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Sydney is set to light up the night again with VIVID Sydney returning at the end of May, and there are some unique ways to experience the annual festival that take you away from the crowds to discover a secret side of the city. Whether you are a Sydneysider or visiting for the event, you will want to tick off classic VIVID activities.
A whole host of light shows, activities, and events are taking place between 22 May and 13 June in iconic Sydney locations including The Rocks, Barangaroo, the CBD, and Darling Harbour. Iconic VIVID experiences are back, such as Lighting of the Sails at the Opera House, Our Connected City light show on Sydney Harbour, and the VIVID drone show in Darling Harbour. But there are a number of underrated experiences to book if you want a unique VIVID experience too.
With Experience Oz, you can lock in your VIVID Sydney experience ahead of time, ensuring you explore the city after dark without queues, crowds, and from a unique perspective. Taking a cruise around the harbour is one of the most spectacular ways to enjoy VIVID, and you can choose from dinner cruises, catamaran rides, and even a tall ship cruise through Experience Oz. It is one of the best vantage points for admiring all of the light shows happening around Circular Quay and The Rocks.
Or you can get a little closer to the water with an incredible VIVID kayak tour, complete with a LED light-up kayak that you will paddle under the Harbour Bridge and past iconic landmarks at night. Those with no sea legs will be glad to hear you can explore on dry land on an Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour or even a Sydney Ghost Tour. On a guided tour around The Rocks, you will learn all about its convict tales, public executions, and ghostly legends.
If you are keen to capture the whole experience, a VIVID night photography workshop lets you explore through a new lens and take home dazzling photos from the event. Another experience you will not want to miss is the Sydney Tower Skywalk during VIVID, which lets you admire the city skyline from 268 metres in the air from the observation deck.
Other VIVID highlights this year include Piano Walk, which lets you compose music with your feet; Peekaboo Parliament, an interactive game of red light green light; and Sunrise, which projects stunning sunrise timelapses. On top of this, VIVID music will play across famous venues such as Oxford Art Factory, City Recital Hall, White Bay Power Station, and Metro Theatre as a new way to experience the festival. There will also be the chance to fuel your city explorations thanks to VIVID Food, which features innovative dining events like An Evening at Parliament House, Dream Feast at The Mint, and VIVID Fire Kitchen.
VIVID is one of the city's busiest times of the year, so planning ahead is essential. Whether you are searching for a family-friendly activity or planning a special occasion, you can book advance tickets through Experience Oz so you will not have to worry about missing out.
Best events not to miss at VIVID Sydney 2026
Vivid Sydney Lights Night Kayak Tour
Admire iconic landmarks underneath the night sky with your sturdy kayak fitted out with LED lights. With no more than 16 guests and led by professional guides, you will see the sights from a unique vantage point on the water. Book Now
Buffet Dinner Cruise
Be warmly welcomed aboard this Sydney Vivid dinner cruise for a voyage on Sydney Harbour to witness the magical Vivid lights display, indulge in a mouth-watering buffet meal, and sip on a complimentary welcome drink. Book Now
Tall Ship Dinner Cruise
Marvel as the world-famous tall ship sails are transformed by majestic 3D projections for an incredible 90-minute Vivid Sydney dinner cruise, complete with delicious food and wine. Book Now
BYO Catamaran Cruise with Snacks
Step onto a luxury 10.5-metre catamaran and enjoy Sydney's iconic landmarks lit up for Vivid Sydney during a 90-minute harbour cruise. With indoor and outdoor viewing areas, you will be sure to enjoy an intimate experience on the water with uninterrupted 360-degree views and the option to BYO drinks. Book Now
Intimate Catamaran Cruise
This 90-minute Sydney Harbour Vivid cruise has spacious indoor and outdoor decks and is limited to a maximum of 45 passengers. Roving staff will serve a delicious array of canapes and a complimentary beverage as you float past iconic landmarks. Book Now
Penfolds 6 Course Degustation Dinner Cruise
Dine on a delectable six-course degustation menu to the sounds of a live band. With a matched Penfolds bin or vintage wine for every course, this will be a meal to remember while floating past extraordinary light displays that will take your breath away. Book Now
Catamaran Cruise with Canapes and Beverage
With maximum passenger numbers of 50 and four onboard entertaining areas, you will enjoy an intimate experience on the water with 360-degree uninterrupted views, along with tasty canapes and a complimentary drink. Book Now
Private Cruise - 90 Minutes
Available to book for large parties of up to 70 people, you will get an exclusive 90-minute cruise around the harbour. BYO food and drinks, set the scene with your own music, and sail past iconic sights lit up for VIVID Sydney. Book Now
Night Photography Workshop - 3 Hours
Learn to capture the magic of the colourful Vivid light extravaganza on your own camera with a three-hour lesson from an award-winning photographer. Book Now
Spirits of The Rocks: Sydney's Dark Past Tour
With the vibrant colours of Vivid Sydney lighting up the night, this 90-minute walking tour blends history, mystery, and a splash of adventure into an unforgettable evening experience. Book Now
Madame Tussauds Vivid Special
With movie and TV stars, Hollywood icons, and rock legends represented in stunning realism, you and your friends and family will be able to marvel at them in person and get your pictures taken with some of these world-famous celebrity creations. Book Now
Sydney Tower SKYWALK
The Sydney SKYWALK is a unique walk above the iconic Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest building in Sydney, Australia. Witness the unbelievable views from Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains from the glass walkway. Book Now
Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour
Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper, this tour will guide you through Australia's settler and Aboriginal history, ending at a popular brewery in The Rocks. Book Now
