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 Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple warms up at Vivid Fire Kitchen, Vivid Sydney 2023. Vivid Fire Kitchen brings together Sydney's hottest dining concepts with local and internationally-acclaimed pitmasters and a collection of the finest NSW producers, curated drinks and fire-inspired cocktails for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple warms up at Vivid Fire Kitchen, Vivid Sydney 2023. Vivid Fire Kitchen brings together Sydney's hottest dining concepts with local and internationally-acclaimed pitmasters and a collection of the finest NSW producers, curated drinks and fire-inspired cocktails for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities
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!
More Inspirational Stories
Firedoor, SydneyCredit: Nikki To
Chef Lennox Hastie in the kitchen at Surry Hill's Firedoor restaurant.
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Renowned for the sparkling harbour and balmy evenings, Sydney reveals a slew of new flavours as the hot days turn to cool and colourful nights this winter. Where comfort food reigns supreme, from fine dining takes on classic dishes to cult-status budget friendly eats – refuel with some delicious winter warmers in the harbour city.
Firedoor
The hottest seat in town is the counter at Firedoor. Literally. Escape the winter breeze and be warmed by the heat of the wood-fired oven, which can reach 1600C, as you watch Lennox Hastie and his team cooking over charcoal, embers and open flames. Everything is kissed by smoke, from fat oysters to fresh vegetables and memorable steaks - dry aged for around 150 days, it’ll thrill your taste buds in a way you never thought possible.
Fred’s
The crackling fire over the open hearth is a sign of what’s to come at Fred’s. From a daily changing menu featuring freshly caught seafood and mouth-watering steaks - you can see and hear the chefs prepare your meal so that it feels as if you’re part of the kitchen. The rhythmic chop of the knives, the bubbling water as it boils and the hiss of the hot grills makes you forget bustling Oxford Street is just behind you as you immerse yourself in the theatre of a fine dining kitchen that has the rustic charm of a country farmhouse.
Ester
The concrete walls and woodfired oven at Ester create the sensation of stepping into a bunker, albeit one with deliciously scorched food. The modern Australian menu is peppered with native ingredients and while it’s not bush tucker, it is a unique taste of this land of sweeping plains. Think handpicked mud crab with claypot rice, king prawns with fermented shrimp butter and dry aged pork chop with a flavourful native spice rub cooked over charcoal.
Margaret
Retreat from the cool wintry nights with a heartwarming dining experience at acclaimed chef Neil Perry’s first solo restaurant – Margaret. Named in honor of his late mother, the 170 seat fine-diner combines the homestyle heart of mum’s cooking with a surprise twist of a chef at his peak. The chicken is done over a wood rotisserie, the fish has a gremolata crumb and the baked pear and raspberry pudding with vanilla sauce is just the thing to warm you up from the inside out.
Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
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Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
#feelnew #feelnewsydney
Margaret, Double Bay, Sydney Credit: Petrina Tinsley
Margaret by Neil Perry AM, presents modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a large focus on fresh local produce.
Bennelong
Set inside the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House, Bennelong’s curated menu offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Peter Gilmore’s dishes are as whimsical, memorable and quintessentially Australian as the restaurant’s setting. His lamington has all the nostalgic flavours of the beloved classic, with the addition of cherry jam, coconut cream ice-cream and chocolate ganache.
Chaco Ramen
For a delicious soul-soothing dish on a cool winter eve’, pay a visit to Chaco Ramen for one of their cult-status dishes - The Fat Soy ramen. The equivalent of a big, warm hug on a chilly day – this delectable velvety mix of broth, pork, chicken and fish, made rich and thick by the addition of pork fat is a true crowd pleaser, so pack a jumper and get in line.
The Duke of Clarence
A roaring fireplace, cozy Chesterfield couches you can sink into and wall-to-wall bookshelves make The Duke of Clarence a place to linger. Hidden in the centre of the harbour city, this 18th-Century inspired London Tavern is renowned for wholesome British eats ideal for cooler days – from home-cooked pies, to bangers and mash. Warm up your weekend with a memorable roast, and pick from one of four options every Sunday, each served with delicious Yorkshire puddings to soak up the rich gravy.
Restaurant Hubert
Descend the curved, wood-paneled staircase to Restaurant Hubert and lose yourself in a world made for bon vivants. Time is irrelevant here; this is the kind of place that makes you want to stretch your night out. Martinis in the bar turn into a dinner of French bistro classics with a twist, think roasted snails with XO butter, and live jazz that will convince you to linger a little longer over a digestif.
Aalia
Reveal a world you didn’t know existed at Aalia as you take your taste buds on an adventure through the lands of the Levant and Northern Africa. With chef Paul Farag at the helm, Middle Eastern food is elevated to fine dining status. He combines tradition with modern techniques to offer diners a time-travelling odyssey. Discover the old-world flavours of molokhia, geymar and kabsa as Farag spins his new-world interpretation of classic dishes.
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Bennelong Restaurant chef prepping in the kitchen. Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney.
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Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Bennelong Restaurant chef prepping in the kitchen. Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney.
Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.
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Restaurant Hubert, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drink at French restaurant Restaurant Hubert, Sydney.