Vivid Sydney Festival: A Quick Guide

Vivid Sydney, the iconic festival of light, music and ideas, where artworks turn the city into a magical wonderland, is one of our most popular events. After attending all but one Vivid Festival since they began in 2009, I have put together my tips for surviving the crowds and getting the best views of the amazing light installations of one of the most popular festivals in Australia. 

The Vivid Sydney Festival runs 23 May to 14 June 2025

Stroll the light works, see the show from a harbour cruise and check out some of the music, food and ideas events. This is a festival you don’t want to miss.

Vivid has evolved into one of Sydney’s most popular events, second only to the city’s NYE celebrations. It’s easy to see why, with something for everyone from families to art lovers and creators of all types.

Vivid Lights offers a mix of free and paid events. There is a strong focus on accessibility, making it easier for everyone to get involved.

The Light Walk is back, with a trail that goes from Central Station to Sydney Tower via Barangaroo and Walsh Bay. Along the way, enjoy 18 unique installations, 10 projections, and 4 immersive experiences will transform the urban landscape.

Vivid Drone Show

The very popular drone usually runs for three nights only. :ast year 700 drones turned up the romance with their celebration “Love is in the air”

The drone show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday nights only

If last year is anything to go by, these nights will be very crowded and not for the fainthearted. If you are dead set on enjoying the experience, I highly recommend that you book a cruise asap as these nights are going to sell out very quickly.

More than lights!

While almost everyone knows about the fabulous Vivid Lights, a lot less of us take advantage of the music, ideas and food events that run alongside the lights. Why not add a music or ideas experience to your Vivid hit list this year?

There are 69 music events and 18 Ideas sessions, with a number of free offerings to help balance the budget. There are also 20 official food events although restaurants and bars across the city run special Vivid dining experiences alongside the official program.

Check out our guide to the best Vivid eats and cocktails

Where are the best spots to see the Vivid Light show?

Vivid Light is the largest festival of light in the Southern Hemisphere, and while it’s hard to go past the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, adding to that this year is Sydney Tower.

Then the trail spreads south and some of the best installations will be found in Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and around Central Station.

The key installation areas in 2024 were:

Vivid Ideas – Free events

While the festival is best known for its spectacular light show, it is worth checking out some of the program’s talks, films, and performances.

2025 Ideas program has not yet been released but we will add details of our top picks from the schedule once it’s live.

Tips for Enjoying Vivid Sydney

The biggest challenge for enjoying Vivid is how well you manage with crowds. There is no getting around it. Vivid turns into a zoo on the most popular nights. But you can have a fun experience if you are prepared.

• Try to visit on one of the first few days. The last weekend is pure hell.
  
• If you have to go on the weekend, go later in the night and choose Sunday over Friday.
  
• Avoid Saturday at Circular Quay unless you are getting on a boat! It’s usually mayhem.
  
• If you can eat dinner and hit the lights at about 9 pm when most families have headed home, the lights stay on until 11 pm this year.
  
• Don’t forget the areas outside the harbour – as the crowds grew, so did the locations, and there are now several areas outside the Quay to explore.
  
• Don’t try to see too much in one night – you have three weeks, so a few visits are entirely feasible for locals. If time is limited, check the festival website for highlights and pick a few areas.
  
• If you are attending with kids, consider heading to the Taronga Zoo sessions instead of the city.
  
• If you hate crowds, consider a cruise – we have covered the ones we think are best below.
  
• Do not bring your car to the harbour zone of Vivid. Road closures and crowds make it less than enjoyable. If you must, check out Gateway at Circular Quay, who offers great parking prices during the festival.

This bring your own drinks cruise is a good way to save some money

Choosing a Vivid Sydney Cruise

If crowds aren’t your thing or you have mobility challenges, then a Vivid cruise is a great way to see many of the lights in comfort.

For all cruises remember the following:

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early as the vessels cannot wait for late arrivals
• Bring warm clothing as evening harbour cruises can get chilly
• You get what you pay for so if your cruise is $50 and includes any snack they will be basic

I have added both sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises below so you can see all your options and decide what works best for you. Prices for Vivid Harbour cruises range from $35-$300 depending on the inclusions.

There are so many packages on offer, it’s hard to know which one to choose. Major companies offer the benefit of a known product and a reputation that they will not want to risk by providing a substandard experience.

The three major operators on the harbour are Captain Cook, Journey Beyond and Sydney Harbour Tallships. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these.

Things get a little more difficult with the discount cruises. While the discount boats can be great, it is a bit hit and miss, and lots of operators hire vessels to run cruises during this time so it’s hard to know who is actually offering the cruise.

For this reason I don’t really recommend many of the cheaper boats, other than the Sea Sydney Harbour catamarans, I am not saying they are bad but I can’t vouch for their reputation. If you are on a one-time visit to Sydney, I think it is worth paying a little more for one of the well-known operators.

All of the cruises listed below I have personal experience of, either during Vivid or on other special occasions on the harbour.

Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruises

Captain Cook Vivid Cruises – Best Dinner Cruise option

Captain Cook is a quality cruise operator that offers a variety of Vivid Cruises with dinner and budget options. All their vessels off access to an outdoor open deck which gives you a 360-degree Vivid Lights view.

Gold Vivid Dinner Cruise

The 3 hour Gold Vivid Dinner Cruise offers a 6-course degustation dinner, along with Penfolds private bin and vintage wines. It will be an experience to remember because of the gold class personalized service and live music.

Location: King St. Wharf No. 1 Darling Harbour
Date: 23 May – 14 Jun 2025, Friday – Sunday (some Wed-Thurs)
Cost: $215 with no drinks $289 with drinks – Book and get the cruise’s full details here.

Check availability

Starlight Vivid Dinner Cruise

The Starlight Vivid Dinner Cruise includes a premium upper-deck seating with up to 3 hours of relaxed cruising, along with a 4-course premium menu, which is perfect while enjoying the 360-degree harbour views and the full canvas of Vivid Lights from the water.

You have the option to disembark at Circular Quay at 9.30pm (excluding Fri, Sat & Sun 8 June)

Location: Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1
Date: 23 May – 14 June 2025, not available on Mondays and Tuesdays
Cost: Kids $59 Adults $135, Get the cruise’s full details and book directly here. Some early bird pricing the first week ($119).

Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise

Offering amazing value-for-money, Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruise will let you enjoy the one-of-a-kind backdrop of Vivid Sydney lights while enjoying a contemporary Australian 3-course dining and live entertainment.

After an entree of Mushroom ravioli, you will have alternative service of Twice cooked crispy skinned chicken or Gremolata-rubbed Barramundi. Dessert will be either a lemon lime tart or a chocolate raspberry coconut pebble. All meals are served alternatively.

Location: Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1
Date: 23 May – 14 June 2025, Wed-Sun, 7pm and Mon 9 June
Cost: From $99 Get the cruise’s full details or book here.

5pm Vivid Special Dinner

Experience 1.5 hours of relaxed cruising perfectly timed sunset while dining on a 2-course menu on this 5pm Vivid early dinner. This cruise has the same menu as the previous one without the addition of dessert. Never fear, there are several great gelato options along the Vivid route.

Note: This boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Location: Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1
Date: 23 May – 14 June 2025 Wed-Sun, 5pm and Mon 9 June
Cost: $79 Get the cruise’s full details or book here.

Sydney Vivid Tallship Cruise – Most unique option

If you have never boarded one of the two Sydney Harbour tall ships now is the perfect time. These ships are not just for tourists. I have been on several cruises and it’s a fun experience.

Your cruise includes:

• 1.5-hour Sydney Harbour Tall Ship cruise past the Vivid sites
• A tasty meal served on board
• Drinks included (excluding premium beers)

Check availability – these will sell out!

Departure Location: Campbells Cove The Rocks
Date: Every day between 23 May to 14 June – 2 departures per night 6pm, 7:45pm
Price: $89 Get the cruise’s full details here.

Journey Beyond – 3 Course Fine Dining Vivid Dinner Cruise

Cruise the harbour during Sydney’s Vivid Lights Festival watching the sunset with its stunning pink glow over Sydney Harbour while indulging in a three hour, luxurious and intimate 3-course dinner cruise.

Your cruise includes:

• Luxurious and intimate 3-course dinner cruise
• A selection of beers, wines, soft drinks and tea or coffee hand selected by sommeliers from some of the finest wine regions in NSW
• Wheelchair and Stroller accessible

Departure Location: Wharf 8, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW
Date: 24 May to 16 Jun, Friday to Sunday only 5.10pm boarding time.
Get the cruise’s full details here

Journey Beyond also offer a 75 minute champagne and canape Vivid cruise from $88

Budget Vivid Cruises

Sea Sydney Harbour – BYO Drinks Vivid Harbour Cruise

See Sydney’s iconic landmarks illuminated with stunning light displays from an intimate catamaran limited to just 25 passengers. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas provide perfect vantage points for photography.

• A 1.5 hour cruise with an experienced skipper and deckhand/host
• Light refreshments including an Italian-inspired antipasto spread with bread rolls
• One complimentary soft drink per person
• BYO alcoholic beverages with no corkage fees

Guest Reviews (4.6/5 from 55 reviews):
“The catamaran was intimate and there was not the problem of crowds, the pace of the boat was excellent so the view could be enjoyed. There was ample food for everyone.” –
Grace, June 2024

Departure Location: 13 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point (The Rocks)
Date: 23 May – 14 June 2025, 5:45pm & 7:30pm daily – additional weekend departures at 9pm
Price: From $49 per person Details and booking can be made here

Sea Sydney Harbour – Catamaran Cruise with Canapes and Drink

Experience the Vivid Sydney Festival from a prime location on a boat cruising Sydney Harbour. See the spectacular sights and enjoy the picturesque views of Sydney’s cityscape and landmarks from an intimate catamaran limited to just 40 passengers. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas provide perfect vantage points for photography.

Your cruise includes:

• A 1.5 hour cruise with an experienced skipper and deckhand/host
• A selection of canapes
• One complimentary beverage per person (beer, wine, soft drink, or juice) and the option to purchase more drinks onboard at cash bar.

This tour has been very popular in past years so it does tend to be one of the first to sell out.

Guest Reviews (4.8/5 from 69 reviews):
“Great value for money. Group size was great for the size of the boat as were the crew.
GetYourGuide traveller, June 2024

Departure Location: Meet at 13 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point (The Rocks)
Date: 23 May to 14 June 2025, Tuesday to Sunday
Price: From $69 per person Get the cruise’s full details and book here.

Choose a Unique Vivid Sydney Experience

Vivid Moonlight Sea Kayaking Experience

Experience the Vivid Sydney lights from a unique water-level perspective in a sea kayak. Paddle through Darling Harbour as the city illuminates around you, getting an up-close view of the light installations while avoiding the crowds. Perfect for adventure seekers wanting a more intimate and active Vivid experience.

• A 1.5 hour guided kayaking experience with professional instructors
• Small group format ensures personal attention
• Unique water-level viewing perspective
• Sunset departure timing to watch the city come alive with lights
• Mirage Sea Kayaks Touring doubles are used – they are very stable with a wonderful glide.

This weather-dependent activity requires a basic level of fitness and comfort on the water, as you’ll be actively paddling throughout the experience. While offering unique photo opportunities from water level, participants should be prepared to get slightly wet and dress appropriately.

Guest Reviews
This is a new tour however reviews for the operator’s other harbor kayaking experiences are consistently high (4.9/5), with guests praising the professional guides.

Departure Location: Darling Harbour
Date: 23 May to 14 June Wednesday to Sunday only
Price: From $155 per person
Note this tour is Non-refundable Get more details and book here

Vivid Lights Secret Bar Crawl

Visit 3 of Sydney’s best secret & small bars while exploring the Vivid Lights artworks! This 3 hour Vivid bar tour is a great option for solo travellers. Your guide will showcase some of the best light installations, while weaving in stories of the area and insider knowledge of Sydney’s nightlife.

Over three hours, you’ll visit three bars including some well-hidden ones, with one drink included.

This is a great way to have a fun & unique night out during Vivid while discovering some amazing hidden bars.

Book this tour or find out more

Getting the Best Photos at Vivid Sydney

• Go on Sunday – Monday and be prepared to stay all night.
• Get up above the lights if you can – Cahill Walk, The Observation Deck at the Overseas Passenger’s terminal, are good choices. I have heard they may close this area to the public for security concerns, but I see lots of photos taken from this spot, so perhaps ask when you arrive. The footpath on the Harbour Bridge offers excellent vantage points.
• If you are a keen photographer or someone who wants to learn more, look out for some of the photos walks – they usually have the best locations sorted and will give you useful tips. I did one with Canon a few years ago that was excellent.
• Take a tripod and a manual camera.
• Share your photos using the official hashtag #vividsydney
• There are some significant technical tips here

Vivid Photography Tour

A professional photographer leads this 3-hour walking tour from the National College of Photography, leading you to the best spots to shoot the Vivid installations. You will also get lots of tips to help you create the best photos in night conditions.

The tour is designed to visit the spots at the best times, so you can navigate the crowds and get amazing photos to take home. I did this tour two years ago and learned so much!

Departure Location: Harrington Street The Rocks
Get the full details here.

Vivid Helicopter Flight over Sydney Harbour

If you’re looking to experience Vivid in style, why not choose this 25-minute scenic flight over Sydney Harbour at night for views of Vivid at every angle? For a unique experience, see Sydney after dark from above and be dazzled by the illuminated skyline aboard the exclusive twin engine Euro copter EC135 helicopter.

This flight includes a photo opportunity with the pilot and aircraft, plus commentary with BOSE voice-activated headsets for the best experience possible.

Departure Location: 472 Ross Smith Ave, Mascot
Date: Mon to Sun
Get the full details here.

Vivid Accommodation

If you plan to visit Sydney for the Vivid Festival and want to book accommodation, it’s good to get in early if you can. A lot of the budget hotels are booked out by large tour groups. We have a list of our favourite budget hotels that we would be happy to stay at, so check there if you are having trouble.

Hotels with a view of the Harbour are a good option if you want to view the lights from above.

If it’s your first visit to the city, you might like to read our article on choosing the best part of town to stay in depending on your travel style.

If you are bringing the kids, we have also listed our favourite hotels for families.

Feature image credit: Destination NSW

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