Photo courtesy of Destination NSW
The world's largest festival of light, music and ideas returns to Sydney in May. For 23 nights from 26 May to 17 June, this Harbour City will be transformed into a colourful canvas by
VIVID Sydney. Visitors will be wowed by large-scale light installations and projections, music performances and creative workshops across several locations including Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Martin Place, Darling Harbour, Chatswood, Carriageworks, Barangaroo South, Kings Cross, Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Photo courtesy of instagram.com/hannahxmichaela
Owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, this major event celebrates Sydney as the creative hub for Australia as well as Asia Pacific. A record 2.31 million attendees came to Vivid Sydney in 2016 including more than 184,000 domestic and international visitors who travel to experience Vivid at night and the city's attractions by day. This year's festival promises a rich program of activities and events with the June long weekend and Friday to Sunday nights being festival's busiest nights.
Photo courtesy of Destination NSW
To help everyone enjoy the best of VIVID Sydney, Destination NSW and RedBalloon, Australia's leading online experience retailer, have teamed up to curate the best tours and activities within the city and surrounding regions. There are more than 225 experiences to choose from, showcasing 'things to do' across Sydney and surrounds including the city's iconic sights and landmarks, dining, family-friendly excursions and road trips. The objective is to encourage visitors to come for the lights and stay for the sights.
Here are some of the top things to see and do by day during VIVID Sydney.
Photo courtesy of Taronga Zoo Sydney
Sydney Harbour Cruise with Taronga Zoo entry - enjoy views of Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House combined with entry to the renowned Taronga Zoo. You get return cruise tickets, commencing from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay and also a ride on the Sky Safari cable car. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
VIVID Steakhouse lunch plus wine with free cocktails for 2 - Enjoy a romantic 2-course meat lovers lunch with wine, beer or soft drinks in the heart of Circular Quay. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
Jet Boat in Sydney Harbour - Enjoy 50 Minutes of jet boat rockin' at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour while taking in the sights of all the Harbour icons. There's also a full 'Jet Blast' experience and heart-stopping manoeuvre to keep your adrenalin flowing. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage
3-course lunch in the gardens with wine for 2 - indulge in the surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden with a bottle of wine for lunch. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
Helicopter flight over Sydney - The only way to see unblocked panoramic views of the city and its iconic attractions is by air. Your 30 minute helicopter flight will also take in views of the famous Bondi Beach and Manly. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of glass brasserie
Pre-VIVID dinner at Hilton Brasserie with beer or wine - The glass brasserie in Hilton Sydney sets the scene for you to savour some simple yet flavourful dishes by Luke Mangan, one of the top celebrity chefs from Australia. Wine and dine before heading out to explore the VIVID lights. Reserve
here.
Here are some of the top things to see and do by night during VIVID Sydney.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
Vivid BridgeClimb, Dance Floor in the Sky - Head over to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and join the climb over the weekend. You'll be treated to a special flashing VIVID Climb vest and spectacular views of the VIVID lights before ending the night in 70's dancing under the stars that's only available at this attraction. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
VIVID Lights Tall Ship Dinner Cruise - Hop on board a tall ship and enjoy the spectacular canvas of city lights that is only available from the water as well as dinner and live music. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
VIVID Progressive 3-course dinner with drinks for 2 - enjoy an evening of dinner experiences at 3 different restaurants in Darling Harbour. You can take in the spectacular waterfront views and city lights as you progress from one venue to another for your meal. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
VIVID Lights Penfolds Degustation Dinner Cruise - indulge in a luxurious 6-course degustation dinner with matched bin and vintage Penfolds wines on the harbour. Your evening also includes views of the spectacular lights of VIVID Sydney, live music, house spirits, beer and soft drinks. Reserve
here.
Photo courtesy of RedBalloon
VIVID Lights Haunted Sydney Ghost Tour - Take a walk on the dark side of Sydney with urban legends of lawlessness, slums overrun with mass burial pits, opium dens and restless spirits seeking revenge. Reserve
here.
