Our Family Friendly Guide to Vivid Sydney 2024

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Vivid Sydney 2024 is lighting up the city with vibrant displays, captivating music, and innovative ideas until June 15. This colourful and engaging experience is perfect for families looking to enjoy a night out in the city. Here’s a rundown of the best family-friendly events at Vivid Sydney 2024.

Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

Vivid Kids @ Tumbalong Park offers a range of free children’s activities and performances every Saturday. Highlights include:

  • Buuja Buuja Dance (May 25): Learn traditional dances from First Nations performers.
  • The Beanies (June 1): Enjoy catchy tunes and fun, interactive shows.
  • Formidable Vegetable (June 8): An eco-friendly electro-funk band promoting sustainability.
  • The Quokkas (June 15): A lively band promoting messages of inclusion and diversity.

In addition to these performances, Fireplaces @ Tumbalong Park will feature spectacular fire sculptures, flame throwers, and BBQs, providing warmth and entertainment every night.

More info here.

Luna Park Sydney

Sonic Neon at Luna Park offers a sensory journey through eight immersive rooms where music is transformed into visual spectacles. This self-guided experience is perfect for families and is set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Tickets start at $29.

More info here.

Tekno Train by Paul Mac

For a unique experience, hop on the Tekno Train departing from Central Station. This musical train ride features a techno soundtrack and immersive lighting that changes with the train’s movement. The Scenic Route at 6:35 PM is especially family-friendly. Tickets are $13.90 for children and $19.90 for adults.

More info here.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Life in Another Light transforms SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium into a glowing wonderland with bioluminescent displays, including a captivating shark projection and an illuminated jelly lab. Extended hours from Friday to Sunday until 8 PM make it convenient for families. Tickets are $48 for adults and $35 for children.

More info here.

Vivid Light Walk

The Vivid Light Walk is an 8.5-kilometer journey through Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Botanic Gardens, featuring 59 installations and 3D-mapped projections. It’s a free, family-friendly way to explore the festival’s epicentre and take in the breathtaking light displays.

Check out the map here.

Dark Spectrum, Wynyard Tunnels

Back by popular demand, Dark Spectrum offers an underground adventure through an illuminated labyrinth beneath Wynyard Station. With eight themed chambers featuring lasers, lanterns, and strobe lights, this one-kilometre trail is a must-see. Tickets are $46 for adults and $35 for children.

More info here.

Captain Cook Cruises

Experience Vivid from the water with a Vivid Boat Cruise by Captain Cook Cruises. These cruises offer unique vantage points for viewing the light displays and photo opportunities of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Tickets start at $29 per adult.

More info here.

Lightscape, The Royal Botanic Garden

Lightscape transforms the Botanic Garden into a multisensory wonderland with illuminated pathways, larger-than-life flowers, and dynamic tunnels of light. This globally renowned experience sells out quickly, so book early.

More info here.

Illuminate Sydney, Madame Tussauds

Illuminate Sydney at Madame Tussauds combines celebrity wax figures with interactive light displays. Guests can control the lights and projections, making for a fun and engaging experience. Tickets start at $32 per adult.

More info here.

Hika Rakuyo – Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Experience a Japanese concept that uses flowers and falling leaves as a metaphor for life’s transient beauty. This eight-minute holographic light and laser show runs continuously from 6pm to 10:45pm.

More info here.

Global Rainbow – Sydney Tower

A beacon of hope and inclusivity, this installation projects beams of rainbow lasers from the Sydney Tower Eye, extending up to 40 km.

More info here.

Nest – Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo

Witness the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga through larger-than-life projections on a transparent surface, creating a connection with nature.

More info here.

Lighting of the Sails: Echo by Julia Gutman – Sydney Opera House

Watch as the iconic sails are wrapped in Julia Gutman’s textural work, blending ancient fabric-making techniques with modern technology.

More info here.

 

NEOLITHIC – Tumbalong Park

A hyper-brilliant LED canopy with geometric patterns reminiscent of ancient art. This Australian installation includes strobe lighting.

More info here.

Neuron – Chinese Garden of Friendship Forecourt

Explore a large-scale, motion-triggered light installation representing the brain’s neurons. This Spanish installation is both beautiful and mysterious.

More info here.

Gumscape with Road and Creatures – Customs House

Immerse yourself in Reg Mombassa’s retro-futuristic world with live music by Dog Trumpet on May 25 at 7:30 PM.

More info here.

Connection – Hickson Road Reserve

Wander through a circular ‘forest’ of luminous ropes and interact with posts that trigger dynamic light and sound sequences. Representing New Zealand, this installation is a tactile and playful opportunity.

More info here.

Taronga Zoo Lights

Although Taronga Zoo is not presenting its “Wild Lights” this year, it remains committed to conservation and educational experiences for families. While there won’t be the usual illuminated animal sculptures, the zoo continues to offer a fantastic day out with its regular exhibits and programs.