Bondi AerialsCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial of Bondi Icebergs, Sydney.
#ilovesydney
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.
#ilovesydney
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
#ilovesydney
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
#lovensw #ilovesydney
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.
#ilovesydney
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.
More News
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
A line-up of globally renowned chefs will feature across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tickets on sale from Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com
Imagery: here
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.
This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.
Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.
This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said:
“After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.
“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said:
“Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”
Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said:
“Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
#feelnewsydney
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
Vivid Residence
Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.
Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”
Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
Vivid Chef Series
The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.
The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.
London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
Chef collaborations include:
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.
- Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.
Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.
Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.
Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”
Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.
Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
#feelnewsydney
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Media contacts:
Hannah Fedeli, +61437166571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency
Shannon Blanchard, +61432543377 or shannon@thecru.agency
James Toovey, Vivid Sydney PR Manager, +61407828310 or james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 14th year in 2024, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney attracts domestic and international visitors, fuelling economic growth while fostering a cultural celebration across Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.