Vivid, Sydney, 2018 | maddestinations

Vivid, Sydney, 2018 https://www.vividsydney.com/

Vivid is one of the greatest sound and light shows in the world. Conceived in 2009 to bring tourists and locals into Sydney city centre in winter, it has expanded year by year and now consists of:

installations by international artists in the Royal Botanic Gardens, in the Rocks and round Circular Quay
illuminated animations projected onto building facades including the Sydney Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Customs House
human figures dancing on the bastions of Sydney Harbour Bridge
a fairground turned to a fairyland in Luna Park in North Sydney
interactive experiences for adults and kids alike
outdoor bars and eateries with fantastic views of the action.

Vivid happens at the beginning of winter for three weeks in May and June. Vivid 2018 took place from 25 May to 16 Jun 2018.

To find out when Vivid 2019 will light up Sydney's winter, visit https://www.vividsydney.com/contact-us.

Watch the video of Vivid 2018

Getting around

The best way of getting round Vivid is to walk. The route is mainly flat, wending through the Rocks past the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge and the International Terminal to Circular Quay where you can take a lift to Cahill Expressway and look at the amazing panorama of Sydney Harbour. You can then continue strolling round the quay to Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

There is frequent public transport into the city, with the best train stations being:

Circular Quay, right in the centre of things
Wynyard (walk to the Rocks and Circular Quay)
St James (walk down Macquarie St to the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens).

You can also drive and park in the city: several parking stations have evening 'specials'.

There is a lot to see and it can get crowded, especially on weekends, so if you want to see everything, it is best done over two nights.

Things to do

Visit fairyland

https://www.lunaparksydney.com

Luna Park, Sydney's theme park on Sydney Harbour, is fun at any time but especially when the ferris wheel is illuminated, the dodg 'ems become a disco and animated pictures swirl over the fun house. You can dine at the restaurant at Luna Park which has fantastic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour and includes a free ride on the ferris wheel! Or just stop by for a drink.

From Luna Park, you can get a ferry to Circular Quay in the middle of the central business district's Vivid action, or a train to Wynyard.

Wine and dine

There are bars, cafes, restaurants and takeaway kiosks to suit all budgets wherever you are. Circular Quay is a good place to stop for a drink. The many bars have harbour views, and sitting outside is made bearable by gas heaters. Most bars have happy hour from 4 until 7, especially from Monday to Friday, and serve reasonably priced snacks. Many also have restaurants on upper floors with equally stunning views.

The Royal Botanic Gardens has areas among illuminated trees and other installations where you can get delicious food, mulled wine and beer and breathe in the fresh air while feasting your eyes on the beauty.

In the Rocks, go off the main track for a quieter drink or meal in a heritage pub.

Vivid cruise

If walking's not your thing but you were born to mess around in boats, there are Vivid cruises to suit all budgets leaving from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, North Sydney and more. Most of these do a circuit of the main sites round the harbour and you can go from no-frills (including a cup of coffee or a drink) to a meal and live music. Book these well in advance, especially if you are in a group.

Tips and tricks

Visit https://www.vividsydney.com/ for more information on what to do and see during Vivid in Sydney. There is a program of theatrical performances and concerts during Vivid supporting the concept.
Book everything, including flights to Sydney if you're a tourist, restaurants with prime harbour views and Vivid cruises well in advance. Vivid has become increasingly popular with locals and visitors.
On a budget? No worries. Take public transport and walk around. There is no charge to look at and participate in most of the light shows. Treat yourself to a glass of wine or beer rather than a meal at a harbourside bar. Just take a walk up the road away from the views anywhere for cheaper

Why go?

There are few cities in the world where you can eat or drink outside in winter in comfort while visiting a wonderland of sound, light and colour. Sydney's winters are mild compared with Europe or the USA although you must be always prepared for rain.
The event attracts international artists from places as far-flung as China and Canada, with the installations in the Royal Botanic Gardens especially entrancing spectators for hours
There are ballets and other dance shows, operas, theatrical performances and concerts in Sydney during Vivid with an emphasis on Australian, especially Aboriginal, culture - find out more about Australian culture.
Vivid generally coincides with Sydney International Film Festival so you can take in some ground breaking films from all over the world at the same time.

Do you have questions or comments about this article? Email maddestinations@gmail.com or leave a comment under the video