Experience Vivid Sydney – A Festival of Lights, Music and Ideas

An immersive extravaganza, Sydney comes alive and dazzles every year in this multi award winning festival which is the largest of its kind in the world. Inaugurated in 2009, Vivid Sydney is a brilliant unique concept that brings together local and international creative minds from the field of art and innovators.

Bedecked in the scintillating display of colourful lighting, the festival kicks off from May-June for 23 days and features a gallery of magnificent lighting sculptures and installations, revolutionary contemporary multi genre music programs and some of the global thinkers and creators from the most important creative industry forums.

Highlights of the Festival – Vivid Sydney

Sydney Harbour

Opera House – Each year millions of visitors’ flock to Sydney to witness the transformation of the city’s skyline into a massive canvas for stunning colourful light projections, the highlight being the spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House sails. Every year a renowned artist is commissioned to create a magnificent artwork to project onto the Opera House that captures the essence of the iconic landmark. This year’s theme ‘Austral Flora Ballet’ has been designed by the famous Chinese-American visual artist and filmmaker, Andrew Thomas Huang and it accentuates the relation between the human body, architecture and the natural world through the lens of Australia’s botanical treasures.

The Opera House also plays host to cutting-edge eclectic musical events featuring local and international, famous and upcoming artists and bands. Attend the live performances for an exceptional experience.

Bridge Climb – One of the major attractions of Sydney, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the festival enhances the overall experience. Book a vivid night climb and embark on an enthralling journey of witnessing the grand panoramic glittering views and the fascinating light show from above the bridge.

Cruise – Adorned with lights, take a cruise around the harbour and enjoy the spectacle of watching the 3D light projections while sipping on champagne.

Enjoy the festival on foot by participating in the Vivid Light Walk that stretches for about 2km from The Rocks to the Sydney Opera House, through the Royal Botanic Garden. It is fringed with amazing art installations, some of the them even interactive.

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Darling Harbour

Darling harbour is the place to be after the sun sets. The precinct sparkles with the light installations after dark and is a fascinating sight to behold. Darling Harbour is also the sight for many musical events and business conventions.

Luna Park

With an underlying theme of ‘Spirit of Fun’, the park is illuminated with fabulous patterns, shapes and colours that narrate the history of the park. Enjoy the sheer display of LED lights with lights shows, street performers ornamented in LED lit costumes and a fabulous dining experience. The attraction is best experienced on the Ferris wheel.

Taronga Zoo

An enchanting experience for adults and kids alike, begin the journey from the main entrance which showcases a magnificent moving animal projection show. The illuminated trail winds towards the grounds brings forth a stunning display of splendid giant multimedia light sculptures such as tigers, turtle, gorilla and many other exciting creatures. End the day with a visit to the Taronga Centenary Theatre to watch a popular multi-award winning animated short film in a 270-degree cinema experience.

Chatswood

10km north of the Sydney CBD area, Chatswood is one of the precincts brought alive during the festival and features riveting light projections and captivating live performances.

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The Australian Experience

After enjoying the grand festival, stay back and explore the effervescent city that beckons tourists from all over the world owing to its multi cultural ambience, diverse cuisine and the spectacular natural landscape speckled with glistening coastlines, eminent landmarks, multitude hiking trails and vibrant nightlife.

One of the most popular beach, visit Bondi and soak in the radiant sun as you lounge on the golden sand or indulge in surfing and swimming in the sparkling blue waters. Explore the amazing 6km coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee that includes a picturesque trail showcasing spectacular ocean views, sandstone clifftops, graffiti adorned walls and Waverly cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries and a wonderful sight. The promenade is fringed with chic cafes and retail stores. A bit ahead is the Wharf of Manly. Home to cute penguins, it is an absolute delightful way to end the day.

For the shopaholics, Queen Victoria building is the place to be. An elegant Romanesque style building adorned with stained glasses, domes and mosaic floors, it houses around 200 stores. Splurge at the local boutiques, international retail brands and luxury labels for some retail therapy.

The Sydney Harbour and Darling Harbour offer beautiful outdoor waterfront setting. Replete with restaurants and bars, enjoy sipping on cocktails and indulging in exotic cuisine whilst marvelling at the resplendent views. Other notable attractions are the Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, Hyde Park, Barangaroo reserve, George Street, St. Mary’s Cathedral and The Sydney Tower Eye wherein you can enjoy the spectacular views of the city from the glass-viewing platform observation deck.

No trip in Sydney is complete without visiting the famous natural beauty, the Blue Mountains. 60 km from Sydney, engage in a day trip to the World Heritage Site which involves passing through glorious picturesque scenery surrounded by imposing majestic mountains that are sheathed in a breath-taking blue hued haze derived from the vast eucalyptus forest. Visit the awe-inspiring Jenolan caves and participate in a walking trail or take the cable car for a riveting panoramic bird’s eye view of the marvellous rock formations known as the ‘Three Sisters’ from the Echo Point.