GUEST POST BY CHRIS MORTON

How many light bulbs does it take to change a human?

I feel like I should preface this with a certain warning about my own bias. Sydney is my hometown, and I’ve attended Vivid every year since its inception in 2009. Consequently, I’m filled with exactly the right amount of nostalgia to look back on it all too fondly.

It’s hard to find the right words to describe Vivid Sydney without sounding like Roger Ebert reviewing a Disney classic. “It’s an amazing immersive experience, fun for all ages. 5 Stars!” 

But, I digress.

WHAT IS VIVID SYDNEY?

Every year, between May and June, Sydney and its foreshore light up to welcome around 2.3 million visitors. The city’s arterial roads are closed to traffic and pulse with tourists, Instagrammers, families, and adoring couples young and old.   

Then, something magical happens. There’s a collective consciousness, almost a bewonderment that washes over you. A sensory overload, child-like, zen acceptance, and overwhelming happiness despite the crowds, long queues, public drunkenness, and patience-trying public transport.

In 2019, Vivid Sydney will once again light up the city and surrounding areas from May 24th – June 15th with luminous displays every night from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. In addition to illuminating light displays, Vivid Sydney offers seminars and musical performances for all interests and artistic tastes throughout the three-week-long event.

But, it’s much easier to show you what Vivid Sydney is like, than to write about it. In fact, let’s take a brief eye candy intermission.

WHERE TO STAY

A great place to stay is either around the Central Business District (CBD) or a hotel with a view near the harbor. The best vantage point is probably the Shangri-La. But, be warned – it’s pricey and you need to book well in advance.

Regardless of where you lay your head, I recommend spending at least a couple of nights so you don’t miss the festivities.

WHAT TO SEE

There’s a lot to see during Vivid Sydney, so be prepared!

Sydney has many different precincts scattered throughout the city, and each offers its own unique experience. Some of the most notable include Circular Quay, The Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Customs House, and Royal Botanic Gardens (just to name a few).  

If you’re a tourist with limited time to see all that Vivid has on offer, plan your evenings’ itinerary rather than simply meandering around. 

The best sights are near the harbor and the area known as The Rocks. I recommend starting off at the Circular Quay Train Station and then working your way over both sides from there. The west side covers the MCA, The Rocks, and the international passenger terminal. The east side features The Opera House, from which you can follow lights along the shore toward Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

You can find details on all of the installations, live music, guest speakers, and interactive displays at the official Vivid Sydney page, along with maps for all the different precincts.  

DINING AND DRINKS

There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants, pubs, and street eateries all around Sydney. Here are a few of my favorites, that I highly recommend, to make your Vivid Sydney experience even more incredible:

The Doss House

Formerly a brothel and opium den, this 170-year-old building has been converted into a whiskey bar with decor that pays homage to its many incarnations over its long-standing history.

To book a table or peruse the menu and photo gallery, visit their website.

The Cut Bar And Grill

This is my personal favorite. I love the location, old speakeasy decor, and I salivate every time I look at the menu. It has an amazing wine list and open-cellar display cabinets. It also happens to be part of the prestigious Rockpool group and has been awarded many accolades. 

You can check out the delectable menu on their website.

China Doll

If you’re in Woolloomooloo (yes, Woolloomooloo) and in the mood for Chinese, Japanese, or East Asian cuisine, this is the place for you! If your curiosity has been piqued, then wander on down and grab a table or have a look at the menu on their website. 

Who knows, you may even run into Russell Crowe!

Bea

This is the epitome of fine dining (and probably among the best restaurants in Australia). Master Chef’s own Matt Moran’s new three-story Barangaroo House venue will not disappoint.  

The head chef, Corey Campbell, spent years learning his craft at the two-Michelin star restaurant, Noma, in Copenhagen. There, he learned from none other than chef René Redzepi. Definitely, an experience to be had!  

But, plan ahead, as you’ll need a reservation.  Not to worry though, you can easily book on their website.  

Opera Bar

A crowd favorite with the most amazing view of the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. Opera Bar features simple menu options that cater to almost every palate. Plus, it offers alfresco dining with great live music!

However, the outdoor dining can get a bit cold, so rug up! In winter, they do mulled wine (which adds an aromatic charm to the atmosphere and makes most passers-by stop for at least one drink). You can quickly check out their menu and reserve a table on their website. 

Pro Tip: Watch out for seagulls! They’ll snatch the food right off your plate. 

Amex Lounge

Atop the International Passenger Terminal, at Circular Quay, is probably one of the best vantage points to see the city lights – the Amex Lounge.  However, the private lounge, and its sweeping city views, is open to only cardholders platinum and above.

LIVE MUSIC

If you’re hoping to catch a gig or two, you can find the full Vivid Sydney setlist here. And, the most compelling place to watch a performance? The Sydney Opera House.

Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a concert hall like no other. It was specifically designed and built to enhance acoustics and reverb. With the best tech money can buy, even listening to nails on a chalkboard could send you into a state of auditory bliss at this venue.

Every year, during Vivid Sydney, the Opera House hosts a number of ticketed events. These range from live musical performances to documentary films and guest speaker talks.

Last year, that included N.W.A. This year, there’s yet another eclectic mix of performers including The Cure, Underworld, and Jónsi (Sigur Ros) set to headline. 

Get your tickets here!

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

If you’re traveling with young children during Vivid Syndey, then Darling Harbour and Taronga Zoo offer the best opportunities for family fun.

Darling Harbour is located in the CBD, a short walk from the City Centre Queen Victoria Building (QVB) over the Pyrmont Bridge. This area is particularly good for parents with prams or people requiring wheelchair access. There’s a lot of open park space, interactive displays, a playground, and Tumbalong lights close to a number of restaurants and bars. 

And, as an added bonus, Darling Harbour also has firework displays from 9:00 – 9:15 pm on Saturday evenings!

Taronga Zoo is located in Mosman, on the other side of the harbor, and is easily accessed by ferry from Circular Quay. Entry isn’t free but, in my opinion, it’s the best of all the precincts. And, there are some great deals for American Express cardholders if you book online! Once inside, I recommend starting off with the gondola. It offers a bird’s eye view of the entire zoo and you can figure it out from there. 

Vivid Sydney doesn’t just transform a city, it transforms everyone who experiences its brilliance. It combines art, culture, technology, and ideas in a way that’s unlike anything else on Earth, and is a must for anyone visiting the land down under from May to June.

Have you been to Vivid Syndey? Comment below, I’d love to hear what you thought!

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