Bondi AerialsCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial of Bondi Icebergs, Sydney.
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Sydney’s globally renowned Bondi Icebergs will be part of the FightMND’s annual Big Freeze fundraiser for the first time ever this Queen’s Birthday long-weekend, with the most spectacular beachfront pool in the world set to stage a special Icebergs Celebrity Challenge.
The famous Icebergs pool, which is located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, has been the home of winter swimming since 1929. On Monday 14 June it will stage the ultimate FightMND icy challenge as Melbourne’s Jack Viney, Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe and Channel 7 Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran, go head-to-head to see who can spend the longest amount of time in the chilly Icebergs pool in a kayak filled with ice.
The Sydney Icebergs FightMND Icebergs Challenge will be hosted by Sydney Swans legend Jude Bolton. The Challenge will be screened as part of the blockbuster AFL Round 13 Queen’s Birthday holiday match between Melbourne and Collingwood, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the culmination of a bumper weekend in Sydney.
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A Summer's day at the Bondi Icebergs Club, Sydney.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
A Summer's day at the Bondi Icebergs Club, Sydney.
NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “We are thrilled to host this incredible AFL match and FightMND’s Big Freeze in Sydney this Queen’s Birthday holiday. What better way to put a Sydney spin on the Big Freeze than an Icebergs Challenge at the home of winter swimming, Bondi Icebergs, overlooking beautiful Bondi Beach,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is the place to be this Queen’s Birthday long weekend. I encourage locals to book a ticket to the Big Freeze match at the SCG and purchase a blue FightMND beanie supporting a truly worthwhile cause. Even if you’re in regional NSW or interstate, you can tune into the game on Seven and use the long weekend to plan and book your own blockbuster Sydney getaway,” he said.
‘Play On ‘with Big Freeze, now in its seventh season, will transform the SCG into a sea of blue beanies on Monday afternoon, shining a light on AFL legend Neale Daniher and his fight against motor neurone disease. Daniher and the FightMND team have led the way in raising funds and awareness since 2014, committing more than $45 million to research initiatives.
Sydney Cricket Ground, aerial Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Aerial of Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) at dawn
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Sydney Cricket Ground, aerial Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Aerial of Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) at dawn
Gary Pert, Melbourne Football Club CEO added: “The Big Freeze is an incredibly important match on the football calendar. One of the elements that makes the Queen’s Birthday game such a blockbuster is the crowd that it draws each year - so it was important that we explored all options to ensure that energy around the game continued.
“We are pleased that by moving the game to the SCG that Sydneysiders and our interstate members will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the Big Freeze and play their role in supporting the fight against MND.”
FightMND Campaign Director, Bec Daniher said: "FightMND has set a goal to raise an additional $2-million before half-time of the Big Freeze match on Monday. We encourage everyone in NSW to help us reach this target. Donate or buy a beanie at fightmnd.org.au or pick up a beanie from Coles, Coles Express or Bunnings.
"FightMND is pleased to bring our Big Freeze message to the people of NSW. Our goal is to freeze MND and provide hope for families living with MND. Please buy a beanie or make a donation and help us 'beat the Beast' that is MND."
Fans can tune into to watch all the action from the Bondi Icebergs Challenge in the official Big Freeze pre-match broadcast from 2pm (AEST) on the Seven Network nationally, with additional coverage on FOX FOOTY and live steam via Kayo from 2pm (AEST).
Sydney Solstice Highlights Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Solstice 2021
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Sydney Solstice Highlights Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Solstice 2021
BOOK A BLOCKBUSTER GETAWAY TO SYDNEY THIS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND
There has never been a better time to book a trip to Sydney. From the buzzing nightlife at Sydney Solstice to the bright lights of Vivid Sydney, here are 10 Sydney winter getaway ideas to energise and excite you:
- Experience Sydney’s dynamic and diverse night-time economy through Sydney Solstice. From 8-20 June, four local precincts including the CBD, Darling Harbour, Oxford Street and Newtown will feature more than 200 events, celebrating the city’s outstanding music, food, drink, arts and culture offerings.
- Journey through an extraordinary playground of the unexpected at Vivid Sydney 2021. From Friday 6 August to Saturday 28 August, Sydney will be transformed into a mesmerising kaleidoscope of light, music and ideas with more than 200 events celebrating diversity, resilience, Aboriginal culture and vibrant creative community.
- Discover the laidback beach lifestyle of Bondi. Stay at the chic QT Bondi situated just five minutes’ walk from the sandy shores, dine at Panama House on Latin-American fare, and at the iconic Bondi Icebergs clubhouse, take in some of Sydney’s best beachside views overlooking the historic pool.
- Be wow-ed at Sydney’s iconic theatres and galleries. Musical lovers can take a seat at the Sydney Lyric Theatre to experience Australia’s first performance of the record-breaking musical Hamilton. While art lovers can stroll through the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) to view its newest exhibition - Hilma af Klint: The Secret Paintings.
- See the things that make Sydney famous. Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge from a new perspective with BridgeClimb’s The Burrawa Climb. Keep things serene with a Sydney Harbour kayak tour with OzPaddle, then pop ashore to unearth the magic beneath the sails with a Sydney Opera House behind-the-scenes tour.
Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2019.
#ilovesydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2019 Credit: Destination NSW
Views of Harbour Lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2019.
Smoke Bar, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of Barangaroo House in Barangaroo, Sydney.
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Smoke Bar, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Exterior view of Barangaroo House in Barangaroo, Sydney.
- Indulge in world-class dining. Brand new to Sydney’s Circular Quay is Hinchcliff House – encompassing four new venues in a refurbished wool store: all-day Italian diner Grana on the ground floor, lively restaurant Lana on the first floor, basement cocktail den Apollonia, and Hinchcliff House Events on the top floor. Japan’s finest comes to Barangaroo with Sydney’s very own outpost of Nobu and at Ezra in Potts Point find Israeli fare with contemporary flair.
- Rediscover that holiday feeling at luxe new hotels. Luxury comes with ultimate views at Barangaroo’s brand new Crown Sydney, in the heart of the city A by Adina puts a modern spin on apartment hotels and newcomer to the CBD, Skye Suites, offers architectural wonder with two-bedroom suites and kitchen facilities.
- Get to know the city on foot. Gain some insight into the history of Sydney’s buildings on an architectural tour with Splendour Tailored Tours, or capture iconic shots of the city on a walking photography tour with Picture Me Sydney.
- Cocktails and dreams, Sydney style. In Barangaroo, slip upstairs to sleek rooftop bar Smoke, at Sydney’s highest cocktail lounge, Bar 83, soar high above the city CBD on the 83rd floor of Sydney Tower and at the opulent Maybe Sammy enjoy some of the world’s top cocktails.
- Decadent day tripping. Soar above the clouds with Sydney Seaplanes, indulge in a gourmet lunch package following a scenic flight that takes in Sydney's famous Harbour, Eastern Beaches, Northern Beaches, and the beautiful Hawkesbury River.
For more information, visit www.sydney.com.
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Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com