This year marks the 10th anniversary of our favourite festival, Vivid Sydney. Until the 16th June, the city will light up in a spectacular array of artisan creativity and illuminating masterpieces. From the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Rocks to the iconic Harbour and Barangaroo, Sydneysiders are in for a glowing, radiant show.
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Speaking of all things beaming and bright, we’ve gathered all the Vivid Sydney spots that will light up your partner’s world … literally.
The Suite Life
Thinking about splurging on a particularly special date night (or nights)? You can’t go wrong with a Harbour view and the bright lights of Vivid as your backdrop. Hyatt Regency is one of the better places to stay during the winter light show, with uninterrupted views of Darling Harbour and all that it has to offer. For a bird’s eye view and some seriously romantic vibes, head to the rooftop to Zephyr Bar and enjoy some first-class service with first-class views. A lush Harbour View Balcony Suite in the middle of Vivid starts at around $530 per night – trust us, it’s worth every cent.
You’ll find Hyatt Regency at The Bridal Bazaar on June 12th. Buy your tickets here – $29 for the month of May only.
Via Hyatt Regency
Vivid Sydney Cruise
Why Vivid on land when you can Vivid on sea? There is a variety of dinner cruises available during Vivid for your romantic night out. Think city views, a buffet spread and an eclectic display of lights to escape the crowds and take in the night with your partner.
You can see a selection of deals from the Australian Cruise Group here.
1000 Cranes And Graze At The MCA
We can see it now – the perfect couple’s Insta-shot beneath the 1000 Cranes of The Rocks Vivid show, where origami suspensions light up as people gather under the bird-life artwork. Wander through the Vivid Light Walk through a colourful escape or witness the energy at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). We suggest a time-out at the Graze MCA for when you’re in the mood for drinks and comfort food, or wander up to the Sculpture Terrace rooftop for the Bombay Sapphire x MCA pop-up bar. Not only is it a sweet spot to catch the lights, but you’ll definitely win some cool points.
If you’re in the mood to get into the thick of things, wander over to The Rocks Night Markets.
A Barangaroo View
Barangaroo boasts a waterfront with a nightly glow. Here, the promenade is inspired by nature’s water, earth and fire. Admire the scenery alfresco and we’re sure you’ll stumble across the 6-metre, giant, luminescent puppet that breathtaking and awing. One of the biggest puppets ever created in Australia, it pays tribute to the Aboriginal women who once lived across Sydney Harbour. Amongst your whispers of ‘I love you’, listen out for a sound-scape that mimics the sea, birds and Australian bush.
If walking amongst giants isn’t for you, perch yourself on the upper level of Barangaroo House at Smoke Bar and take in the spectacular view while indulging in some seriously tasty food and drinks.
Of All The Bars
Maybe you’re sick of walking around and don’t want to deal with the crowds anymore, so what better to do than park yourself at one of the numerous bars around Sydney harbour and enjoy your company. The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf offers exactly what the name says, meaning you’ll be front row for some seriously spectacular lights. Take in the views of Cockle Bar Wharf with some Euro-vibes at Cafe Del Mar, and their weekly resident DJs will provide the perfect soundtrack for you on Friday and Saturday nights. For a floral haven and some impressive cocktails, head to Hacienda Bar, the Cuban-inspired bar overlooking Circular Quay – with floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony, you won’t want to leave.
Chatswood Food And Light Market
This one is for our North Shorians! Vivid Chatswood is where his love for food and your passion for fashion come together in an exciting collection of light and #lit art. Whether you enter a parallel universe with the Sky Portal at Chatswood Interchange, take a ride on the Magical Carpet or stroll through the Light Market with some of the finest food at your fingertips, it’s a date to remember.
An Enchanted Trip Through The Botanic Gardens
Make the Royal Botanic Gardens a part of your Vivid city-circle. After you see the colourful kaleidoscope that is the Opera House sails, a short walk will lead you to a foliage fantasy. Think partying parrots, larger-than-life beaming flowers and an enchanted forest illuminated by twirling trees. Your love will definitely come to life with singing birds, pulsing light, rippling waves and exotic flora.
A Walk On The Wild Side At Taronga Zoo
Wild life and wild love for the win at Taronga Zoo. Here, Vivid is shining a light (pun intended) on conservation with a lighting extravaganza that showcases our wonderful wildlife in an array of glowing sculptures. Each incredible installation tells a story, from aqua-mania with marine species and a ferocious jungle to laying underneath a canopy of stars and witnessing a beaming planet Earth. Make date night all the more memorable with a Sky Pass ticket. You and your partner can escape the crowds on a night safari for inspiring views from above.
Written by Shaymah Alkhair
Cover image by @danzphotography
