Sitting west of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour (including nearby Darling Quarter and Darling Square) is a one-of-a-kind destination packed with restaurants, bars, museums, boat cruises and more. It’s a great place to learn about Sydney’s rich maritime history, and home to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and more. During Vivid Sydney, the area is brought to life with a kaleidoscope of coloured lights. It's always a popular destination for families and home to Tumbalong Nights, the festival’s free outdoor program of contemporary music.

The Goods Line is a vibrant urban walkway in the heart of Sydney, a reinvention of an old railway line into a bustling passageway that connects a series of cultural, educational, and media institutions. This unique location combines heritage with innovation and is the perfect platform for Vivid Sydney events that blend art, technology and community interaction.

These bustling areas will showcase a vibrant selection of installations and performances across the 23 nights of the festival. From glittering Light Walk highlights to thought-provoking experiences, free contemporary live music and a bustling night food market, this slice of Sydney will come alive with all the Vivid Sydney action.

GETTING THERE

Sitting just on the edge of the city, there are lots of ways to get to Darling Harbour. The light rail has four stops here: Paddy’s Market, Convention, Exhibition and Pyrmont Bay. Catch a bus to Market, Park, Druitt, Bathurst or Liverpool streets and walk down towards the water. It’s just a short stroll from both Town Hall and Wynyard stations and ferries run regularly from Circular Quay.

The Goods Line is conveniently accessible via Central Station, connecting seamlessly to Sydney's public transport network. Visitors can begin their journey at Central, taking the Devonshire Street Tunnel and following this through northwest towards and past Lee Street. The pathway will then briefly open onto street level — continue underground, and you’ll arrive at The Goods Line. Alternatively, arrive by light rail, disembarking at the Chinatown Light Rail Stop, which is approximately a 10-min walk to the Goods Line.

FAST FACTS

• Number of Vivid Light installations: 15
• Number of Vivid Music venues: 1
• Number of Vivid Ideas venues: 5
• Number of Vivid Food venues: 6
• Closest public transport hub: Central and Town Hall

VIVID LIGHT

Hika Rakuyo

• Artist: ETERNAL Art Space (Japan)
• Collaborators: Shuichiro Iwanami / Tomoyuki Soramoto / Saeko Ehara / Shuta Yasukochi / Jordan Assaf / Martin Gabco / Matus Lalik / Drohi Parsa / Mojmir Dorniak / Martin Havra / Peter Prokopcak
• Location: Cockle Bay

Great for families | The Human Experience | The Natural World

Explore Hika Rakuyo, a Japanese concept that uses flowers and falling leaves as a metaphor for the transient beauty of life. This spectacular display of lasers and projections in the middle of Cockle Bay tells the story of nature and its fragility using native Australian flowers as its inspiration.

Neuron

• Artist: Juan Antonio Fuentes Muñoz (Spain)
• Location: Chinese Garden of Friendship forecourt

Interactive | Science & technology

A motion-triggered light installation that represents our brains at large scale. These strange yet beautiful sculptures are crafted from translucent material and LED light filaments. Approach this larger-than-life cluster and watch as the branches and neurons react, mirroring the activity in our own brains.

Neolithic

• Artist: REELIZE STUDIO (Australia)
• Collaborator: Krasang (Thailand)
• Location: Tumbalong Park

Great for families 

A blaze of lights above. A reverberating beat. A structure both ancient and modern. Welcome to Neolithic. It’s time to dance to the music from nearby Tumbalong Stage, wander through time and space and gaze at the hyper-brilliant LED canopy above. Neolithic is an opportunity to ponder our past, future and the human need for creativity that unites the two.

Omnivisu

• Artist: TheGreenEyl (Germany)
• Location: North Village Greens, Darling Quarter

Great for families | Interactive

A building that looks back at you. The otherwise faceless silhouette of our city is given a human touch with this playful, interactive art installation. Step up to our Omnivisu view finder in Tumbalong park, where two cameras film your eyes before projecting them onto a distant building. Feel like you’re being watched? You are.

BARANI

• Artist: Studio Gilay (Australia)
• Location: Australian National Maritime Museum

Great for families | First Nations Stories 

BARANI, a Gadigal word meaning yesterday, offers a new way to see the land on which we stand today. Using a unique blend of modern, digital illustration and First Nations iconography, a moving coming-of-age and mother-and-son story unfolds before us. This story of boyhood initiation from a Sydney Harbour many moons ago is a reminder to heed First Nations wisdom and the call to connect more deeply with the world around us.

Poem Booth

• Artist: VOUW Studio (The Netherlands)
• Location: Hay Street, Drling Harbour

Artificial Intelligence | Interactive

In a world increasingly driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), poetry is often championed as the last bastion of human creativity that can’t be replicated. Stand in front of Poem Booth and challenge this idea. These AI-powered poetry machines translate what they see in front of them into unique, truly creative pieces of poetry.

Humanity / Humility

• Artist: Sinclair Park (Australia)
• Location: Powerhouse Museum, The Goods Line

The Human Experience

A large, red neon word, ‘Humanity’, punctuates the darkness of night at The Goods Line. The sign flickers almost imperceptibly, as if broken. Upon closer inspection we see it intentionally switches between the words ‘Humanity’ and ‘Humility’. An ever-present backdrop to the Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen, this simple, bold and humbling message reminds us of our shared humanity in a world bombarded by technology.

Fireplaces

• Location: Vivid Fire Kitchen & Tumbalong Park

Great for families 

Hypnotic and mesmerising, fire brings light and warmth. In 2024, Vivid Sydney explores fire as one of the original sources of light and connection. Find our Fireplaces at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour and The Fire Kitchen at the Goods Line where giant fire pits, spectacular fire sculptures, flame throwers, fire barrels and mouthwatering BBQs are just some of what’s in store every night of the festival.

VIVID IDEAS

Window Dressing

• Location: Vivid Fire Kitchen, Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building
• FREE

This performance piece turns the Chau Chak Wing Building into a canvas of illuminated stories, inviting onlookers to peer into eight windows animated by performers, allowing us to indulge our natural curiosity about the lives of others. Right next to the Fire Kitchen action, this free show is a great way to extend your visit to The Goods Line. Please note: Window Dressing won’t be showing on Mondays during the festival.  

Superheroes of Science

• Location: University of Technology Sydney
• SOLD OUT  

Not all heroes wear capes – some of them wear lab coats! This immersive workshop, designed for kids aged 8-12, plunges you into the wonderful world of microscopic science. This experience is fully interactive — you’re invited to poke around, ask questions, make discoveries and gaze into microscopes.

A New Normal

• Location: The Harwood Building Courtyard & Carpark
• FREE

It’s time to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future with this interactive showcase of visionary projects. Wander through all the prototypes, including a food-scrap-powered sauna, furniture made from rubbish and a petrol to solar car conversion, all made for a greener world.   

Nowhere to Be

• Location: University of Technology Sydney, UTS Frank Gehry Building 8
• REGISTER FOR A FREE TICKET

31 cinematographers. 21 countries. 1 global pandemic. Nowhere to Be is an intimate documentary and invitation to see the COVID-19 pandemic with fresh eyes. Not only is it a profound montage of our bustling world in stillness, but it also beautifully captures the meaning of “unprecedented”, a word that lost meaning post-2020. Looking inward, and outward at a changed world, watch in real time as they examine hopes, regrets and offer profound reflections on this shared moment in time. Join for this free Australian premiere.

Say My Name: The Humanity of Names

• Location: University of Technology Sydney, The Great Hall
• REGISTER FOR A FREE TICKET

Explore what it means to have a so-called “unusual” name in a panel discussion led by Jan Fran. Hear personal stories, cultural histories, and leave with insights and tools for rectifying mispronunciations and working together for a more respectful and inclusive society.

Spirits of the Hoey

• Location: University of Technology Sydney, UTS Building 2
• SOLD OUT

It’s time to relive the glory days of legendary Sydney music venue, the Hopetoun Hotel through a panel chat and VR documentary. Featuring Hoey-regulars Sarah Blasko, Clyde Bramley, Sally Seltmann and more this is a fun and illuminating trip down memory lane.

REMIX Summit Sydney 2024

• Location: Australian National Maritime Museum
• Tickets from $335

Explore the scope and limits of human creativity at Australia's biggest creative industries summit, REMIX Summit Sydney 2024. Across two days of inspirational talks, discussions and networking, you’ll hear from and meet innovators across creative and cultural industries.

VIVID MUSIC

Tumbalong Nights

• Location: Tumbalong Park
• FREE

The beating heart of Vivid Sydney’s Light Walk, Tumbalong Park is your festival go-to for free and contemporary music. Celebrate our shared humanity as the best international voices and local talent take to our stage under the stars for 23 nights of free live music. Djs keep the vibes spinning from Sunday to Wednesday nights. Live music starts at 7.30pm each Thursday to Saturday (and Sunday 9 June) with kids shows start each Saturday from 5pm.

Line-up:

FRIDAY 24 MAY: SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM + TIFFI

Kick off Tumbalong Nights in style and immerse yourself in our first night of live music with the wry and dreamy sounds of Sydney’s tiffi followed by another local legend, Sneaky Sound System, with their infectious electro-pop sounds.

SATURDAY 25 MAY: JALBU MUNA

A night of multi-generational First Nations story telling through music featuring performances from legendary Christine Anu, Akala Newman, Kee’ahn and Deline Briscoe. Celebrate culture and Country with a brilliant line up of living legends and the rising voices of First Nations women curated by Yalanji woman and leading musician Deline Briscoe. And come early for free kids’ music and dance workshops from Buuja Buuja Dance from 5pm.

SUNDAY 26 – WEDNESDAY 29 MAY:

A selection of handpicked DJs take to Tumbalong Stage.

THURSDAY 30 MAY: FOREST CLAUDETTE + THE BLSSM

Two stars firmly on the rise, Melbourne based Forest Claudette and Sydney born, LA-based THE BLSSM (Sydney debut), will light up the night with neo-soul, alt-RnB and indie pop.

FRIDAY 31 MAY: BARE NECESSITIES

Celebrate the best global sounds and street party vibes with radio show turned block party Bare Necessities, a fixture of Sydney’s party scene. Expect high energy antics, big band brass, African drumming, dancing and music to groove to from around the world.

SATURDAY 1 JUNE: CLUB BROADWAY + THE CARPENTERS FROM KEMPSEY

Hit all the high notes with a night of theatrics and singalongs with hit musical-theatre nightclub Club Broadway. Direct from sell-outs across Australia, this is their debut outdoor event. Plus, catch the camp comedic stylings Carpenters From Kempsey. And come early for free kids’ music from The Beanies from 5pm.

THURSDAY 6 JUNE: WILDFIRE MANWURRK + BATTLESNAKE 

It’s time to rock hard with Arnhem Land’s Wildfire Manwurrk and the high-impact theatrics of Sydney glam rockers, Battlesnake.

FRIDAY 7 JUNE: K-INDIE FESTIVAL FEAT.SILICA GEL + SUNWOOJUNGA

Catch two of Korea’s most exciting K-Indie acts, indie rockers Silica Gel and jazz-pop artist sunwoojunga, in this Vivid Sydney exclusive performance in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre.  

SATURDAY 8 JUNE: GRENTPEREZ + FRIDAY*

A night of fresh sounds to elevate the Saturday night of your June long weekend – the R&B and vintage bossa nova croon of Grentperez and the genre-bending groove of FRIDAY*.

Come early for free kids’ music from Formidable Vegetable from 5pm.

SUNDAY 9 JUNE: SOUNDS OF AFROBEATS

A big night of rhythm, dance and colour with Sounds of Afrobeat. Get swept up in an electrifying celebration of African culture and music with larger-than-life performances, DJs and fire breathing.

MONDAY 10 – WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE: 

A selection of handpicked DJs take to Tumbalong Stage.

THURSDAY 13 JUNE: TEENAGE JOANS + LOLA SCOTT

A raucous night of all-female punk and pop energy awaits with Adelaide two-piece Teenage Joans and Sydney’s Lola Scott.

FRIDAY 14 JUNE: 3% PRESENTS 'KILL THE DEAD' ALBUM LAUNCH featuring Jessica Mauboy

Do not miss this special album launch for First Nations rap supergroup 3%. An unapologetic celebration of Blak culture, the night features a line-up of artists from the new record. Including special appearances from Jessica Mauboy, Say True God?, Tia Gostelow, Marlon and Denni.

SATURDAY 15 JUNE: BUDJERAH + JEM CASSAR-DALEY

Closing out Tumbalong Nights, the National Indigenous Music Awards 2023 Artist of the Year Budjerah will lift you up with his transcendent alt-pop. Plus, indie-pop sensation Jem Cassar-Daley will take you on a journey with her soulful storytelling. And come early for free kids’ music from The Quokkas from 5pm.

VIVID FOOD

Vivid Fire Kitchen

• Location: The Goods Line
• Free entry  

The Vivid Fire Kitchen is a celebration of the universal language of BBQ. Smoky, succulent, crisp, caramelised – there’s nothing quite like cooking with fire. Food trucks, markets stalls and barbecue stands will serve the best global dishes, from tandoori to teppanyaki and more. A bustling and delicious reflection of the diversity of Sydney’s vibrant food scene. Plus, local pit master Lennox Hastie, Australian culinary legend Christine Manfield and Michelin-starred Swede Niklas Ekstedt, amongst many others, will also be doing live cooking demonstrations. 

Messina Milk Bar

• Location: Vivid Fire Kitchen, The Goods Line
• Free entry

In the heat of the Vivid Fire Kitchen action, step into Gelato Messina’s whimsical twist on the classic Australian milk bar for a scoop or two of nostalgia. This modern interpretation of a 'mixed business' will have you scooping up gelato-infused chocolate bars, dixie cups, tailor-made milkshakes and spiders. Not to mention their warm Milo fudge sundae, a Vivid Sydney exclusive.  

Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection

• Location: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
• Tickets from $130

Spectacular on several levels, this French-inspired four-course experience is set against a backdrop of Darling Harbour's dazzling display of Vivid Sydney lights. An uncommon view of the festival lights, and an unforgettable meal spotlighting the best NSW produce. Guests are also gifted a bespoke booklet, which has messages from the chefs, the story behind each course and full recipes.

PARTNERS

Sennheiser Mirrorbox

• Location: Tumbalong Park

This immersive audio journey creates a space for visitors to reflect on the sounds that surround them. By blending AI with collective meditation, sound design with haptic feedback and visual spectacle with internal reflection, the Sennheiser Mirrorbox explores the connection between sound and human identity. 

Beauty Sleep by Estee Lauder

• Location: Darling Square

A sleeping facial sculpture installation located along the famed Vivid Sydney Light Walk will take participants on a journey of light, revealing the promise of skin that is lit from within. Beauty Sleep by Estée Lauder will be an artistic expression of Estée Lauder’s expertise in skin circadian rhythms and night-time renewal processes.

Kia Kaleidoscope

• Location: Darling Harbour

Step up to Kia Kaleidoscope, a stunning, textural projection map which lights up the all new Kia EV5. The body of the car transforms into a literal kaleidoscope of pattern, colour and movement, echoing the fun and innovative nature of the Kia EV5.

For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Destination NSW 

• James Toovey – PR Manager Vivid Sydney 
• PH: +61 407 828 310 
• james.toovey@dnsw.com.au                  

Ogilvy PR 

• Jacqueline O’Neill  
• PH: +61 449 107 774 
• jacqueline.oneill@ogilvy.com 

ABOUT VIVID SYDNEY 

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2024 theme, ‘Humanity,’ sparks reflection and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW's cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation.

ABOUT DESTINATION NSW 

Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.