Tekno Train by Paul MacCredit: Evan Loxton
Tekno Train by Paul Mac as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
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Train travel will never be the same again: in an Australian first, Vivid Sydney today announced Tekno Train by Paul Mac, a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains service into a moving, sensory sound and light experience for 23 nights only.
Exclusive to Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, and in collaboration with Sydney Trains, Tekno Train by Paul Mac is set to radically reinvent the experience of train travel as a thrilling musical adventure for a limited time only.
Passengers will be treated to an original techno soundtrack composed by Paul Mac especially for Tekno Train, accompanied by immersive custom lighting that illuminates inside all carriages. As the train moves, the lights and music will rhythmically adjust to match the train’s speed and changing landscape outside, crafting a melodic and unforgettable ride through both Sydney’s city circle and disused train lines.
Ticketholders will take their seat on what appears to be a standard K set train, however as the train leaves Central Station, the adventure begins. Hidden lights and speakers will create a communal experience with synchronised lights, driven by techno music. The project sees Paul Mac continue a musical journey that shares his unique and emotional electronic dance music language in an unexpected setting.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Multi-ARIA Award winner Paul Mac composing the tracks on the tracks will lift a routine experience like jumping on a train in the city into a joyous moment and a unique, shared experience.
“Vivid Sydney keeps finding new and unique locations, and programming memorable one-off experiences, Tekno Train raises the bar yet again in 2024.”
Creator and composer Paul Mac, said: “Trains have always fascinated me. Their mix of rhythmic clicks and clacks, the screech of metal on metal, and the sound and smell of brakes are all interesting sensory experiences that everyone can relate to. Tekno Train will take things one step further. It will drive the music and lights, turning a commuter journey into a sensory rollercoaster.”
Tekno Train by Paul Mac Credit: Destination NSW
Tekno Train by Paul Mac as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
#vividsydney #feelnewsydney
Tekno Train by Paul Mac Credit: Destination NSW
Tekno Train by Paul Mac as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Embodying Vivid Sydney’s 2024 theme of ‘Humanity’, Tekno Train by Paul Mac celebrates the uniting power of music and community, leaning on a routine experience to create a joyous moment that brings people together. As public transport and mass transit become more vital in a sustainable future, the project will encourage audiences to find moments of joy, togetherness and wonder in the everyday.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “This year’s Vivid Sydney is focused on broadening perspectives, challenging preconceptions and celebrating humanity. Tekno Train by Paul Mac is a perfect example of how multiple artforms from the world’s brightest artists can transform everyday activities into something truly memorable. We’re thrilled to be able to work with Transport for NSW and Paul to bring this magical experience to our wonderful city and create unforgettable experiences that will captivate audiences from around the world.”
Tekno Train will offer two different 60-minute routes for festivalgoers to choose from, both departing from Central Station:
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The Scenic Route: Sit back and take in the sights and sounds of North Sydney as your journey is lit up over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and down a secret spur line to Lavender Bay. This is the slower of the two journeys and is better suited to families with kids ages 5 and up.
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Tech Express: Take it up a notch and go deep beneath the city with a pulsing techno thrill ride through City Circle and South Sydney. This is the more lively, full-bodied journey for those seeking a more fast-paced immersive experience.
Tekno Train by Paul Mac Credit: Destination NSW
Tekno Train by Paul Mac as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney
Tekno Train by Paul Mac Credit: Destination NSW
Tekno Train by Paul Mac as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tekno Train by Paul Mac promises to be a highlight of Vivid Sydney, running every night of the festival from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June. Tickets for the experience start at $13.90 for children (5-12 years) and $19.90 for an adult. Family pricing is also available at $59.90.
Tekno Train won’t be the only train on the network doing extra trips for Vivid Sydney. Throughout the Vivid Sydney season 400 additional rail services will be running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as additional bus and light rail options.
Tekno Train by Paul Mac is created and composed by Paul Mac in collaboration with Vivid Sydney and produced by Performing Lines. Lighting design is by SimpleMotion, audio design by Jands Pty Ltd, creative consultation by Garry Wotherspoon with additional music production and technical assistance by Luke Warren.
The project is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Create NSW, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its primary arts investment and advisory body, and the Wales Family Foundation.
Tickets for Tekno Train by Paul Mac are now on sale here.
For more information and to keep updated about the Vivid Sydney program, go to vividsydney.com
More News
Beyond Skyway, KatoombaCredit: Cam Jones Imagery
Man atop the Scenic Skyway cabin as part of the Beyond Skyway experience at Scenic World, Katoomba.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Scenic World in the Blue Mountains has been inducted to the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame for reaching 20 years as a certified Advanced Ecotourism attraction; and has been certified carbon neutral for its services as a tourist attraction by Climate Active.
As a business on the edge of, and porous to, a World Heritage-listed National Park, Scenic World is just as passionate about preserving the natural environment as it is welcoming almost 1 million visitors a year to experience its iconic attractions.
Scenic World is home to one-of-a-kind experiences in Australia and globally:
- The Scenic Railway holds the Guiness Book of Record for the steepest railway.
- The Cableway is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The Skyway is Australia’s first cable car, and today is the largest aerial cable car which can carry 84 passengers.
- Beyond Skyway is a world-first adventure whereby up to four guests can enjoy an unimpeded 360-view of the Jamison Valley from on top of the Skyway.
- The Walkway is the longest elevated rainforest boardwalk in Australia.
- The Buunyal tour is an authentic Indigenous experience on Gundungurra Country curated by Uncle David King.
The Scenic Cableway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People view Mount Solitary on the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway
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The Scenic Cableway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People view Mount Solitary on the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, the Scenic Cableway
The Buunyal (Sun) Tour, Scenic Credit: Scenic World
Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian, with a group of kids in the rainforest on the Buunyal tour
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The Buunyal (Sun) Tour, Scenic Credit: Scenic World
Uncle David King, a Gundungurra Custodian, with a group of kids in the rainforest on the Buunyal tour
As well as its engineering feats, Scenic World has designed its rides to maximise efficiencies; and has implemented a suite of sustainability initiatives to target waste, water and electricity use, and encourage guests to catch public transport or jump on the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus to see the sights, among other initiatives.
Reflecting on the Scenic World’s recent sustainability accolades, Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World and Vice-President of Blue Mountains Tourism said:
“Our sustainability journey spans decades and started in 2004 when Phillip Hammon first gained Ecotourism certification for Scenic World.
“The very reason Scenic World exists is to share our unique natural environment with people who want to visit us; and we work hard to protect this place, which is home to hundreds of unique animals and plants, and a delicate ecosystem.
“We are especially pleased by the sustainability initiatives we’ve implemented over the years, but the job of protecting this fragile environment is never done.
“A commitment to sustainability takes time and a team effort. There’s always much more that can be done to minimise our environmental footprint and that of our visitors, which is why being in Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame and attaining Climate Active certification makes me especially proud.
“These ‘badges of honour’ push us to always do better, be better and think better about the incredible environment and continually improve and evolve our sustainability efforts.”
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, Katoomba and Leura Credit: Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
A group of people alongside the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus at Narrow Neck lookout in Katoomba
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Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, Katoomba and Leura Credit: Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
A group of people alongside the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus at Narrow Neck lookout in Katoomba
The Scenic Walkway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
A family looks at the rainforest canopy along the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia, the Scenic Walkway
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The Scenic Walkway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
A family looks at the rainforest canopy along the longest elevated boardwalk in Australia, the Scenic Walkway
Scenic World has Advanced Ecotourism certification and was inducted into Hall of Fame in June 2024. The Hall of Fame recognises businesses that have achieved 20 years of certification and their long-term commitment to ecologically sustainable tourism, which fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
Climate Active certification, which Scenic World attained in March 2024, means it has made choices and changes in how it operates to make sure its carbon emissions are accounted for and balanced to become carbon neutral. Scenic World offset 9kg of CO2 (equivalent to 4488 tons) per each person who visited in the 2022 calendar year and will continue to do this for each year after.
In addition, Scenic World offsets the carbon emissions from all its visitors’ travel (to and from Scenic World).
Each year Scenic World invests in projects around Australia and the world that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere to offset the emissions that it cannot eliminate. Many of these projects also have added environmental and community benefits.
The Scenic Railway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People travel into the Jamison Valley on the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway
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The Scenic Railway, Scenic World Credit: Scenic World
People travel into the Jamison Valley on the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Some of Scenic World’s sustainability initiatives:
- Electricity generated by the Railway and Cableway as they descend is fed back into the grid, helping to offset electricity used as they ascend.
- In 2017, the Skyway cabin was designed to increase capacity without extra energy requirements.
- The elevated Walkway was constructed to replace existing walking tracks that caused erosion and no trees were damaged or removed during construction. This is still the case at Scenic World unless needed for regenerating the ecosystem and visitor safety.
- All organic food waste is processed and taken offsite to be turned into fertiliser for farms.
- Food wastage output is consistently below the industry standard of 5%.
- All food and beverage packing and utensils, including coffee cups are biodegradable or compostable.
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a cablecar ride at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a cablecar ride at Scenic World, Katoomba
Blue Mountains National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the morning mist in the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park
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Blue Mountains National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the morning mist in the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park
MEDIA CONTACT:
Maya Kay, Communications & Engagement Manager, Scenic World
Phone: +61 424 195 878
Email: mayak@scenicworld.com.au
About Scenic World
Scenic World, located in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, is home to the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest railway, the iconic Scenic Skyway which travels 270 metres above the rainforest, and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated boardwalk beneath the rainforest canopy. Scenic World is certified carbon neutral for its services as a tourist attraction by Climate Active and has been inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame for 20 years as an Advanced Ecotourism certified attraction. Scenic World is a third-generation family-owned business established in 1945, and the most visited privately-owned tourism attraction in Australia.
Facebook: ScenicWorld Instagram: ScenicWorld_aus TikTok: scenicworld
Website: scenicworld.com.au
About Beyond Skyway
Beyond Skyway is a world first rooftop cable car adventure and is truly like nothing else on earth. The Beyond Skyway experience opens after the rest of Scenic World closes and takes just four guests on the Scenic Skyway out into the middle of the Jamison Valley. Once on the roof, with no glass or fences to restrict the 360-degree view 270 meters above the ancient rainforest canopy, the immersive experience is both exhilarating and completely serene. Beyond Skyway is the ideal experience for people celebrating a special occasion, outdoor enthusiasts, aspirational travel seekers, and those searching for that picture perfect moment.
Website: beyondskyway.com.au