Sydney Vivid: My Review with Pros & Cons to visiting!
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Sydney light up like never before, then the Vivid Festival is probably on your radar. Every year, the city transforms into a dazzling canvas of light projections, making it one of Australia’s most iconic festivals and a huge drawcard for both locals and visitors.
But here’s the thing: while Vivid Sydney is undeniably spectacular, it can also be overwhelming for first-timers. The crowds can get intense, navigating the different precincts isn’t always straightforward, and knowing the best spots (without spending your whole evening in queues) can make or break your experience.
So, is it really worth visiting? That’s where my experience comes in. In this review and guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Sydney Vivid Festival, from the highlights, to the pros and cons that will help you decide if it’s the right event to add to your itinerary.
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Note: In 2026 The Sydney Vivid Festival will run From Friday the 22nd of May to Saturday the 13th of June.
My Review: Is the Sydney Vivid Festival Worth Visiting?
So, do I think the Sydney Vivid Festival is worth it? Well, after I attended one of the best visual art festivals in the world first hand – my answer is a resounding YES! But, I do believe there are many factors involved in making the best choice for your situation.
Every year, this massive event delights locals and tourists with its stunning lighting display and world-class culture. So, when the sun goes down and the lights come up, you’ll be treated to a magical experience like no other.
In short, I think the Vivid festival is an opportunity to see Sydney at its best! However, there were a couple of things that annoyed me a little, which I’ll explain more below!
I felt the Sydney Vivid Festival was a magical experience, taking the city by storm with its magnificent lights and sights. Surprisingly, I’ve only visited Sydney a couple of times over the years, and this would have to be one of my best experiences to tick off on my Aussie bucket list.
It was a brilliant time to see one of the world’s most known city and landmarks burst into life – vibrant, expressive, and teeming with energy. From the lit-up Opera House, other notable buildings, and the tantalizingly walkways.
Overall, it was worth visiting, and if given the opportunity, I would definitely visit again! Especially to see the more recent displays, and more importantly, the Drone show!
NOTE: If you’re planning your first visit, my 5 day Sydney itinerary for first timers breaks down everything day by day, from top attractions to local tips and transport options.
➡ 5 Reasons You might like it?
1. It’s the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney’s Vivid festival is the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Every year, more than two million people visit to see the incredible light displays throughout the city.
The festival runs for 3 weeks and features more than 50 different light displays.
Imagine taking a night walk along the harbour, admiring the illuminated beauty all around you. You can also attend captivating music performances, hands-on workshops, light art installations, and plenty of other activities.
2. It’s an excellent opportunity to see Sydney in a different light.
Literally! This is your best opportunity to see the city in a different light.
The city is transformed into a colourful wonderland that is sure to amaze everyone who visits. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, Vivid is definitely an event you don’t want to miss.
➡ Compare prices for Sydney Accommodation HERE with Booking.com
3. There are plenty of things to do during the day.
In addition to the unbelievable light displays, there are also plenty of things to do during the day.
This includes Taronga Zoo, Harbour Cruises, climbing the Harbour Bridge, or swimming.
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. But if you have limited time, please check out my post on how to spend 24 hours in Sydney and just see my favourite highlights.
4. It’s an exceptional opportunity to support local businesses.
Many of the businesses that participate are local businesses.
This is an ideal opportunity to support them and help keep the economy strong. When you shop at local businesses, you’re helping to create jobs and keep money circulating within the community of Australia.
5. It’s just plain fun!
At the end of the day, Vivid is just plain fun!
It’s a brilliant way to spend time with family and friends, and it’s also a great way to meet new people.
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For nature lovers and first-time visitors to Sydney, my post on the best things to do in the Blue Mountains highlights all the must-see attractions, and scenic walks to explore on your trip. Whether you only have time for a day trip or want to plan a 3 day Itinerary.
➡ 5 Reasons NOT to visit?
1. It can be expensive
While The Sydney Vivid festival is primarily a free event, the cost surrounding your stay can add up immensely.
This includes Hotel Accommodation in the city, public transport, Taxi’s or Ubers, flights, food & drink, and specific light displays and events that aren’t free.
➡ Compare prices for Sydney Accommodation HERE with Booking.com
2. It’s Crowded
The festival is incredibly crowded.
With over two million people attending the event each year, it can be challenging to move around or even see the light displays. Popular destinations like the Royal Botanic Garden, which features illuminated laser shows, or the iconic Opera House and its 3D projections.
These pull in quite a few visitors who want to witness one of the world’s largest light festivals. As a photographer, I found this particularly frustrating with low light and too many blurry people getting in my shot.
However, like the view from my hotel rooftop, Vivid Sydney features secret hideaways such as rooftop bars, hidden cafés, and secluded parkettes, offering intimate and unique experiences away from the crowds.
3. It can be Overhyped to keep returning
I find it’s incredibly overhyped.
Every year, the event is advertised as being bigger and better than the last, and there are new displays and creations added. Still, in reality, it often falls short of expectations if you’re going to see the same displays.
This can leave attendees feeling disappointed and frustrated, especially if they’ve paid a lot of money to attend.
But, you’ll find after every few years there will be slight changes, which I heard of last years Drone Show. Now this is something I would love to see and will eventually get back there again.
Therefore, if you intend to visit again and again, try to leave it for every 2 to 3 years, instead of every year!
➡ Compare prices for Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE with Viator.
4. Travelling and public transport is a nightmare
With the excess amount of people, I chose to stay in the city and walked everywhere.
However, a simple Uber from the airport was a massive challenge with road closures and delays. In the end, we had to ask a police officer to let us pass through the barricade and required proof we were staying there to enter.
For those staying out of the city, delays will happen for public transport time schedules. Not only that, but road closures will have you walking further to get from A to B.
5. Crowds make it less Family-Friendly
I don’t believe this event is particularly family-friendly – especially regarding crowds. While kids will love the lights, and there are some kid-friendly activities and attractions, much of the event makes it easy to lose track of them.
This can make it difficult for families with young children to enjoy themselves entirely at the festival.
How long does it run for?
The festival runs every night for 3 weeks, so you have plenty of time to take in all the sights and sounds of this spectacular event.
Additionally, it’s held around the end of May to Mid-June each year, and its dates are announced at least 6 months before the event takes place.
The lights are switched from 6pm to 11pm and take place every night, throughout the 3 week period
Vivid Highlights with a Map!
All artist submissions are changed yearly, so no two displays ever look exactly the same. Nevertheless, you can navigate around the numerous attractions and admire the incredible skills shown by all its creators.
Therefore, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something that resonates with you in some way or another. Below are some of the more popular areas to see and you can click here for my specially pinned map to open or apply directions from your location.
Did you know? It takes 5.2 kilometres of network cable to light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city during the event, which is almost five times the length of the bridge itself.
1. Opera House
The lighting of the sails is definitely a star attraction! Watch the constantly changing 3D projections on the sails of this iconic landmark.
2. Harbour Bridge
The eastern side of the bridge is beautifully illuminated.
While cinematic cultural performances are projected onto the southern pylon. You can also do a Bridge Climb to view the entire city in its shining glory.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
At least 15 installations are scattered throughout the largest expanse of space that the city has to offer. This allows for more extensive, unrestricted interactive displays.
4. Barangaroo
Admire creative light sculptures and interactive displays. All this while enjoying unique fare from the 40+ restaurants, bars, and cafes.
5. Luna Park
View a different perspective of the city from atop the kaleidoscopically-lit Ferris Wheel. Or watch the LED-covered street performers and grand projections on Coney Island.
6. Circular Quay
The epicentre of the festival. This is where most of the cruises depart from and is a gateway to the Vivid Light Walk.
7. The Rocks
Weave your way through the historic laneways littered with interactive light works, eateries, and market stalls. Don’t forget to visit The Argyle Cut to watch the magical cinematic projections.
8. Darling Harbour
Watch short films projected on the Australian National Maritime Museum. Then, participate in the interactive displays and awe at the weekend laser and fireworks shows.
9. Taronga Zoo
Although not located in the city itself, this is a must-do for the kids! They’ll be fascinated by the illuminated trail of giant animal sculptures and lanterns as you experience the night-time happenings of the zoo.
Note: The Dubbo Taronga Zoo in central New South Wales, is also part of the same Western Plains group as Sydney’s Taronga.
10. Chatswood
Mesmerizing 3D projections can be found along The Concourse. This has many interactive installations for kids and adults alike.
Fun Fact: The festival has a significant international presence, with installations from countries like Colombia, Norway, the UK, Italy, and France, taking up to three months to arrive by sea.
11. Harbour Cruises?
Alternatively, a harbour cruise could be right up your alley and for those who may not like the crowds or the extensive walking! These are significantly more relaxing, are a perfect option, and there are quite a few to choose from, with prices starting from as little as $25pp.
➡ Find Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE with Viator.
It does pay to do your research before booking, as there are differences between the cruises, such as cruise time (from 45-90 minutes), food and beverage inclusions, food quality, seating, and comfort.
Tip: Want to experience the best of New South Wales and Queensland in one journey? Read my Sydney to Brisbane East Coast road trip planner packed with local tips, highlights, and travel advice.
Where to Stay?
This is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, and there are many options for where to stay. However, if you want to walk around the city and explore everything it offers, then options around the city are best for convenience. That said, it is vital to remember to book early in the year as accommodation fills up fast.
➡ Compare prices for Sydney Accommodation HERE with Booking.com
Alternatively, if you don’t mind a bit of a trip out of Town and would prefer something more affordable, then there are plenty of options further afield. Admittedly, the accommodation is not the cheapest.
Therefore, I suggest calculating a minimum of $150/night per room into your budget. However, alternative costs can range from $200 to $500 per night.
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
Do you need a car to get around?
Ultimately, the get around, I would firstly recommend the Sydney Public Transport system with Bus, Metro, Ferry, Light rail & Trains. For the actual Vivid experience, I think it’s much easier to get around WITHOUT a car, especially with the crowds.
With that said, If you have other plans during the day, then having the flexibility of a car will help. This includes doing things like driving to Wollongong for the day, swimming at Bondi or Manly Beach, taking a coastal walk, or finding the famous Sea Cliff Bridge lookout.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
If you’re anything like me, I prefer getting around on my own schedule. So as long as you have a GPS to find your way around, then you’ll be able to see more in a shorter amount of time.
How Long is the Light Walk?
Vivid features its longest continuous light walk, with an 8 kilometre length program. Consequently, 11 city locations will participate, all of which will come alive with an array of colourful light artworks. Each year, you can download a Light Walking Map from the website.
The following are just some of the landmarks you’ll pass on the Vivid Light Walk:
- Circular Quay
- CBD
- The Rocks
- Barangaroo
- Darling Harbour
- Darling Square
- Darling Quarter
- The Goods Line
- Central Station
- Luna Park
- Taronga Zoo
Where can you park?
The Opera House Wilson car park is the official parking spot for the Festival, but as you can imagine – it fills up fast. So be sure to get there early if you plan to drive your own car!
Were possible, take advantage of all the fun festivities by using public transport, such as a train or bus. That way, you won’t have to worry about where to park, and you can enjoy every little bit of all the festival offers!
Apart from that, you can do what we did and stay in the city to walk to all the different displays.
What Streets are closed?
For pedestrian safety, key roads in the city will be closed each night of the festival, with additional closures on Fridays and weekends. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Sydney CBD,
- Circular Quay
- Darling Harbour
- Haymarket
- The Rocks
- Walsh Bay
Tip – If you’re staying in the city and getting there by car, take note of the street closures or check-in during the day. The Uber we caught from the Airport had trouble getting into our hotel and we had to show police our reservation to enter.
When did Vivid First start?
When the Vivid festival first began in 2009 it was designed as a relatively low-key Smart Light Festival to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. However, it has now evolved into a visual, magical melting pot of vibrant light sculptures and artistic light projections.
This means, light and technology artists from around the world are invited to submit their artwork through a global expression of interest.
Additionally, a vast amount of iconic buildings and a maze of historic laneways are illuminated with enchanting light sculptures. These breath-taking, enormous 3D projections tell tales of boundless creativity and imagination. These are accompanied by fantastic live musical performances by both international and home-grown artists.
In 2019, all grid-connected lighting installations were powered by 100% Green Power accredited renewable energy, showcasing the festival’s commitment to sustainability. There was also, 733 volunteers contributed nearly 20,000 hours to make the festival a success, highlighting the community effort behind the scenes.
My best Tips for planning your visit!
- Go on a weeknight instead of the weekend to limit the crowds.
- Stay out of the city for cheaper options and use public transport.
- Fireworks are held on the weekends, Friday & Saturday nights.
- Always see the Free stuff first ( which is mainly in the city)
- Plan your trip well in advance. This event is extremely popular!
- Book your accommodation months in advance!
- The festival’s first few days tend to be a little less crowded, whereas the last weekend tends to be incredibly busy.
- If you’re happy to have a late night. Know that an excellent time to enjoy the event with fewer crowds is later in the evening. Therefore, I would recommend visiting Sunday-Thursday from 9pm-11pm.
- If you are coming with kids, keep a hold of them at all times.
- You’re bound to miss things if you try to fit it all in one night. Therefore, plan a few nights to visit!
- Do not drive into the city! Extra public transport will be running during the event but might take longer. There is also limited parking and less street access.
- Wear warm, layered clothing and pack an umbrella, just in case. Winter in the city gets quite cold with the possibility of rain. (Note: it rained for the first 30 minutes of my walkaround)
- Road closures begin at approximately 5pm and do not open again until after midnight.
- All of the Light Precincts are located within a short distance of the major public transport stops.
- All the information you need to plan your public transport trip can be found on the Transport NSW website.
Wrap up & Read More!
Overall, I think the Sydney Vivid festival is a brilliant addition to add to your itinerary if you’re passing by the city or looking for an extended stay. Although, take note of the tips and tricks written in this blog to help make your stay more enjoyable.
Remember to check out other New South Wales blogs, if you need help adding more plans to your vacation!
