Sydney is getting ready for Vivid Sydney, a major festival celebrating light, music, and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 50 light installations and projections will illuminate the city starting May 24th.

Source: Vivid Sydney. An artist’s impression by Andrew Thomas Huang & Bemo on the Austral Floral Ballet, part of Vivid Light 2019. 

For 23 days, Vivid Sydney will transform the city into a captivating display of color with stunning light sculptures and large-scale projections. Sandra Chipchase, Destination NSW CEO and Executive Producer of Vivid Sydney, emphasizes the event’s world-class status, recommending it as a must-see experience.

This year offers more ways than ever to experience the festival, whether from the harbor, high above the city, or even on a theme park ride.

While tickets for popular Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas events are still available, visitors are encouraged to explore unique aspects of the festival beyond the well-known 3 km Light Walk.

One way to experience Vivid Sydney is from restaurants with harbor views. Options include O Bar & Dining, a revolving restaurant 47 stories high, Blu Bar on 36 at Shangri-La Sydney, and Club InterContinental at the Intercontinental Sydney.

The Samsung Electric Playground also provides excellent vantage points to take in Vivid Sydney. This technology-driven playground celebrates light, sound, and imagination, while the Samsung Galaxy Studio offers immersive, interactive spaces that use mobile technology to enhance the Vivid Sydney experience.

Visitors can find unique perspectives of Circular Quay from curated spots like the 6.5 m Infinity Slide and the Samsung Sky Walk.

Within the Samsung Electric Playground, over 20 Galaxy S10 handsets are strategically placed, prepped by experts to capture Vivid Sydney memories even in low light.

For a different kind of experience, Taronga Zoo Sydney offers safari-style overnight tents as part of the Roar and Snore program, allowing guests to enjoy harbor views and nighttime animal encounters.

Another option is the see-through Igloos on the Pier at Pier One Sydney Harbour, available for rent for a few hours with catering or for the entire night, offering a unique experience of sleeping under the stars.

Festival attendees can also hop on a Sydney Ferry or choose a Vivid Sydney cruise package. Options include a two-hour cruise past Fort Denison with an Aboriginal cultural performance or a 90-minute catamaran cruise.

For breathtaking views, Sydney HeliTours offers harbor tours, while the observation deck at Sydney Tower Eye provides a similar experience from solid ground.

Vivid Sydney can also be enjoyed in Chatswood, featuring a Light Bazaar, a Cascading Harp, a six-meter-tall sculpture of the world, and projections that create an interactive show between shadow and light.

Luna Park transforms during Vivid Sydney. The amusement park boasts a new ride, Volaré, Australia’s largest wave swinger, inspired by flying chairs and illuminated by thousands of LED lights to enhance the festival atmosphere.

American Express cardmembers have exclusive access to the American Express Lounge at the Cruise Bar Rooftop, offering unobstructed views of Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. Non-cardmembers can access the lounge after 8 pm by registering online.

Stuart Ayres, Australian Minister for Tourism, highlights the growing anticipation for the 11th annual Vivid Sydney. He notes the event’s significant growth since 2011, with attendance increasing by 370%.

Vivid Sydney runs from May 24th to June 15th throughout Sydney, Australia. Tickets, maps, and guides are available at vividsydney.com.