Vivid Sydney 2023Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoys food and drink at DOPA, Donburi and Milk Bar, Vivid Sydney 2023.
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From wonder-inducing light displays, thought-provoking discussions and experiences, music that moves, and the best of the world's cuisines, Vivid Sydney offers full sensory immersion.
Key to this is Vivid Sydney’s Food program, which serves up an opportunity for both visitors and locals to gather, try something new and connect over a meal before heading out to be wowed by Light, Music and Ideas.
To help you feast, snack and refuel your way through the 23 nights of the festival, we’ve pulled together the top unmissable food experiences for Vivid Sydney 2024 below.
Travel the globe via your fork at Vividplace Food Trail
Step into a bustling night market in the pedestrianised laneways of Sydney Place and Bulletin Place for VividPlace Food Trail. There you can explore over 20 cafes, restaurants, and bars serving up their delicious fare until late.
Mi goreng toasties, rare Japanese whiskey, fresh-churned gelato, one-off Vivid Sydney specials – try it all amid vibrant light at this pop-up market. Stop in before or after catching the spectacle of the nearby Light Walk.
Enjoy the sizzle and smoke of Vivid Fire Kitchen
As humans, we’re drawn to fire – there’s something special about the flavour of food that’s been perfectly cooked using this primal source of heat. Smoky, succulent, crisp, caramelised – there’s nothing quite like it. That’s why Vivid Fire Kitchen is a must visit.
Food trucks, markets and barbecue stands will serve the best Filipino, Spanish, Sudanese, Lebanese, Greek, Mexican, Italian dishes, and much more.
Once you’ve had your fill of fire, it’s time for ice(-cream). Pop over to Messina Milk Bar for a classic Australian milk bar treat given a fun twist by the cult-favourite gelato brand. Not up for gelato? Grab some flame-kissed s’mores or a fresh Berliner doughnut back in the heat of the Fire Kitchen action.
Dorian Restaurant Credit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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Dorian Restaurant Credit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
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Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Snap, sample and sip at Aster
For those wanting an elevated Vivid Sydney experience, Aster offers an unrivalled view AND offering. Perched high within the InterContinental Sydney, this rooftop bar boasts panoramic views and a Vivid Sydney-exclusive menu that champions sustainability and innovation. Delight in the bespoke cocktails and a special two-course meal as you observe the Light Walk from this incredible vantage point. Plus, you’ll be able to post the best ‘gram going.
Luxurious experiences under $55
Vivid Sydney is all about offering experiences for all to enjoy, no matter the taste or budget. This year, you can sit at the bar at Sydney Opera House's iconic Bennelong Bar and enjoy a special snack and drink by Peter Gilmore for $55. A Vivid Sydney exclusive opportunity to experience what The New York Times dubbed the “holy grail of Australian restaurants” for an incredible price point.
If you’d prefer a full meal but still want the stunning views (and excellent price point) head to House Canteen for Taste, See, Connect. Here you can sit right below the Sydney Opera House sails and enjoy a pan-Asian feast. Dumplings, sushi, share plates, dessert and an incredible view of the harbour painted with Vivid Sydney lights. All for $49! Amazing value, in one of the best Vivid Sydney vantage points.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney 2023
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney 2023
Chin Chin, Go Go Room, Surry Hills Credit: Destination NSW
During Vivid Sydney 2023, Chin Chin guests enjoy Play with your Dinner, a unique food experience where everything is art and (almost) everything is edible.
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Chin Chin, Go Go Room, Surry Hills Credit: Destination NSW
During Vivid Sydney 2023, Chin Chin guests enjoy Play with your Dinner, a unique food experience where everything is art and (almost) everything is edible.
Dine with purpose
This year you can dine and make a difference at Vivid Sydney with Plates with Purpose – A Taste of Ukraine and Our Shared Humanity. At Kyiv Social’s Plates with Purpose, you can immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture and cuisine with a 10-course degustation. Here, each delicious mouthful will help support Ukrainian refugees through Plate it Forward.
Or dine at Refettorio OzHarvest for Our Shared Humanity where top chefs like Alex Prichard, Darren Robertson, Orazio D’Elia and more create innovative, delicious vegetarian fare from rescued ingredients, all while helping feed Sydney's vulnerable communities.
Discover something new!
There are plenty of hidden gems scattered like pomegranate seeds across the Vivid Sydney Food program. One of the most dazzling though, has to be Atelier by Sofitel, where a French-inspired menu and an unexpected view of the Light Walk await. Seen from the Darling Harbour point of view, the vantage point here allows you to take in a lesser seen perspective of the stunning Vivid Sydney lights. You’ll also walk away with a bespoke booklet packed with stories, chef anecdotes and the recipes from your meal. A sensory experience to treasure for years to come.
The VividPlace Food Trail and Vivid Fire Kitchen will both be a smorgasbord of interesting and new dishes from around the globe, in particular you’ll be able to sample street food sandwiches from Sudan at Vivid Fire Kitchen and elevated Korean omakase at the Food Trail. Plus, the Messina Milk Bar will be serving up their Vivid Sydney exclusive warm Milo fudge sundae, so get your spoons ready. If you’re into fusion food and keen to try something new, catch Mitch Orr for Our Shared Humanity. The Kiln head chef is well known for his creative, unexpected and delicious combinations and he’ll be sure to turn this vegetarian menu on its head.
From local favourites to international delicacies, Vivid Sydney Food is a chance to explore, connect and indulge. So, grab your mates, dates or relates and set off on a culinary adventure that's as dazzling as the lights of Vivid Sydney.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drinks in the House of Naturalia at Barangaroo House during Vivid Sydney 2023. Inspired by Vivid Sydney's 'Naturally' theme, Barangaroo House is transforming into the 'House of Naturalia'. Expect sustainable cocktails, a custom menu by Head Chef Tara Chua centred on the natural world, and projections that highlight rewilding conservation efforts.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drinks in the House of Naturalia at Barangaroo House during Vivid Sydney 2023. Inspired by Vivid Sydney's 'Naturally' theme, Barangaroo House is transforming into the 'House of Naturalia'. Expect sustainable cocktails, a custom menu by Head Chef Tara Chua centred on the natural world, and projections that highlight rewilding conservation efforts.
More Inspirational Stories
Vivid Sydney 2023Credit: Destination NSW
Family explores the Swarm light installation at Vivid Sydney 2023. Swarm is inspired by the mathematical precision of flocks of birds flying or schools of fish swimming in unison. Using flickering suspended LED tubes frozen in a spiral formation, this natural phenomenon repeated across our skies and seas is rendered into a thing of abstract beauty.
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How to do Vivid Sydney with kids
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Three family-friendly Vivid Sydney itineraries
Every year Vivid Sydney transforms the Harbour City into a playground of activity for families. From 24 May to 15 June, there’ll be a range of fun and kid-friendly events across Light, Music, Food and Ideas for curious families to choose from.
Make things easy: one night at a time
We understand that a big night out with the kids can be a juggling act, but your Vivid Sydney visit can be a breeze to plan, visit and enjoy.
Aside from arriving early to beat the crowds, one of our biggest recommendations for families with small kids is to focus your evening on one area each night. This way you can avoid the hassle of walking too far and tiring out those little feet too quickly. This also gives you time to enjoy or interact with each artwork or event without feeling rushed.
The Vivid Sydney program is so choc-a-block with amazing events, meals and experiences you can easily spend an evening in one area and walk away having had a wonderful, illuminating time together. Return later to repeat the experience again in a new location.
To make things extra easy, we’ve sketched out three location-based itineraries below so you can make the most of your time out-and-about with your kids this Vivid Sydney.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family explores Aperture at Vivid Sydney 2023. This inflatable labyrinth of sculpted walls, peepholes and framed openings is filled with surprising and secret scenes. Inspired by the natural fractures or ‘apertures’ caused by erosion that shape some of NSW’s most beautiful landmarks, this playful artwork invites you to look through the cracks formed and see anew.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family explores Aperture at Vivid Sydney 2023. This inflatable labyrinth of sculpted walls, peepholes and framed openings is filled with surprising and secret scenes. Inspired by the natural fractures or ‘apertures’ caused by erosion that shape some of NSW’s most beautiful landmarks, this playful artwork invites you to look through the cracks formed and see anew.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoys Night Walkers, Vivid Sydney 2023. If you’ve never spent time up-close with a frog, you might not appreciate how beautiful their intricate camouflage can be. In some species, they can even change colour and texture! Night Walkers supersizes these wonderous and endangered amphibians to highlight not just their beauty but also their ecological importance.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoys Night Walkers, Vivid Sydney 2023. If you’ve never spent time up-close with a frog, you might not appreciate how beautiful their intricate camouflage can be. In some species, they can even change colour and texture! Night Walkers supersizes these wonderous and endangered amphibians to highlight not just their beauty but also their ecological importance.
Night 1: Tumbalong Park
In the heart of Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park promises a night of free music, awe-inspiring light and easy, delicious dinner for families with kids of any age.
Parking: First Parking Darling Quarter (please note: bookings are essential, so make sure to plan ahead)
Nearest station: Town Hall Station (+10-min walk to Tumbalong Park)
Ages: 0+ (easy pram access)
Vibe: Enjoy new experiences and dance together under the stars.
Get those little feet moving to the beat!
Tumbalong Park welcomes music-loving kiddos at Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Stage every Saturday at 5pm for free family-friendly live shows. Catch stellar performances from Buuja Buuja Dance (25 May), The Beanies (1 June), Formidable Vegetable (8 June) and The Quokkas (15 June).
There’s also a choice of family-friendly performances for older kids from 7:30pm across the Tumbalong Nights program. Club Broadway (1 June) is great for little performers or families who love belting out show tunes in the car; Budjerah (15 June), an inspiring 22-year-old pop singer from the Bundjalung Nation; a colourful night of dance and rhythm at Sounds of Afrobeat (9 June); and Julbu Muna (25 May), which starts with a kids’ music and dance workshop from a First Nations led dance group. Explore the full program at vividsydney.com.
Hot tip: For science-minded eight to 12-year-olds, there’s the one-off Superheroes of Science on 1 June from 3-4:30pm. Poke around the lab, ask scientists and artists questions, make discoveries and gaze into microscopes before wandering down to Tumbalong Park for The Beanies show at 5pm and Club Broadway from 7:30pm. A full day of fun and adventure!
Gaze above, see into the past and imagine the future
Post-boogie at Tumbalong Nights, see nearby light installation Neolithic. Wander through this dazzling post-Stone age inspired structure hand-in-hand. Marvel at the stunning light patterns, dance to the Neolithic soundtrack and imagine what humans many, many moons ago were thinking as they gazed up at the night sky.
A bite to eat to fuel your fun
With food tracks and a bar (serving plenty of kid friendly options) right near the Tumbalong Park Stage, mealtime can be quick and convenient for when the tummy grumbles strike. Or make your way to Vivid Fire Kitchen, a night market serving flame-cooked NSW produce, just a 10-minute walk away.
More to see, touch and experience
A stone’s throw away from Tumbalong Park, you’ll also find captivating light installations Neuron and Hika Rakuyo and light projection BARANI. All three light works will spark the curiosity of young minds through storytelling, technology and wonder-inducing light displays. Each piece is an opportunity to teach your child something new too, from the science of the brain, First Nations wisdom to the connection between nature and humanity.
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO Credit: ETERNAL Art Space
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO
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Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO Credit: ETERNAL Art Space
Vivid Sydney 2024 - HIKA RAKUYO
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoys Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoys Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
Night 2: The Goods Line
The Goods Line precinct offers a wonder-filled night out for families with older kids with plenty to see, experience and taste.
Parking: Wilsons Market City Car Park Quay St (please note: bookings are essential, so make sure to plan ahead)
Nearest station: Central Train Station (+15-min walk to The Goods Line), Chinatown Light Rail Stop (+10-min walk to the Goods Line)
Ages: 6+
Vibe: A night of eye-opening adventure, new ideas and mesmerising fire for curious young minds.
Get up close and curious about our future
A New Normal is an immersive future-focused prototype hub where enquiring minds of all ages can see sustainable, innovative ideas up close and in action. Examine and sit on furniture made entirely from rubbish, feel the heat radiating from a sauna powered by leftover food and see below the bonnet of an old petrol car transformed into a solar-powered 'forever car'.
Global barbecue dishes to warm and delight tummies big and small
Then gather round the heat and enjoy a flame-seared meal at nearby Vivid Fire Kitchen. Here, you can weave between the smoke and firepits to select your dinner from the many sizzling options. With dishes from tandoor to teppanyaki, it’s a great opportunity to introduce your curious kid to something delicious and new or to sample a classic barbecue favourite like a sausage sandwich. After dinner, visit Messina Milk Bar for a scoop of nostalgia and a sweet treat for all.
More to see, just beyond the flame-seared action
Shining above all the fiery action, you’ll spot the giant neon letters of Humanity/Humility light up the rear wall of the Powerhouse. Not only is it striking, but it’ll also prompt further curiosity. Why not start a discussion on what the two words mean to you and your family?
Also at the Fire Kitchen you’ll find Window Dressing. A performance installation lighting up several windows of the Frank Gehry-designed building. Within each window, catch glimpses of performers as they act out intriguing, everyday scenes. With no dialogue, this is a fun opportunity to try and decipher together what each person is doing and imagine what their lives are like.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
A man has fun at the Common Ground light installation, Vivid Sydney 2023. Like us, the natural world has its moods: it can be troubled or serene, furious or loving, chaotic or caring. Common Ground takes us on an entrancing journey through nature's dramatic moments, heading towards a sanctuary of peace.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
A man has fun at the Common Ground light installation, Vivid Sydney 2023. Like us, the natural world has its moods: it can be troubled or serene, furious or loving, chaotic or caring. Common Ground takes us on an entrancing journey through nature's dramatic moments, heading towards a sanctuary of peace.
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Night 3: Circular Quay and The Rocks
The iconic Circular Quay offers a spectacular mix of visual and culinary fun, interactivity, and inspiration during Vivid Sydney, making it the perfect destination for families with little and big kids.
Parking: Sydney Opera House Car Park (please note: bookings are essential, so make sure to plan ahead)
Nearest station: Circular Quay Train Station or Circular Quay Light Rail Stop. On Saturday nights during the festival and on Sunday 9 June and Monday 10 June, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm. Please use Wynyard station and continue your journey to Circular Quay.
Ages: 0+ (easy pram access)
Vibe: Wander as you wonder at the dazzling lights and sample the best global food at a bustling night market just behind Circular Quay.
The quintessential Vivid Sydney experience through their wide eyes
Start by taking in the Lighting of the Sails: Echo by Julia Gutman at the Sydney Opera House, Sea, Sand and Stars on the MCA façade by Guan Wei and Gumscape with Road and Creatures at Customs House by Reg Mombassa. All three of these stunning projections have a story to tell about what it means to be human. Plus, the bold and striking art is sure to captivate your child’s imagination and curiosity. Encourage them to point out their favourite parts of each story and what they like most about each artist’s style!
A bustling night market with something for everyone
Once you’ve wondered around, you can then hop to the nearby night market at VividPlace Food Trail for a bite. Nestled in Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways, families can explore an array of international and local cuisines and Vivid Sydney-inspired specials in a lively, pedestrianised setting, no bookings needed. You can grab and go, or sit and eat, whichever suits your group best. There will also be light and fire displays in the mix, making for a lively and fun meal.
Squeeze in a bit more action
Want to see more? We suggest heading to First Fleet Park, right next to Circular Quay station, to enjoy Embrace. This piece invites participation, lighting up when your little one reaches up to hold one of the figure’s hands. A fun and dazzling way to encourage us to think about how we’re connected to the people around us. Just around the corner at Hickson Road Reserve, find the spectacular Connection. Here, you can wander through a rainbow canopy of LED ropes, where different switches trigger patterns and light displays.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Lighting of the Sails Echo (2024) by Julia Gutman
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Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Lighting of the Sails Echo (2024) by Julia Gutman
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the 'Vivid Kids' installation at Cadmans Cottage, The Rocks during Vivid 2023. Artist: Spinifex Group. Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Vivid Kids! This year a select group of young artists, aged 7-14, made works around the theme of ‘endangered species’, working closely with animators and light mappers from Spinifex to bring them to life. Come marvel in this delightful, unique experience!
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the 'Vivid Kids' installation at Cadmans Cottage, The Rocks during Vivid 2023. Artist: Spinifex Group. Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Vivid Kids! This year a select group of young artists, aged 7-14, made works around the theme of ‘endangered species’, working closely with animators and light mappers from Spinifex to bring them to life. Come marvel in this delightful, unique experience!