Vivid Sydney 2025 In Conversation with Martha StewartCredit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney 2025
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The world’s original global influencer, long before the term existed, Martha Stewart, is set to join Vivid Sydney for an exclusive, one off, In Conversation event.
Martha will reflect on her extraordinary career, the evolution of her personal brand and the changing face of food, design and home life. She’ll also share candid insights into her most memorable moments in popular culture—and what it really takes to stay relevant for over four decades.
“I have made some wonderful memories traveling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney. The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career”, says Martha Stewart. “I’m always looking for inspiration when I travel so I’m excited to see what Sydney has to offer.”
In Conversation with Martha Stewart will take place at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, 28 May.
The first self-made female billionaire, Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award® winning television host, and best-selling writer of 101 books. The go to source for homemaking and culinary inspiration around the world, Martha didn’t just live the American Dream - she defined it.
From her first book, Entertaining, published in 1982, Martha Stewart has remained a household name. Never far from pop culture’s pulse, she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2023 and, last year, was the subject of Netflix’s watercooler documentary Martha.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini says, “Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable, and one-of-a-kind events to visitors. It’s incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year’s theme of Dream more than Martha Stewart.”
Vivid Sydney Hero Images 2025 Credit: Destination NSW
Australia’s largest event will once again transform the Harbour City in 2025, from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June – with the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream as it dares to answer the question: What’s in a dream?
#vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Hero Images 2025 Credit: Destination NSW
Australia’s largest event will once again transform the Harbour City in 2025, from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June – with the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream as it dares to answer the question: What’s in a dream?
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper says, “Martha Stewart is a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship, and her inclusion in Vivid Sydney 2025 reaffirms the festival’s ability to bring the world’s boldest characters to our Harbour City. With an array of experiences across Light, Music, Ideas and Food waiting to be discovered, we encourage every visitor to immerse themselves in all this year’s festival has to offer.”
Martha Stewart is the latest in Vivid Sydney’s Global Storyteller series, designed to bring together the world’s brightest minds and creative leaders to provide new forms of creative exchange and interactive engagement. Previous speakers include, pop culture sensations Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White, comedic visionary Amy Poehler, local superstar Troye Sivan, and Hollywood trailblazers Baz Luhrmann and Spike Lee.
Vivid Sydney will be held from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June. More festival announcements are set to be made soon.
Tickets to In Conversation with Martha Stewart are on sale Friday, 4 April at 9.00am AEDT at vividsydney.com.
More Inspirational Stories
Whale watching, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
A whale breaches out of the water off Sydney waters.
#feelnewsydney
Every year from May to October, some of the largest animals to ever exist travel north (then back south) the NSW coast and Sydney offers a perfect vantage point to see them on their journey. Known as the Humpback Highway, the stretch of coast sees more than 40,000 humpback whales (plus the occasional southern right whale) travel from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm bays of Queensland.
Whether on a picturesque headland or a speedboat out on the water, you can spot the creatures glide past on their journey north at the beginning of the season, then returning, with a new family, around October to November. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of the whales, each 40 tonnes and the size of a firetruck, perform a fin wave, feed their young or even burst out of the water and crash into the ocean’s waves leaving you feeling utterly in awe of the complexity and beauty of nature. The best time to catch a glimpse is right in the middle of the migration season, in June to July, when the majority of the pods will be cruising past. So, bring your binoculars: here’s the pick of Sydney’s whale-watching spots, from north to south.
Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach
At the northern edge of Sydney, 45km from the city, Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach is where the whales swim the last leg of their migration before birthing calves between the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also where you’ll get the first sight of the humpback calves on their way back. For the best view, hike up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, just over 90 metres above sea level, for sweeping views along the coast — keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale burst of spray.
North Head, Manly
Take the memorable ferry ride from Sydney Harbour to Manly, make your way through the buzz of cafes and bars to the cool, quiet bushland of North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Perched high above the water, elegantly designed Burragula (southern lookout) and Yiningma (northern lookout) show off uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. The paved Fairfax walk connecting the two lookouts is an easy 1km track delivering coastal bush scenery plus more epic ocean views.
West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
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West Head Lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Barrenjoey Headland viewed from West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
#feelnewsydney
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
South Head, Watsons Bay
A lesser-known ferry ride is the pretty 25-minute commute to Watsons Bay, on the other side of harbour and the base of South Head. Embark on the 2km South Head Heritage Trail and soak up spectacular beach and harbour views as you make your way to the vista. If you have no luck there, continue on to the Gap lookout. Afterwards, refuel with a classic fish and chips (or an extravagant seafood platter) and ridiculously gorgeous harbour views at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
Cape Solander, Kurnell
Head to Cronulla, the beachy capital of the Sutherland Shire, and nab your supplies for a whale watching adventure in Kurnell, the lands of the Gweagal people and the site where Captain Cook first landed in Sydney. From Silver Beach (netted for safe swimming) walk out to Cape Solander, one of the best vantage points for whale watching in Sydney. If you’re keen to add on a hike, head south on the Cape Bailey walking track, an 8km loop offering panoramic views and more whale watching opportunities.
Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Watsons Bay, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Watsons Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
#feelnewsydney
Whale Watching, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Humpback whale spotted off Sydney Heads on its annual migration along the NSW coastline.
The Coast Track, Royal National Park
Pack your adventurous spirit and traverse one of Sydney’s most renowned hikes, The Coast Track, a winding 26km trail between Bundeena and Otford. Hugging the cliffs for much of its route, the entire track will take up to two days (but speedy walkers can do it in one) and offers plenty of lookout points to spot humpbacks and southern right whales on their journey up or down the coast. Although June and July are the best time for spotting whales, the spring months (when whales are returning with their young) see the track painted in wildflower blooms.
On the water
Meet the magnificent creatures in their world via a whale-watching cruise, departing regularly from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly and Cronulla during the season. The cruises follow the whale pods (from a safe distance) along the coast, with vessels ranging from fast and nimble speedboats with tours like Ocean Extreme and Manly Ocean Adventures, to larger ferry-style boats with Captain Cook Cruises, Oz Whale Watching, Whale Watching Sydney and Cronulla Whale Watching, to name a few.
Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.
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Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying harbour views aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel in Sydney Harbour.
Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.
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Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW
The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.