opera House, Museum of Sydney, and the Harbour Bridge. It also has a bar (Hacienda Sydney Bar) and a restaurant serving international cuisine.
Room Features
- Air conditioning (climate-controlled
- Bedsheets
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Premium bedding
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
- Bathrobes
- Jetted bathtub
- DVD player
- Flatscreen TV
- Cookware/dishes/utensils
- Dining room
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Kitchen
- Oven
- Minibar
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen
You can see hotels in Sydney left and right that can provide services that can keep up with your expectations. So, if you are worried about where to sleep in Sydney, just forget about it.
What and Where To Eat
A travel will not be complete without a food trip, and making your tummy satiated won’t spoil your fun leisure. Here is a list of a few restaurants to cure your cravings.
Q Dining
a dining destination in Circle Quay, situated within Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, offers a mouth-watering three-course menu during the festival.
Mode Kitchen & Bar (CBD)
located on the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, serves a fancy dining experience with Australian cuisine. This restaurant won’t just fill your stomach but your eyes a well.
Lutos Dining (Barangaroo)
serves world-class Chinese seafood and fish menu inspired by China’s rich food history way back to the Ming Dynasty.
Those are just some of the restaurants in Sydney that you could choose from, so rest assured that you will have a memorable light festival and food trip experience.
More things to do in the area
Aside from the Vivid Sydney Festival of Lights, you can do several other things in Sydney. You can have a tour by cruising around the water of Circular Quay and Darling harbour while viewing the iconic city escapes.
If you are into history, visiting Australia’s Museums is perfect for you, for Sydney is an abode of notable museums like the Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum, and Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
Since you are already in Sydney, do not miss the chance to visit Cockatoo Island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, which held some seats on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
FAQ
1. What Parking Options are Available During Vivid Sydney?
There are various public and private parking facilities located near the key event areas. However, given the high attendance, it’s advised to arrive early or use public transport to ensure a smooth experience.
2. Is Smoking Allowed at Vivid Sydney?
Smoking is not permitted within the main festival areas. Designated smoking zones can be found at specific locations outside the event boundaries.
3. Can I Bring My Pets to Vivid Sydney?
While pets are generally not allowed within the festival space for safety and comfort reasons, service animals with proper documentation are permitted.
4. How Can I Purchase Tickets for Vivid Sydney?
The main light installations and projections for Vivid Sydney are free to the public. However, some special events and performances may require a purchased ticket, which can be bought online or at the venue.
5. Is the Event Free?
Yes, the majority of Vivid Sydney’s light installations and exhibits are free to attend, making it an accessible experience for everyone.
6. Is Vivid Sydney Wheelchair Accessible?
Most areas of the festival are accessible to wheelchairs, and there are designated disabled parking areas near the main event locations.
7. What Are My Food and Beverage Options?
A plethora of food and beverage vendors are situated throughout the festival areas, offering a wide array of dining options to cater to all tastes.
8. Can I Take Photos or Videos?
Personal photography and videography are highly encouraged. If you wish to use the imagery for commercial purposes, please contact the festival organizers for prior authorization.
For any other inquiries, kindly refer to the official Vivid Sydney website or visit their social media channels.
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