Lighting of the Sails: Life Enlivened. Image: Vivid Sydney
Vivid is back for its thirteenth year, taking over the streets of Sydney and bringing with it a program of light, ideas, music and food. From May 26 to 17th June 17, Vivid Sydney will mesmerise visitors with a fusion of art, innovation and technology. Offering a variety of free and paid attractions, the event ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Vivid Sydney Light Walk
For free, visitors can stroll along Vivid Sydney’s longest continuous light walk, spanning 8.5km from the Sydney Opera House, all the way to Central Station, covering locations like The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Darling Square, Darling Quarter, and The Goods Line.
Dandelion. Image: Vivid Sydney
Lightscape
For the very first time, Lightscape is coming to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. The internationally acclaimed multi-sensory experience incorporates light, colour and sound in a way that will captivate viewers and enhance their appreciation of horticulture.
With tickets starting at $30, Lightscape is a way for visitors to experience the Gardens like never before.
Lighting of the Sails: Life Enlivened by John Olsen and Curiious
The Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the vibrant paintings of late Australian artist John Olsen with the help of creative technologists, Curiious. Through a selection of his artwork curated by Dr. Deborah Hart, Life Enlivened will honour Olsen’s talent, displaying work from his 60-year career and showcasing his fascination with the Australian landscape.
Lightscape in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Image: Vivid Sydney
Wild Lights at Taronga
Vivid Sydney will also take over Taronga Zoo with Wild Lights. Created by Wiradjuri artist Nathan Peckham in collaboration with Ample Projects Director Nicholas Tory, the after dark experience will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a light experience while getting close to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Tickets start at $22.50.
The Last Ocean
Taking its name from photographer John Weller’s organisation that works to protect Antarctica’s Ross Sea, The Last Ocean is a unique addition to Vivid Sydney’s 2023 lineup. Described as “a chance to step onto the continent’s icy wonderland without harming it”, the display is made up of a massive tessellated ‘ice sheet’ made from reclaimed ocean plastic. Created by American artist Jen Lewin,The Last Ocean is “an ode to what we risk losing if we don’t limit our impact on this Earth.”
The Last Ocean. Image: Vivid Sydney
Planning your vivid experience
Transport
Vivid Sydney is considered one of Sydney’s most popular events, attracting a record-breaking 2.4 million guests in 2019. With so many people flocking to the much loved event, visitors are advised to use public transport to avoid traffic delays, road closures, congestion and parking difficulties. For public transport information, visit
Food
When it comes to food choices, the Sydney dining scene offers endless possibilities. From the Westfield Sydney food court, to The Rocks’ Pancakes on the Rocks, to Barangaroo’s Lotus Dining, to the Sydney Opera House’s Opera Bar, there’s something for everyone.
Possum lantern, Wild Lights at Taronga. Image: Vivid Sydney
Clothing
With the weather getting cooler, it’s important to dress in warm clothes to make your time at Vivid Light enjoyable and comfortable. Depending on your interests, your visit may involve a lot of walking, so wearing appropriate footwear will ensure you have the most positive experience possible.
Accessibility
Vivid Sydney is committed to providing accessibility facilities to ensure everyone can participate in the event. Visitors can download Vivid Sydney’s Access and Inclusion Map or scan the QR code at Vivid’s information kiosks. This will provide visitors with a footprint of the event, highlighting step-free walks and pathways, viewing areas and other accessible amenities. Visitors can also access audio descriptions of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk installations and projects.