Step into our world of extraordinary art, entertainment, dining and one-of-a-kind experiences as Vivid Sydney shines a light on the city from 23 May to 14 June 2025.
Be sure to explore the full program and start planning your adventure now with our insider guide of where to eat, stay and play during Vivid Sydney.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying food and drinks at Aster Bar at the InterContinental Sydney during Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney goes to sea, with our ferries and boats lighting up in unison with the city’s skyscrapers and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as they sail across our harbour.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney goes to sea, with our ferries and boats lighting up in unison with the city’s skyscrapers and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as they sail across our harbour.
Feed Your Soul
Sydney’s dining and bar scene is as vibrant as the festival’s lights. Get inspired with these local favourites near (or inside) each Vivid Sydney location.
Barangaroo
For top-notch sustainable seafood, look no further than Golden Century at The Crown. Here, enjoy signature classics including peking duck and salt and pepper squid. Barangaroo House offers three levels of great vibes, with ground-level House Bar offering chilled waterside bar vibes, Level 1’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and vinyl bar Rekodo spinning great tastes and tunes and Smoke Bar being the perfect rooftop spot for a cocktail and share plate.
Carriageworks
Head over to the nearby South Eveleigh, a recently revitalised dining precinct in converted railway sheds. Grab a quick bite at North Sandwich & Burger; sit down for a hearty bowl of Pho from Eat Fuh or savour some Thai at Pepper Seeds. Nearby is also recently opened The Grounds Coffee Factory. Also be sure to grab a drink at Mountain Culture’s newest brewery which recently won the annual GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beer award with its Status Quo Pale Ale. Meanwhile, BrewDog comes complete with a taproom, bar and epic beer garden serving more than 20 craft beers on tap.
Central Station and The Goods Line
The Rover is a sophisticated cocktail bar with an upmarket British tavern feel and a focus on oysters, whisky, and organic and biodynamic wine. For something a little different, Butter offers a quirky combo of fried chicken, Champagne and hip-hop. Vivid Fire Kitchen is turning the heat up this year with live demonstrations showcasing the theme ‘Fire & Spice’: a bold new twist that celebrates the world’s most vibrant, spice-driven cuisines with flame-seared favourites.
Inspired by the Australian coastline, 1 Chef’s Hat-awarded Longshore serves ingredients from sea and land in a unique way. Spice Alley offers a comprehensive selection of six hawker-style Asian street-food eateries under a canopy of yellow lanterns, tucked away in a charming, paved alleyway in Chippendale.
Circular Quay
Gateway Sydney is a good place to start, a vibrant precinct with more than 30 casual eateries covering all types of cuisine. Hinchcliff House offers a range of unique venues including Lana, Grana, Martinez, underground bar Apollonia, and pasta and deli BAR MAMMONI. Mary’s Underground offers lobster and steak frites into the late night, perfect for a post Light Walk feast. And once the site of warehouse parties, Hickson House is now a lively craft spirit distillery, and offers tours. For dinner under the Sydney Opera House sails, it’s hard to imagine a more iconic spot than Opera Bar – and where better to watch the Vivid Sydney lights over the Harbour?
The Rocks
Step back in time for a G&T inside Frank Mac’s, with 1840s sandstone walls and charming table service. New restaurant Canvas Restaurant, based at the Museum of Contemporary Art, is the perfect spot to take in Vivid. Take your kids to Pancakes on The Rocks for an Americana take on the classic pancake, open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. For something special, Bay Nine is an omakase Japanese restaurant, with a daily changing menu of 11 courses served by an acclaimed chef. Recently renovated The Cut Bar & Grill combines heritage with modern elegance, providing an unforgettable steakhouse experience.
Darling Harbour and Darling Quarter
Fratelli Fresh offers fresh and fast family-friendly pizza and pasta – what's not to love? If you are after a date-night option, Atelier by Sofitel - a Two Chef Hatted restaurant - is an elegant space with an expansive wine list and beautiful local seafood. Fancy a late-night drink? Head to Lumière on Thirty Five, the Sofitel’s late night bar option (open 8pm-1am). Darling Square is a buzzing precinct for Asian deliciousness: dumplings, noodles, bubble tea and dessert.
Sydney CBD
Offering four venues in one, Shell House is all about Art Deco decadence, a luxe place to celebrate your Vivid Sydney night out – finish your evening with a drink at their rooftop bar. South-East Asian flavours come to party at MuMu in the always-pumping Ivy precinct. The International precinct overlooking Sydney’s Martin Place offers three distinctly international levels, including The Wine Bar (ground floor), The Grill (level 1), and The Panorama Bar (top floor).
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at Opera Bar in Circular Quay.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at Opera Bar in Circular Quay.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
Vivid Dreams: Where To Stay
A comfortable place to put up your feet after a night exploring is essential during Vivid Sydney, and the city has a room for everyone. Here are a few ideas:
Luxe
Located in the heart of the CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has reopened its doors after a stunning refurbishment to offer five-star luxury in the city, while Kimpton Margot Sydney fuses Art Deco ambience with modern luxe, with a glamorous rooftop bar and pool. Crown Sydney is a prime spot to access Vivid Sydney locations Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, and for twinkling harbour panoramas and full views of the Vivid Sydney lights, waterfront Park Hyatt or Shangri-La at The Rocks can’t be beat. Check out Capella Sydney: a heritage listed icon and one of Sydney’s newest and highly anticipated luxury 5-star hotels.
Family-friendly
There’s plenty of accommodation options that have what you need if travelling with little ones. The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour makes the perfect base to explore Vivid Sydney along the waterfront, as well as being conveniently located to many family-friendly food options. Rydges Sydney Central is sleek, modern and right near Central Station. Head across the bridge and settle in for a slumber party with the animals at Taronga Zoo – their wildlife safari tents look out on the illuminated Sydney Harbour.
Designer Digs
After you’ve sparked your creativity exploring the festival, rest your inspired head at one of Sydney’s many designer-driven boutique hotels, right next to the beginning of the Light Walk at Central Station: Ace Hotel Sydney brings the Palm Springs brand’s artistic flair to the harbour city; Paramount House Hotel offers 29 unique rooms; or take a dip in The Old Clare Hotel’s luxurious rooftop pool. If waterfront is what you seek, check into one of Hotel Palisade’s eight guestrooms (some featuring Bridge views) or get even closer to the icon at Pier One Sydney.
Airbnb
For the second year running, Airbnb is teaming up with Vivid Sydney as the 2025 Festival’s community partner. Airbnb offers a wide selection of city stays, from harbour-side, sophisticated apartments to cosy suburban rooftops. Visitors can make the most out of the festival by staying in convenient locations and enjoying the best views.
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Views of the Vivid Sydney event captured from a suite in Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Views of the Vivid Sydney event captured from a suite in Crown Sydney, Barangaroo.
Vivid Sydney And Beyond
On The Harbour
Watch the morning sun illuminate the skyline on a Sydney Harbour Sunrise kayak safari with Sydney Harbour Kyaks.
Slow things down with a pedal past secret coves and over the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge with Sydney Harbour Bike Tours, or rise up for a bird’s-eye view of beautiful Sydney on a flight with Sydney Seaplanes. For more insight into Sydney’s colonial past and a taste of local beers in some of The Rocks historic pubs, head off on one of Dave’s Pub Tours. The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour, by Dreamtime Southern X, will show you another side of Sydney’s history – of the Gadigal people, and how their culture originated from the land.
As the sun sets, be mesmerised by Vivid Sydney’s lights reflecting across the water with a 60-minute evening cruise of the harbour with Fantasea or see brilliance from above as you scale to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in time to watch Vivid Sydney burst into life at 6pm. On the ground, learn how to capture the beautiful Vivid Sydney lights with a Vivid Photography Walking Tour with Picture Me Sydney.
For the full program and to plan your Vivid Sydney trip, visit: www.vividsydney.com
TItanique Credit: Titanique
he cult musical sensation that has all of New York scrambling for a ticket to take their seat on the ship of dreams. Setting sail for Australia, Titanique will play a limited season, exclusive to Sydney at The Grand Electric, from September.
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TItanique Credit: Titanique
he cult musical sensation that has all of New York scrambling for a ticket to take their seat on the ship of dreams. Setting sail for Australia, Titanique will play a limited season, exclusive to Sydney at The Grand Electric, from September.
Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
#feelnewsydney
Hadestown Credit: Opera Australia
Seen by three million, streamed by over 350 million and adored by fans all around the world, singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s acclaimed West End and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown will make its Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney in February 2025. Presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, Hadestown won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2019, including Best Score and Best Director and is still playing to packed houses five years later.
More Inspirational Stories
Queen Victoria Building, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Shoppers in Queen Victoria Building in Sydney's CBD.
#ilovesydney
With so many world-class boutiques, designer outlets, vintage emporiums, mega-malls, fresh-produce markets and heritage arcades to explore, shopping in Sydney is an invigorating, city-wide treasure hunt. And while you’re sure to find gold wherever you venture, retail therapy can be hungry, thirsty work if you don’t refuel along the way. So, consider this your ultimate guide to the harbour city’s hottest spots to browse, buy and dine.
Standout markets (Citywide)
Sydneysiders know weekends are for markets, and each is an immersion in the city’s eclectic, electric energy. Held every Saturday, Glebe Markets bring together vintage clothing, artisanal wares and moreish street-eats beneath the trees of the local primary school. In Haymarket, Chinatown Night Market turns Dixon Street into a lantern-lit laneway of dumplings, skewers and tangy desserts, while Kirribilli Markets draw design-savvy crowds with upcycled fashion and collectables, all framed by Harbour Bridge views. And just around the harbour, Manly Fresh Produce Markets present a colourful spread of organic vegies, fresh flowers and quality cheeses every Sunday.
Rosebery Engine Yards (Inner South)
Originally an industrial precinct, the Rosebery Engine Yards now house Sydney’s newest retail and dining hotspot, open every day. While the warehouse-style emporium’s design pays homage to its utilitarian past, its forward-facing ambience comes courtesy of 24 curated stores, including Viktoria & Woods, Rebecca Vallance, Roame, Bassike, and The Cosmetics Company Store, along with high-end homewares brands like Lofft and Tallira. At its centre, Lune Croissanterie draws queues for its almost-architectural pastries, including quince-and-chestnut Danishes, lemon-curd cruffins and twice-baked almond croissants.
Queen Victoria Building (City Centre)
Spanning an entire block in the heart of the city, the historic 1898 Queen Victoria Building is as applauded for its fantasy of elaborate Romanesque architecture as it is for its diverse shopping experiences. Take home something made in Australia (like Haigh’s Chocolates or R.M. Williams apparel), caffeinate your spirit at The Grounds of the City in The Galeries, or quench your thirst in style at ESQ Bar + Dining – this chic speakeasy’s drinks list is so impressive it was a finalist in the 2024 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards.
Glebe Markets Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Glebe Point Road Markets, Glebe
Glebe Markets Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Glebe Point Road Markets, Glebe
QVB History Tour, Sydney Credit: Vicinity Centres
QVB History Tour participants looking at the Queen Victoria statue from the Town Hall side entrance.
QVB History Tour, Sydney Credit: Vicinity Centres
QVB History Tour participants looking at the Queen Victoria statue from the Town Hall side entrance.
Mosman (North Shore)
The well-heeled precinct of Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore has a bustling village feel, the neighbourhood’s leafy streets lined with upmarket boutiques, rainbow-hued florists and cool cafés. Discover premium Australian and international womenswear labels at Fox & Dove, innovative fine jewellery at Sarah & Sebastian, and a covetable, curated selection of fashion-forward garments and accessories at Burke Boutique. When it’s time to wet your whistle or toast your treasure-hunting skills, clink glasses nearby at Public Dining Room Balmoral – also a finalist in the 2024 NSW Sommeliers Wine List Awards, thanks to its outstanding collection of NSW drops.
Westfield Sydney (City Centre)
Set on a pedestrian-only strip of Pitt Street in the heart of the city, Westfield Sydney hosts some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious brands, from Fendi and Celine to Gucci and Chanel. But you don’t have to max-out your credit card shopping here – there are more than 280 stores over six levels, which means you’ll also find plenty of streetwear, homewares, casual diners and even sky-high nosh spots like Bar 83 at Sydney Tower and Infinity.
The Intersection, Paddington (Eastern Suburbs)
If you’re after a collection of high-end Australian designer boutiques all in one place, The Intersection is a must. Where Glenmore Road meets Oxford Street in the inner-city suburb of Paddington, this chic enclave is where you’ll find stores for Lee Mathews (for understated-luxe dresses and separates); beauty emporium Mecca Cosmetica (for hard-to-find make-up and fragrances); and Zimmermann (for sophisticated, colourful pieces). In between, head to Saint Peter for standout dishes like dry-aged albacore and glazed tuna belly, and you’ll immediately see why it was named Restaurant of the Year in the 2025 SMH Good Food Guide Awards. Nearby, Ursula’s Paddington brings people together for shared mains in a charming atmosphere.
Bondi Beach (Eastern Suburbs)
The inner-east suburb of Bondi may be known for its surf and sand, but away from the water the area’s streets are dedicated to brunch and boutiques. Pick up on-point fashion and accessories at Tuchuzy, a favourite haunt among locals. Then peruse Saturdays New York City for cult surfwear, and Playa by Lucy Folk for a select range of beachworthy bling, alongside sunglasses and bags to turn heads. For an equally rewarding feast for your senses, take your seat at the multi-award-winning Sean’s for soul-warming home-style food in a quirky room lined with art and seashells.
Westfield, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Levels of local and international fashion brands at Westfield, Sydney.
Westfield, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Levels of local and international fashion brands at Westfield, Sydney.
Shopping, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a day of shopping along William Street, Paddington.
Shopping, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a day of shopping along William Street, Paddington.
Newtown (Inner West)
Bordering the University of Sydney and home to live-music venues, theatres, bookstores and some of Sydney’s best restaurants, inner-west Newtown has a distinct bohemian vibe. King Street is one of the quirkiest shopping strips in the city, lined with independent stores like All Buttons Great and Small, packed with tens of thousands of buttons. The Social Outfit is known for its colourful clothing and ethical employment opportunities (it offers free training to refugees), while U-Turn is a mecca for vintage and pre-loved clothing. When you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into bold, seasonal vegetarian bites at Flora, expertly prepared seafood at Mister Grotto, and Italian classics at Osteria Mucca, a buzzing artisanal diner located inside a former butcher shop.
Westfield Parramatta (Western Sydney)
A major commercial hub in the west and just 25km from Sydney’s centre, Parramatta is home to one of Australia’s largest shopping complexes. Welcome to Westfield Parramatta, packed with just about every well-known retailer in the country – think David Jones, Kmart and Myer – alongside specialist brands like Honey Birdette (premium lingerie), Bec + Bridge (fashion essentials) and Mimco (luxury accessories). When you’re peckish, take your pick of the centre’s casual eateries, or pop over to nearby Church Street for everything from authentic Indonesian noodles to classic tapas.
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne (Inner West)
Sydney’s answer to the premium shopping outlets across the US, Birkenhead Point unites 160-plus top brands under one roof – with everything discounted, of course. It’s a 15-minute drive from the city centre, or you can arrive via water taxi or as part of a coach tour. Stay fuelled and hydrated while you shop with handmade dumplings at Panda, piping hot gosleme, or a’la carte dining at the water’s edge.
Cronulla
Some 30km south of the city centre, Cronulla’s relaxed beachside vibe also filters through its flourishing shopping scene. On Surf Road, drop in to Roar for statement pieces and bespoke accessories from a curated collection of Australian and international designers. Inbetween Tangerine on Ocean Grove Avenue stocks beach-to-bar fashions and is a leisurely stroll from lively diners like Pippis Cronulla, Benny’s and Bobby’s, which serves moreish Italian fare right on the famous Esplanade. Nearby, Westfield Miranda is just 10 minutes’ drive from the beach, with more than 400 specialty stores and moreish eateries like Gelato Messina and Fratelli Fresh.
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne Credit: Destination NSW
Sunlit open space inside the Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre in the Inner Western Sydney suburb of Drummoyne.
Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne Credit: Destination NSW
Sunlit open space inside the Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre in the Inner Western Sydney suburb of Drummoyne.
King Street, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Young people walking down King Street in Newtown
King Street, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Young people walking down King Street in Newtown