Vivid Sydney 2023Credit: Destination NSW
Views of harbour lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023.
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Every year 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 encourage cultural exchange across the Harbour City. This year the festival theme of ‘Humanity’ will spark connection, wonder and reflection.
If you haven’t visited Vivid Sydney before (or need a refresher), read on. Discover the best vantage points to see the Light Walk, how to score the best tickets and where to savour the most delicious food and drinks. Find everything you need to know below.
Sydney lights up at 6pm every night
Lights On happens each night at 6pm. This is when the festival’s light installations and projections spring to life across the Vivid Sydney Light Walk from Circular Quay, across the CBD to the Goods Line.
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk
The Vivid Sydney Light Walk is an 8km stretch dotted with all the festival’s Light installations and projections. It runs from Circular Quay, around The Rocks, through Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Tumbalong Park, all the way to The Goods Line.
Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes and make sure you pack your camera – or make space on your phone to capture some stunning shots. Read our photography tips from Australia’s leading landscape photographer Daniel Tran so you can take some pictures that really stand out.
Top tip: take your time to explore the Light Walk over 2-3 nights!
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Barerarerungar installation at The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks during Vivid 2023. Artist: Maree Clarke Barerarerungar, meaning ‘Country’ in the Kulin Nation language of Boonwurrung, draws from the artist’s three decades of reclaiming and resurfacing south-east First Nations art and cultural practices. This work evokes Maree Clarke’s necklaces made with river reeds, a symbol of safe travel and friendship.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Barerarerungar installation at The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks during Vivid 2023. Artist: Maree Clarke Barerarerungar, meaning ‘Country’ in the Kulin Nation language of Boonwurrung, draws from the artist’s three decades of reclaiming and resurfacing south-east First Nations art and cultural practices. This work evokes Maree Clarke’s necklaces made with river reeds, a symbol of safe travel and friendship.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations over Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023, as seen from Quay West , Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations over Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023, as seen from Quay West , Sydney.
Vivid Sydney is so much more than a light festival
Let music move you
The Vivid Music program offers a diverse range of exclusive concerts, free gigs and a late-night Supper Club. There’s something to get everyone moving.
Vivid Sydney also hosts a whole range of free live music events for all ages and tastes at Tumbalong Nights at the Tumbalong Park Stage at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. Here, catch a diverse range of acts like Budjerah, Mallrat, grentperez, 3%, Club Broadway and Vivid Kids at Tumbalong. Plus, you can also step into nearby immersive installation Neolithic.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House and Vivid Sydney at Carriageworks are a great place to start if you’re looking for global and local music icons. With multiple venues, there is always someone incredible to see, plus you when taking in a Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House show you can also enjoy the stunning projections on the Sydney Opera House sails.
This year, Vivid Sydney takes up residence in a new home for cutting-edge music at the Machine Hall Precinct. This reimagined 100-year-old substation will come alive with the best boundary-pushing music, from around the world and around the corner like Deerhoof, Jen Cohler and Ngulmiya.
Plus, every Thursday and Friday of the festival, Mary’s Underground is transformed into Vivid Sydney Supper Club. A hub of late-night cabaret, curators Rhys Nicholson and Georgia Mooney have a jam-packed program of comedy, music and left-of-field variety nights up their sleeve.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
Leave with a fresh perspective
Vivid Sydney’s Ideas program is a forum for inspiration. An opportunity to challenge and reshape how we think about the world and our place in it.
Beyond just talks, we explore this year’s theme of humanity through live performances, walking tours, panel discussions, immersive dance pieces and other thought-provoking experiences. Spark your empathy, intellect and imagination with program highlights like Shifting Perspectives, A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, Golden Age of Humanity, Window Dressing and After The Fact.
Come and change your mind, learn something new and feel more connected to one another.
Hungry for more
Vivid Food offers a smorgasbord of dining options. From high-end dining with a spectacular view at Vivid Residence, to the best of the world’s flame-cooked street food at Fire Kitchen, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. Plus, this year you can dine and make a difference with Plates with Purpose – A Taste of Ukraine and Our Shared Humanity.
This year Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways in the CBD will be transformed into a pedestrianised night market for Vivid Sydney. Head to VividPlace Food Trail for the best of the globe, open late.
In addition to the culinary delights the Vivid Food program has to offer, Sydney is packed with incredible bars and restaurants for quick bites or a full degustation. The city gets very busy during Vivid Sydney, so we recommend making a reservation of you’re planning a sit-down dinner.
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
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Sydney Town Hall for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023
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Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Sydney Town Hall for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023
Getting here and home again
Our advice is: leave the car at home. There is limited parking and several road closures in the CBD, so opt for public transport instead. You can take the train or bus to Wynyard, Town Hall, or Martin Place to be close to the action, or catch a ferry into Circular Quay. It’s a great way to see the lights from the water!
There are also accessibility facilities and services available to Vivid Sydney visitors who need them, such as accessible drop-off and pick-up points, and bookable accessible mini-buses.
Vivid Sydney is for the whole family
Vivid Sydney is for everyone – including the little ones! If you’re visiting with children, we recommend getting here early to beat the crowds, and consider visiting earlier in the week as the Light Walk can get very busy on the weekends.
There are also free ID wristbands available at Vivid Sydney Information Booths, which are helpful should your child get lost. You can also download a printable map of Vivid Sydney to keep to hand so you can find your closest information point or plan a meetings point should your group get split up.
Stay up to date
Make sure you’re the first to know about events, tickets and all things Vivid Sydney by signing up to MyVivid. You can even let us know your preferences, so you hear about the events we think you’ll love.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Friends explore Dandelion, Vivid Sydney 2023. Make a wish, take a deep breath and come watch Dandelion blow - either from afar or head inside! This 4,000kg steel recreation of the flowerâs wispy petals is a testament to the surprising strength of its namesake, continually moving in a dazzling dance of wind and light.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Friends explore Dandelion, Vivid Sydney 2023. Make a wish, take a deep breath and come watch Dandelion blow - either from afar or head inside! This 4,000kg steel recreation of the flowerâs wispy petals is a testament to the surprising strength of its namesake, continually moving in a dazzling dance of wind and light.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: 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.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: 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.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.