Best Vivid Sydney Day to Night Itinerary

Kick off your Vivid experience in the bustling Darling Harbour. An entertainment hub, this spot has something to interest all ages. If you’re driving in, there’s a heap of parking options nearby or for those catching public transport, you can walk from nearby Wynyard or jump off from the Convention or Exhibition Centre light rail stops. Before you go exploring, kick off your trip with a yummy lunch at one of the many eateries scattered around the vicinity. You’re going to have a long day with plenty of walking involved, so fuelling up will help start everyone on the right foot. Tip: There’s a mix of fast food and popular restaurants, giving a good array of choice for adults and children.

If you’re looking for things to do, you won’t need to look too far - Darling Harbour is home to SEA LIFE Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney and Madame Tussauds. All found within walking distance, they’ll be sure to keep you occupied for a few hours. You can even fit in all three with an attraction pass. If you’re interested in checking out the landmarks, head up to Sydney Tower and make your way up to the top (get tickets here). With 360 degree views of Sydney, this is a great way to fit in some serious sightseeing. Tip: Hold off from seeing the Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House just yet – it's best to save these for the night when they’re all lit up!

With an hour to go to the main event, this is the perfect time to fit in a light dinner. By this point you’re probably hungry but the day is not over and there’s still plenty of walking to be done! Grabbing some dinner from a nearby restaurant will help keep you going for the rest of the night. Tip: Try to avoid a big meal, because there’s more food opportunities coming your way during the event, so save some room!

Head back down to Darling Harbour and watch the area change into a spectacle of vibrant lights before your eyes. Filled with immersive art, this space is one big lit-up playground with ‘The Cloud Swing’, ‘Curiosity’ and ‘Kickit Team Tennis’ which are all interactive features. As for the art, turn your attention to the dazzling lights and immersive art as you take in ‘Entwine’, ‘Samsung Space to Dream’ and ‘Symphony of Light’, just to name a few. Tip: If you plan your trip on a Saturday, you can catch free family-friendly performances in Tumbalong Park.

Next stop is Barangaroo. Full of immersive stories, spend some time wandering around this space and taking in the 9 light exhibitions. Some of the highlights include ‘Fantasmagoria’, a powerful representation of books that is projected onto a building for all to see, ‘Bon(d)fire’ which is an ever-evolving bonfire that comes to life with every story shared, and other compelling displays. Tip: If you’re here on a Wednesday, you can catch ‘Firetalk’, a free show that honours the First Nations through stories shared by the fire from 6:30pm.

Make your way to Walsh Bay and leave the crowds behind with an intimate cruise. Taking in all the Vivid Sydney highlights, kick back on a luxury catamaran and enjoy canapes with a complimentary drink. For 90 minutes, you’ll float around the water, witnessing the sails of the Sydney Opera House, the coat hanger and its surroundings showered in a glowing display of lights. Tip: While the cruise actually departs at 7:45pm, make sure to arrive 15 minutes beforehand to check in. If this doesn’t suit, there are other cruises to pick from leaving from nearby locations.

Stepping back on land, follow Hickson Road and explore a new zone in Circular Quay & The Rocks. Make the most of the late 11pm finish and walk around seeing displays like ‘Emergence’, ‘Symphony of the Dreaming’ and more. Between world-class performances and imaginative projections, there’s no shortage of things to see. And if you still have time after that, head back into the city and see Martin Place & CBD light up for the first time since 2018. Tip: Grab a snack or a cheeky dessert from the many food trucks and stalls spread around The Rocks.