The sails of the Sydney Opera House come alive with the work of David McDiarmid for Vivid Sydney from 23 May – 14 June. Photos: Supplied.
“Memory is a diary that we all carry about with us,” Oscar Wilde said, although more than that, positive reminiscences can turn our dreams into reality.
The best part of the enjoyment of happy times is not just recollecting them, but realistically reliving the joyous moments to feel more of those sensational, ultimate thrills.
That’s how it’s been for several years for our family, and those experiences will again be taken up a few notches in 2025 as Vivid Sydney returns to ignite creativity, spark wonder and celebrate the festival theme ‘‘Dream’’ across eye-catching light installations, in particular.
Organisers have invited us to step beyond the everyday and into a city transformed by imagination, technology and creativity, from 23 May to 14 June.
It’s a place where there will be excitement and dynamism. Australia’s most populous city boasts iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. From the land and from the water, savour memorable views of a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis.
Enjoy new Vivid Sydney harbour cruises and go on Big Bus Sydney night tours. Watch in awe as various buildings and landmarks are transformed in and around the CBD into an outdoor night-time canvas of art.
The Asia-Pacific’s leading multi-artform festival is visually stunning and transforms the Emerald City into a pulsating hub of inventiveness and community connection. It’s more than just an annual carnival of light, music and ideas. It’s an immersive experience, which only gets better every year. Destination NSW says Vivid Sydney, in its 15th year, will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time.
Hop on board and watch Sydney come to life after dark on a Big Bus Sydney tour.
More than 75 per cent of the program is free. Lace up your sneakers and get ready to discover stunning light installations and projections (there will be 42 of them!) after 6 o’clock every night along the Light Walk that reaches across the five festival zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, The Goods Line and Inner City, and for the first time since 2018, Martin Place and the CBD. A variety of large-scale installations includes light projections, interactive experiences and 3D animations.
It’s a good idea to break up the walk over several evenings, focusing on one zone per night. One of the must-see experiences is Lighting of the Sails: ‘’Kiss of Light’’ by David McDiarmid. The sails of the Sydney Opera House come alive with the work of this visionary artist and activist. This is a ground-breaking animated tribute to McDiarmid’s bold, unapologetic work.
Each zone is a lively hub of activities and offerings, providing unique encounters. Pick events to suit your fancy. The list seems endless! Explore, uncover and let your imagination shine. Make an incredible night of it with dazzling lights, delicious food, inspiring performances and outdoor film screenings in Martin Place.
Look to the ease of sightseeing by bus: it has educational value, is convenient, informative, mesmeric, scenic, comfortable and affordable. See Sydney/Warrane come to life after dark on Big Bus Tours, Sydney’s new 90-minute panoramic night tour. Journey past the city’s most iconic illuminated landmarks and enjoy stunning night-time views from Milsons Point and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, presenting some of the best vantage points in the city.
Float among a constellation of colour as Journey Beyond launches three new ways to experience Vivid Sydney 2025 from Sydney Harbour.
With a guide on board, you will hear captivating stories about Sydney’s rich history, culture and hidden gems, making this more than just a sightseeing tour – it’s a fascinating experience. This non-stop, open-top bus tour is perfect for travellers wanting to see Sydney in a new light, whether for the first time or rediscovering it after dark.
Alternatively, leave terra firma and float among a constellation of colour as Journey Beyond launches three new ways to experience Vivid Sydney 2025, Australia’s largest festival of light, from the waters of Sydney Harbour. Departing just steps from Circular Quay in the city centre, passengers can choose between a 150-minute, all-inclusive dinner cruise or two 75-minute options, each offering unrivalled views of illuminated icons.
Sparkling wine is a welcome start to the dinner cruise before a three-course menu showcases seasonal NSW ingredients as the harbour transitions from sunset to spectacular light show.
For a more casual experience, the Vivid Sunset Cruise and Vivid Lights Cruise include gourmet canapes while gliding past the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline bathed in the festival’s kaleidoscopic projections.
Turn different corners to see something new and exciting. Full of exuberance, some celebrations are joyful, unforgettable, remain ever-evocative, brilliant and heartwarming!
