Where to go, eat and stay during Vivid Sydney
Winter is here, and with the advent of darker, colder nights also comes a beacon of hope. Vivid Sydney is the annual festival that’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Sydney during winter, never failing to bring some much-needed light and colour during the chillier months.
This year is better than ever, with a spectacular lineup of events and boundary-pushing installations, many of the highlights being centred around Darling Harbour. We’ve compiled some itineraries for families, social butterflies and cocktail aficionados so you can get the most out of your Vivid Sydney experience in this vibrant precinct.
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Start your Vivid Sydney outing with a visit to Night Creatures at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Pick up your complimentary activity booklet, get your kids’ faces painted for free and find out what all our weird and wonderful Aussie creatures get up to in the dark.
Then it’s time to venture out into the night and discover all the exciting 3D projections and light installations. Wander at your own pace and stop to explore the ones that catch your eye. There are a few to look out for!
Those bellies will be getting hungry by now... fill them up at one of the many kid-friendly eateries around Darling Harbour. Fratelli Fresh is sure to be a favourite, with views of the light installations nearby and their kids menu features simplified Italian classics, including spaghetti with butter and parmesan and a cheesy pizza with tomato and mozzarella. Plus kids under 12 eat free here all day Sunday!
At the southern end of Darling Harbour, you’ll find Tomorrow’s Blossoming, an installation of light flowers designed with the help of primary school students from around Sydney.
Then challenge the whole family to a giant, illuminated game of chess at the Checkmate installation or listen out for a Bunyip or a drop bear at Bump in the Night.
As you make your way from along the harbourfront, you won’t be able to walk past Sydney Infinity. It’s Australia’s largest ever choreographed liquid light show and features 48 compressed-air water cannons, which blast water up to 80 metres in the air. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the show – it’s visible all around the south end of Darling Harbour as well as Pyrmont Bridge.
No doubt all that exploring would leave you and the tribe exhausted, why not spend the night at Ibis Darling Harbour, which is offering a special Vivid Sydney package for families. The package includes a buffet breakfast, a kids bag, free unlimited WiFi, a Vivid inspired cocktail for the adults, and a 1pm late checkout. Plus children stay free in existing bedding.
Break up your Vivid Sydney trail with a cocktail trail inspired by the festival’s lights and colours. Remember to drink responsibly and check out the installations in between each stop!
Don’t miss the $12 cocktails at these six Cockle Bay spots, all featuring a free glowing glass to take home after. There’s also a rhubarb lemon waffle and more funky cocktails at Pumphouse, limited edition Vivid cocktails paired with Vietnamese food at Hello Auntie and a spicy blue margarita at Wingboy that’s guaranteed to kick your night up a notch.
Feeling boujee? Head to Zephyr to taste their Vivid specials including Glow your mind, featuring lychee liquor - or visit Champagne Bar in the Sofitel and enjoy a collab between Bombay Sapphire and Australian Contemporary Artist, Elliott Routledge featuring original artworks, and one-off Vivid cocktails.
For the social butterflies...
Kick off your night at Auvers with a sumptuous feast for all the senses, featuring Vivid-inspired mouth-watering mains and limited edition cocktails, or head to any of the restaurants and bars at Cockle Bay Wharf for stunning views of Sydney Infinity and $12 cocktails served in an illuminated glass that you get to take home.
Spend time exploring the many projections and installations then head over to Darling Quarter and Sip & Savour delights on the Green. Stop for a quick swing in the hanging chairs then bounce over to the House of Bombay Bar for a multi-sensory experience paired with a delicious cocktail.
By now it’s time to go for a boogie at Tumbalong Park, where some of Australia’s hottest artists and up-and-coming acts will be playing free live shows embracing a range of genres. Rock up from 8pm on Wednesdays, 7pm Thursday-Friday and from 5pm on Saturdays.
If a DJ set is more up your alley, or you simply want to continue the party, head to The Goods Line for tunes that will perfectly accompany the lights around you.
When you’re ready to call it a night, finish up at The Oaks on Pyrmont Street where you’ll save 30% off during the festival.