Introduction
Vivid Sydney is Sydney’s largest cultural event, offering an enormous range of experiences for all ages. Its most visited component is the Light Walk, which is a free after dark “museum” that runs from The Rocks to Central Station. Given the scope of Vivid Sydney, some planning can help ensure that you and your kids have the best possible time as our city shines.
Vivid Sydney 2024 runs 24 May – 15 June. Lights are on at 6p.m. each night.
Below, I will outline some tips for families, 2024 highlights and possible itineraries. For complete information, visit the Vivid Sydney website and/or download the app.
Tips for Families
As a sprawling, often crowded night time event, there are some things to think about in order to make sure your family has the best and safest time at Vivid. I have compiled these thoughts after many years of attending with children from babies to school age. Before you go, consider:
- Break it up into bite-size bits. Don’t feel like you need to see everything! Based on the age and stamina of your kids, consider that you may plan to only cover a certain amount of ground in one trip. Suggested itineraries are below to help you think about what might be most manageable for your family.
- For the busiest precincts – Circular Quay, especially – consider baby wearing, if you have very little ones. Vivid is good about accessibility, but it can be a challenge to manage a pram in the crowds. And, if you have toddlers who can walk some, they may eventually get overwhelmed and be happy to be held close in a carrier. Other area along the foreshore walk are pram and wheelchair friendly.
- Prepare your kids for separation ahead of time. Oh my goodness, I hope this does not happen to any of you(!!), but better it’s so much better safe than sorry. With so many literal shiny things, interactive installations, lots of people, and it being dark at night, it is wise to be prepared for losing track of each other.
- Write your phone number on your child’s arm in Sharpie or make/buy a bracelet with your number.
- If they are old enough to talk, make sure they know your first name.
- Take a photo of them in the outfit they’re wearing before you leave home.
- Let them know not to leave the area they are in if they can’t see you, but rather to tell the nearest Vivid worker in uniform (most interactive installations will have at least one attendant) or uniformed police officer or medical attendant.
- Pack light, but make sure that you have enough clothes to keep everyone warm on the cold nights.
- Food stuff. Hungry kids can really make the evening a bummer, so have a food plan! To each their own, of course, but for me, restaurant dinners in the city can really add up. If logistics allow, I much prefer to feed the family first, then head out with a few snacks in the bag.
- Public transport is a great option for most destinations, but plan ahead and be sure that you leave yourself plenty of time to catch return buses/trains/ferries. Have an alternate plan of return, particularly if you’re taking a ferry from Circular Quay on a busy night.
- To avoid the largest crowd:
- Weeknights are less busy than weekends
- When it is a bit rainy (you probably don’t want to go in a torrential downpour, but if you don’t mind a little drizzle, pack an umbrella, and you’ll be rewarded with much smaller crowds)
- Expect the King’s Birthday Weekend (7 – 10 June) to be extra crowded with more tourists in town.
Vivid Sydney Light Walk – Possible Itineraries
In my opinion, one of the best things to ever happen to Vivid Sydney was last year’s opening of the foreshore walk, which made it possible for the Light Walk to be one continuous 8km path. This means that you can start anywhere from Circular Quay to the Goods Line and walk until you’re tuckered out. It is highly unlikely, however, that you (and certainly not kids!) will have the interest or stamina to do the entire walk in one go. We tend to make 3 or 4 nights out of the precincts. Here is how we plan to break it up this year:
- Circular Quay and The Rocks to Dawes Point
- Barangaroo and Walsh Bay
- Darling Harbour (Saturday nights to take advantage of Tumbalong Nights for kids) +
- The Goods Line and the Fire Kitchen
Circular Quay and the Rocks (Plus Drone Show)
Where: From Customs House to The Rocks side of Circular Quay, following the path to Dawes Point (or the other way).
Highlights:
- The Lighting of the Sails is the most recognisable annual installation at Vivid Sydney. This year’s display has been created by 2023 Archibald Prize winner Julia Gutma. View from the opposite side of Circular Quay, including the Overseas Passenger Terminal up to Dawes Point.
- Projections on both the MCA and Customs House are also perrenial Vivid favorites. For families, I am particularly looking forward to “Gumscape with Road and Creatures” on Customs House, which looks to be an Aussie road trip with a strange twist, created by Reg Mombassa.
- “Embrace” at First Fleet Park looks like a kid-favorite. Based on paper chain people, this is a can-touch exhibit.
Drone Show: If you and your kids love a drone show, plan to make your Circular Quay night the Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th or Saturday 15th of June. The “Love is in the Air” drone show starts at 9.10pm. Prime viewing spots for these drone shows are guaranteed to be crowded so stake out your territory early. Best spots are either side of Circular Quay (but preferably not under the ferry terminal, as the roof may obstruct your view) or on the Cahill Express walkway (get in early – I hear that last year, this vantage was closed to more spectators by 8:30). You could also watch it from the Kirribilli side, though the orientation might change for some elements. To simulcast music, follow the directions for the Cinewav app.
Getting there: This area is easily accessible by train, ferry, light rail and bus. There are also a number of paid parking lots within walking distance – pre-booking is a must.
Barangaroo and Walsh Bay
Where: A nice walk along the foreshore takes you from the Barangaroo business district to the Stargazer’s lawn, then continue to Walsh Bay. One of the most relaxed spots on the Light Walk. (Or vice versa)
Highlights:
- “Nest” at Stargazer Lawn (pictured above) is an “expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia.”
- PORTAL at Walumil Lawn is a 15-metre tall archway with both light and sound components, evoking another world.
- There is only one installation at Walsh Bay on the Light Walk this year – “Migrating Light,” in which “a series of holograms featuring migrants from our past appear before your eyes as their stories of struggle and triumph are told through audio, archival images and personal artifacts.”
Getting there: Barangaroo is accessible by ferry. Another good option is to take a train or bus to Wynyard and walk through the tunnel to Barangaroo. There are also paid parking lots in the Barangaroo and Walsh Bay districts.
Darling Harbour and Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Park
Where: Darling Harbour, including Tumbalong Park, is typically the most family-focused precinct. In addition to the Light Walk installations, there is a full line-up of music on the Tumbalong Nights Stage (info about the children’s shows below). If you still have have energy left after seeing and doing this area, you can easily proceed on to The Goods Line, which I’ll detail in the next section.
Highlights:
- The light and water show at Cockle Bay has been a Vivid favourite for my kids for the past couple of years. This year’s display is called “Hika Rakuyo,” based on “a Japanese concept that uses flowers and falling leaves as a metaphor for the transient beauty of life.” It is an 8 minute show that runs on a loop from 6p.m. – 10:45p.m.
- “Neolithic” (pictured above) is a large-scale installation at Tumbalong Park. “A hyper-brilliant LED canopy weaves across the structure, with geometric patterns reminiscent of ancient art, while powerful headlight beams reach for the night sky.”
- “Sennheiser Mirrobox” at Tumbalong Park is described as an ” immersive audio journey creates a space for visitors to reflect on the sounds that surround them. By blending AI with collective meditation, sound design with haptic feedback and visual spectacle with internal reflection, the Sennheiser Mirrorbox explores the connection between sound and human identity. ” I am guessing there will be lines to enter this one, so consider queuing up early.
Vivid Kids: On Saturday nights, get to Tumbalong Park early for family concerts at 5p.m. Enjoy a groove with kid-favorites and then you are right there for lights on at 6p.m. The Vivid Kids lineup is:
- 25 May: Buuja Buuja Dance
- 1 June: The Beanies
- 8 June: Formidable Vegetable
- 15 June: The Quokkas
Getting there: There are ferry, train, bus, and light rail options to destinations a short walk from the Light Walk. There are also paid paid parking lots nearby. For detailed options, check the Darling Harbour Getting There page.
The Goods Line and the Fire Kitchen
Where: The Goods Line is an urban walkway from Darling Harbour to Central Station. You may find it is easy enough to add this part of the walk on to your Darling Harbour evening, especially as there does not seem to be a lot of installations in this area this year. The main attraction here looks like it will be the Vivid Fire Kitchen. I am making an exception to my “eat first” rule this year to give it a try.
Highlights:
- The Vivid Fire Kitchen has relocated from Barangaroo to the Goods Line this year. I was sorry that we skipped this last year, as I heard good things, so we’re taking a punt on making this dinner this year! BBQ based food stalls will feature a range of foods and there are demonstrations from local and international chefs.
- The Frank Gehry designed UTS building at The Goods Line make an excellent canvas. This year, it will feature “Window Dressings.” “Catch a tantalising glimpse into several imagined lives, as you gaze up at a wall of illuminated windows and watch people living strange and beautiful lives within.” This work can be sinchronised to a soundtrack with the Cinewav app. Details on event page.
Getting there: Walk to The Goods Line from Central Station or the Paddy’s Market light rail stop.
Additional Vivid Sydney Events for Families
The below events are all ticketed/paid.
Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden
“Experience the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in a new light, with breath-taking lightworks created by acclaimed local and international artists. Wander beneath towering tree canopies illuminated in colour, stroll beneath larger-than-life flowers and through dynamic, glowing tunnels. Discover moments of wonder to share with everyone around you. “
Tickets: Ticket prices are based on Off-peak and Peak with timed entry.
Off-peak tickets begin at $30 adult/$18 child (3 – 12) /$88 for a family of 4 with at least 2 children.
Peak time tickets begin at $38 adult/$28 child (3 – 12)/$128 for a family of 4 with at least 2 children.
Dark Spectrum
Disused train tunnels underneath Wynyard were opened last year for the Dark Spectrum experience, which returns to Vivid this year. “An epic soundtrack filled with dance tracks and club hits will draw you deeper as you move through this all-new kilometre long immersive experience made up of eight different chambers where light, sound and colour collide.” Children 5 and under are not permitted in this event. I wrote more about my thoughts on the child-accessibility of Dark Spectrum on Instagram last year.
Tickets: There are Peak, Off-Peak, and Standard Pricing levels based on timed entry.
Off-peak: $35 adult/$24 child (6 – 12)/$98 family (2 adults, 2 children)
Standard: $42 adult/$30 child (6-12)/$134 family (2 adults, 2 children)
Peak: $51 adult/$40 child (6 – 12)/$174 family (2 adults, 2 children)
Tekno Train
“Bring new meaning to “it’s the journey not the destination” with a trip like no other. All aboard this immersive sound experience, as an everyday commuter train morphs into an extraordinary ride.” Attendees can choose between “The Scenic Route” and the “Tech Express,” with The Scenic Route recommended for families with kids 5+. The Scenic Route departs at 6:35p.m. All routes begin and end at Central Station. Strollers and prams are not permitted. Many sessions to this experience are already sold out, so book ahead, if you plan to. (You might easily add The Good Lines to this evening out, as it finishes at Central Station, which is a short walk away).
Tickets to The Scenic Route: $22.84 adults/$16.71 child (under 12)
Follow Artsplorers on Instagram for our 2024 Vivid Sydney updated info, images and tips.