Our picks for 10 must-do things at Vivid Sydney 2024

It's that time of year when Sydney lights up in a dazzling array of colors. From May 24 to June 15, Vivid Sydney 2024, themed around Humanity, invites everyone to explore a world of technology, innovation, and creativity through captivating light shows, culinary delights, and music performances. Here's our ultimate guide to help you make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Fireworks over Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

WHERE TO STAY

If you're planning to stay in the city, consider booking a hotel that puts you close to the action. The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is centrally located, offering easy access to all major Vivid Sydney sites. Guests can also take advantage of the Vivid Getaway Deal, saving up to 20% on their stay. If you are traveling with family, book our Family Package and enjoy the Vivid adventure with your loved ones.

Plus, the hotel features special Vivid Cocktails at The Fax Bar, perfect for winding down after a night of exploration.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

GETTING AROUND VIVID SYDNEY

With so many locations to explore, planning your route can help you make the most of Vivid Sydney. Public transport is the easiest way to get around, with extra services running during the festival.

1. Embark the Vivid journey with Tekno Train

For the first time in Australia, TeknoTrain by Paul Mac is arriving at Vivid 2024, running from Central Station and journey along one of two 60-minute routes. The Scenic Route, perfect for families, heads towards North Sydney and Lavender Bay, while the Tech Express offers a more fast-paced, thrilling ride through the city to South Sydney. As the train travels, the music and lights sync with its movements, providing an immersive experience like no other.

Tekno Train at Central Station. (Image: Destination NSW

 2. See Sydney in the arrays of lights from Sydney Tower Eye

Sydney Tower Eye (image: Destination NSW)

Consider starting at one of the major landmarks, the Sydney Tower Eye, for a panoramic view of the city’s lights. Here, you'll witness the Global Rainbow, a beacon of hope and inclusivity that serves as a guiding light above the Vivid Sydney festivities. A spectrum of light reaches out from the Sydney Tower Eye, extending the footprint of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk into the night sky for all to see. From there, make your way down to Circular Quay and beyond to continue your Vivid adventure.

View of Global Rainbow from Circular Quay. (Image: Cecilia Le)

3. Travel Back in Time with Dark Spectrum at Wynyard Tunnel

Descend deep underground into the Wynyard Tunnels and embark on a journey through time with Dark Spectrum. This immersive experience plunges you into a mesmerizing space of misdirection, where you'll uncover a hidden spectrum of touchable color. Accompanied by an epic soundtrack filled with dance tracks and club hits, you'll be drawn deeper into this kilometre-long experience. Explore eight distinct chambers where light, sound, and color collide in a spectacular display.

Tickets from AUD 35.00

Dark Spectrum: A New Journey at Wynard Tunnel. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Take a break and enjoy exclusive Vivid Cocktails before diving into the hotspot.

Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant streets, pausing to revel in the mesmerizing sights. Indulge in a moment of relaxation at The Fax Bar, located in the heritage building of Radisson Blu Hotel Sydney, where you can savor a specially crafted cocktail along with the Humanity theme, rejuvenating your spirits before diving into the myriad of Vivid activities and events awaiting your discovery. Walks-in are welcome from 5pm. To reserve a table before 5pm, please visit here

Price: AUD 20.00

Humanity Vivid Cocktails at The Fax Bar. (Image: Cecilia Le)

MUST-VISIT VIVID SYDNEY LOCATIONS

5. Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House

At the heart of Vivid Sydney is Circular Quay, where you'll find some of the festival's most iconic light installations. The Sydney Opera House, with its sails illuminated by stunning projections, is an absolute must-see. This year, one of the most brilliant displays of technology and light takes form as Julia Gutman transforms the iconic sails with her work, Lighting of the Sails: Echo, inspired by Roman poet Ovid’s myth of Narcissus.

Lighting of the Sails: Echo. Artist: Julia Gutman in collaboration with Pleasant Company and Angus Mills. (Image: Cecilia Le)

This area is always buzzing with activity, featuring interactive art installations, live music, and street performances, all designed around the theme of Humanity.

'Sea, Sand and Stars' installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Artist: Guan Wei. (Image: Cecilia Le)

Embrace' installation at First Fleet Park. Artist: Beamhacker. (Image: Desetination NSW)

6. The Rocks

Just a short walk from Circular Quay, The Rocks is a historic area that comes alive during Vivid Sydney. Wander through its charming cobblestone streets and discover a blend of heritage and contemporary light art. The Rocks also hosts various food stalls and pop-up bars, offering culinary creations inspired by the festival’s theme.

'Connection' installation at Hickson Road Reserve.  Artist: Angus Muir. (image: Destination NSW)

The Harbour Bridge Pylons burst into vibrant life with Indigenous artist Tori-Jay's surreal characters, telling the story of the Torres Strait 8 (TS8). These climate change warriors face the threat of becoming some of the world’s first climate refugees due to rising sea levels. Tori-Jay's Faces of Change artwork, featuring the TS8 members with their totems, highlights the urgent need to protect our connection to nature, using the bridge as a symbol of unity.

‘Faces of Change’ installation. Artist: Tori Jay. (Image: Cecilia Le).

7. Royal Botanic Garden Sydney 

The Royal Botanic Garden offers a serene escape with beautiful light installations nestled among the greenery. This year’s project ‘Lightscape’ promises to create a magical, immersive experience, perfect for families or those looking for a quieter spot to enjoy the festival.

‘Lightscape’ at Royal Botanic Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Nest’ at Barangaroo Reserve

Experience the enchanting mating dance of brolgas, one of Australia’s native crane species, at Nest. Created by video artist Leila Jefferys, this serene installation features lifelike visuals that appear to float elegantly within a large circular structure.

Set on the tranquil Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo, Nest offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. Whether you watch the brolgas or join in the dance, this installation is sure to reconnect you with the beauty of nature.

‘Nest’ project Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo. Artist: Leila Jefferys. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is another Vivid hotspot, known for its vibrant light displays and water shows. This year, witness the awe-inspiring Hika Rakuyo, a celebration of the Japanese concept of transient beauty portrayed through native Australian flowers. Through an eight-minute holographic light and laser show, witness the blooming of flowers across the bay, serving as a poignant reminder of our connection to nature and the fragility of life.

'Hika Rakuyo’ at Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line, Ultimo:

Experience culinary delights at the Vivid Fire Kitchen, where global street food meets NSW's finest produce. Indulge in tandoor, teppanyaki, brisket, and satay dishes infused with top-quality ingredients. Don't miss live cooking demonstrations by leading chefs, offering tantalizing glimpses into their culinary mastery.

Vivid Fire Kitchen in Ultimo. (Image: Destination NSW)

TIPS FOR ENJOYING VIVID SYDNEY

• Plan Ahead: Check the Vivid Sydney website for the latest event schedules and map out your must-see installations.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
• Dress Warmly: Evenings in Sydney can be chilly in May and June, so bring a jacket.
• Stay Hydrated: With all the excitement, it's easy to forget to drink water. Stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up.
• Bring a Camera: You'll want to capture the stunning visuals, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone.

Vivid Sydney 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and wonder. Discover the infinite world of technology, creativity, and human spirit through light shows, culinary creations, and music performances. Plan your visit now and get ready to be dazzled by the magic of this special event.