Nothing says winter is coming like the onslaughter of Vivid Sydney promos we’re starting to see lately. Not that anyone is truly complaining! Celebrating its 11th year, Vivid Sydney 2019 is about to hit us right in the face with another grand spectacle of light, music and ideas from 24 May to 25 June 2019.
Everyone (including myself!) will tell you that the best way to explore Vivid’s take on Sydney’s iconic city buildings, laneways and nearby neighborhoods is by foot. But with 2.25 million visiting in 2018 alone, I bet you’re already imagining the crowds and thinking of an out! Whether you’re a first time Vivid visitor or a Sydneysider who’s seen it all, beat the mob with these 10/10 vantage points.
Ferry Service: Barangaroo to Circular Quay
What’s a Vivid adventure without checking out the Circular Quay shoreside’s light display, complete with Sydney’s infamous Harbour Bridge and Opera House? This year, the Harbour Lights installation features a synchronised mood light display beaming off floating vessels in Sydney’s harbour.
Get in the thick of the action and watch it all unfold on the Barangaroo to Circular Quay commuter ferry service. This vantage point earns extra brownie points because you can hit multiple Vivid sites in the one go! Catch the Winter Camp festivities with a 6m tall puppet at Barangaroo before jumping on board and admiring Luna Park’s eternally bright lights. Get your camera ready as you pass under the Harbour Bridge and marvel at the Opera House’s sails which will be lit up with patterns of native fauna this year.
Pro tip – It gets awfully cold on the water at night, so dress warmly!
The Glenmore
Y’all already know that The Glenmore is a top-notch rooftop venue for some casual drinks. It’s even better during Vivid! Thanks to its 180 degrees view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, The Glenmore’s rooftop is another winner for catching the Circular Quay dress circle’s lightshow. With a retractable rooftop, this pub is the perfect place to toast Sydney with a pint or two, come rain or shine.
Pro tip – Get here before the after work crowd does! Settle in with some pub grub and watch day slip into night when Vivid’s lights switch on at 6pm each night.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is #bucketlist on a normal day but it’s absolutely glorious on a Vivid night. Conquer an Aussie icon as part of The Vivid Climb and be rewarded with postcard perfect views of Sydney’s CBD and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Slowly ascend the bridge and watch as shimmering installations, projections and light sculptures all come into view. Take in the sights along with the sounds and music of Vivid before breaking out into your best dance moves on the illuminated retro dancefloor fitted just for the festival.
PS – You’ll be given an 8 second video of your dance performance to share on your socials after the climb, so make sure your rehearse as hard as Beyonce did for Coachella!
Luna Park Ferris Wheel
If you’re after a sprinkle of magic on your Vivid night, take a nice and easy spin on Luna Park’s ferris wheel. This vantage point peaks at 40m and gives you a private view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Talk about a romantic way to finish the night!
For the second time, Luna Park will also be taking part in the festivities and the ferris wheel will be decorated with 3000 LED lights that change along with the grand projections of Coney Island’s ‘Spirit of Fun’ installation. Look out for the roving street performers who will be sure to delight both the young and young at heart.