Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family taking a photo in The Rocks during Vivid Sydney.
#vividsydney #feelnewsydney
You’re never too young to soak up the soul of the city. Vivid Sydney is the perfect place to let the kids’ creativity and imagination run wild as they explore a live canvas of light, music and ideas. Taking over the city from 27 May to 18 June, Vivid Sydney will be diving into what makes Sydney tick. It’s a time to inspire little hearts and minds to learn more about our people and our place.
Here are the top tips to make the most of the Vivid Sydney. You’ll be creating bright memories for the whole family.
Vivid Sydney 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
Children taking selfies in front of the 'New York Sunday' projection on Museum of Contemporary Art Australia during Vivid Sydney 2022.Artists:Helen Eager (Australia) / Julian Reinhold (Australia) / Rico Reinhold (Australia)
#vividsydney #feelnewsydney
Vivid Sydney 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
Children taking selfies in front of the 'New York Sunday' projection on Museum of Contemporary Art Australia during Vivid Sydney 2022.Artists:Helen Eager (Australia) / Julian Reinhold (Australia) / Rico Reinhold (Australia)
What to do
Wild Lights at Taronga
The city’s favourite family destination shines even brighter during Vivid Sydney, when gigantic, illuminated animal figures will encourage children and adults alike to have hope for a healthy planet. Best to book tickets in advance.
Vivid House, Darling Square
Delight in this 360-degree sensory extravaganza where art and music collide to create an unforgettable series of 3D walk-through experiences.
Halo, Darling Harbour
Families are invited to make their own music at this innovative and interactive installation that brings fellow festival-goers together in a shared moment of spontaneous creativity.
Sydney Infinity
Darling Harbour: Bring the whole family to enjoy the largest liquid and light spectacle ever seen in Australia. This superscale, 360-degree experience over the waters of Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour will create a truly magical experience not to be forgotten.
Bump in the Night, Darling Harbour
Wander through this beautifully illuminated campsite, where peaceful snores can be heard coming from the tents. But be careful – any noise you make could wake the sleeping campers inside, or the chorus of animals (both native and mythical) around you.
Vivid Sydney 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
Family interacting with the 'Halo' light installation in Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2022.Artists:illumaphonium: Gemma Davis (United Kingdom) / Michael Davis (United Kingdom)
#vividsydney #feelnewsydney
Vivid Sydney 2022 Credit: Destination NSW
Family interacting with the 'Halo' light installation in Darling Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2022.Artists:illumaphonium: Gemma Davis (United Kingdom) / Michael Davis (United Kingdom)
Tunes to get the little one’s dancing
Vivid Kids @ Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Vivid Sydney presents delightful free programming for kids every Saturday night from 5pm-6pm in Tumbalong Park. Don’t miss family-favourite acts like The Vegetable Plot, Teeny Tiny Stevies and Play School legend Justine Clarke.
Tumbalong Nights, Darling Harbour
Let the littlies get their groove on with free music every Wednesday to Saturday night during Vivid Sydney. There’s a mix of Australia’s top musical acts and local up-and-comers, with the family-friendly Hot Potato Band, Mama Kin Spender + Kee’ahn and Haiku Hands + Ajak Kwai taking to the stage from 7pm.
Vivid Music at Central Station
Jump on the train with all the family to Vivid Sydney and get off at Central Station. Before you hit the Light Walk stop by the music stage on Central Station Grand Concourse and delight in brass bands, folk music and traditional Hungarian Romani-Gypsy tunes.
Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Children enjoying the 2019 Vivid Music event Kiddo Disco with DJ Kate Munroe at Home The Venue, Darling Harbour.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Children enjoying the 2019 Vivid Music event Kiddo Disco with DJ Kate Munroe at Home The Venue, Darling Harbour.
Where to refuel
If you’re looking for breakfast on the run, grab coffee, juice and delicious French pastries or baguettes from La Renaissance, on Argyle Street. The cake menu is exceptional and there are options for all dietary needs.
Belles Hot Chicken, at Barangaroo, has something for the whole brood — the kids will love the chicken tenders and mac and cheese, and parents can enjoy natural wines and Belle’s famous Chicken Sandwich.
An Aussie icon, The Glenmore on Cumberland Street is a great dinner spot and offers a fun atmosphere and views of the spectacular Sydney Opera House. The kid’s menu includes favourites such as popcorn chicken and fish and chips, while grown-ups can choose from elevated pub classics.
You’ll find the ‘world’s most Instagrammed cake’ — the exquisite strawberry watermelon cake — at Black Star Pastry, in The Galeries on George Street. It comes in slices or you can order a small or large cake for celebratory events. Or go against the grain and make your selection from the luscious cake range.
For an after-dinner treat, head to Gelato Messina at Gateway at Macquarie Place facing Circular Quay, for outstanding ice-cream.
La Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying coffee and pastries at La Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe, The Rocks.
#feelnewsydney
La Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying coffee and pastries at La Renaissance Patisserie and Cafe, The Rocks.
Where to stay
A long-established part of Sydney’s skyline, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on George Street is perfectly placed for guests to experience the best of the stunning harbour and city centre. The Family Fun package includes gifts for the kids, an in-room kids’ movie experience, daily breakfast at Mode Kitchen & Bar for two adults and two children aged under 12, themed linen and a tent experience when you stay in a suite. Fabulous city views, plush king beds and soaker tubs make the suites ideal for parents too.
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay offers a touch of luxury and easy access all of the city’s main attractions. The hotel’s Sydney Family Saver package includes luxury accommodation in a spacious room, a surprise pack for all young guests, breakfast for two children and two adults, and free meals in the restaurant for those aged under 12 at all other times. The kid’s version of high tea makes everyone feel special, and the rooftop pool is a fabulous place to cool down after a day of exploring.
The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney, on Gloucester Street, offers apartment-style accommodation with beautiful Sydney Harbour and city skyline views. The spacious living and dining rooms give you room to spread out, and the fully equipped kitchenettes makes it easy to keep everyone fed.
Vivid Sydney will run for 23 nights from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June 2022. For more information go to www.vividsydney.com and get social using @vividsydney #vividsydney.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
#feelnewsydney
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.