A Guide To Vivid Sydney’s Must-explore Precincts

Sydney’s most awaited festival is here! Vivid Sydney, the mega-scale festival of lights, music and ideas, will brighten up the city’s winter nights with its innovative light sculptures and installations from May 27 to June 18. Sydney is my home and I’ve been fortunate to attend the festival every year since its inception in 2009. As Vivid Sydney returns after a two-year hiatus, the expectations are sky-high, but I’m pretty sure the festival will exceed all of them. I’ve been receiving many messages from many of you regarding the festival. So here’s a list I made for my dear readers on how and where to witness the best views. 

Spread across 13 spectacular precincts, the festival will light the city with the most innovative artwork. One of the most popular Vivid precincts is Sydney Harbour, also the most famous tourist destination in Australia. So my first suggestion to you, my dear readers, is to choose a vantage point on Sydney Harbour. There are many waterfront restaurants, cafes and Vivid dinner cruises available in the area, where you can enjoy the lights in a relaxing ambience. Of course, there are free-ticketed areas that will have bigger crowds as well. But if you’re looking for a premium experience, check out the many Vivid cruise deals that offer amazing cruise dining experiences across the magical harbour waters. The speciality of these cruises is that they take a scenic route along the waters, promising close-up and breathtaking views of several Vivid installations and sculptures. 

Another option on my mind that could save you the hassle of simply meandering around the streets is a Vivid Sydney helicopter ride. Although a bit exxy, I can guarantee one of the most enchanting activities out there. Sign up for a thrilling helicopter ride above the city and be captivated by the beauty of the whole scene. The ride will take you along the prominent reaches of the iconic harbour, offering you aerial views of the glowing Manly and the Northern Beaches. I tell you guys! There is nothing more magical than hovering above the remarkable spectacle of Vivid. Not to mention, this experience is suitable for all ages as it ensures safety at all touchpoints. 

If playfulness is your thing, then here’s an option that you’ll love! Head over to the famous Luna Park to experience the magic of Vivid Sydney. For all the fun-lovers and thrill-seekers out there, get your tickets to be a part of Luna Park’s lights and showtime performances. From thrilling rides to completely new light installations, see the park come alive as it embraces the ‘Soul of Sydney’.  There are nine new rides that will allow the visitors to enjoy the illuminated skyline and starry skies of Sydney from new heights. The Lighting and Showtime Performances will happen each night at three different times. The showtime will feature a number of tailored performances choreographed in sync with the new Vivid Sydney 2022 theme. 

Vivid Sydney is one of those festivals that creeps up on even the most unassuming and unexpected spaces. Taronga Zoo, among many, is one such place in the city. Every year during Vivid, the zoo comes alive with spectacular lights and this year won't be any different. Head to the zoo to explore the wildlife in the after-hours and marvel at the dazzling animal lanterns and displays. The zoo is expected to host some 14 lanterns of beautiful animals like lions, echidnas and more. It’s a perfect family night out precincts during Vivid. You can experience the illuminated night walk, greeting and meeting furry friends at the zoo along the way. 

Vivid Sydney doesn’t just transform the city but also transforms who witnesses its brilliance. The way Vivid combines art, technology, culture and ideas is quite surreal and I would really love all of you to experience it at least once in your lifetime.