The annual Vivid Sydney light, music and ideas festival is back from 27 May to 18 June 2016. And Vivid Sydney 2016 is going to be bigger and better with light exhibits expanded in new precincts, the harbour side of Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Taronga Zoo and The Galeries.
Returning precincts include Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Australian Maritime Museum, Martin Place, Central Park and Chatswood.
This year 141 artists from 23 countries will create more than 80 light installations and projections that will appear in more than eight Vivid Sydney precincts across Sydney. This year will also be Vivid Sydney’s longest running programme for 23 nights. Last year, over 1.7 million guests attended Vivid Sydney which included 112,000 international and domestic visitors.
English rock band, New Order, will also be performing at Sydney Opera House and BJÖRK will be having a BJÖRK Digital Exhibition (a virtual reality project) during VIVID Sydney 2016. While demand is high for Vivid Music events such as New Order and Anohni at the Sydney Opera House, Models, Machinations and Dave Mason reunion event at the Enmore theatre, and art-meets-music dance party Curve Ball at Carriagework.
Tickets to Vivid Sydney’s Vivid Ideas events are also selling fast. Limited tickets remain for Vivid Ideas’ Game Changer talk series featuring filmmaker Spike Jonze, House of Cards creator Beau Willimon, Orange is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan, and fashion creative director, Margaret Zhang.
Taronga Zoo will illuminate a trail of giant animal multimedia light sculptures as part of its Centenary this year as it participates in Vivid Sydney 2016. Ample Projects has created Be the Light for the Wild featuring tencritical species from Australia and Sumatra. You can expect to see sculptures of the Asian Elephant or Corroboree Frogs. Other exhibit highlights include Taronga’s 10 Legacy Species light sculptures as well as thousands of smaller lanterns made by NSW school students. You can pre purchase your tickets at taronga.org.au/vivid. Adults tickets cost AUD17.95 while children tickets cost AUD11.95 if they are 4 to 15 years old. Do note that last entry is at 9pm.
Tickets are separate from entrance tickets to the Taronga Zoo which operates from 9.30am to 4.30pm. If you are visiting the zoo during the day, check here for more information.
Sydney shines brightly & vibrantly every evening during Vivid Sydney. This is the largest of its kind in the world and last year’s event attracted a record breaking 1.7 million domestic and international visitors to New South Wales, Australia. You can check out some of last year’s highlights from the video below:
Songlines at Sydney Opera House is one of the highlight installation for Vivid Sydney 2016. It will be a breathtaking statement to the world as the lights are projected depicting the rich beauty of Indigenous art onto the sails of the iconic Opera House.
With 77 light installations and exhibits, 105 music events and performances, 171 inspirational talks and workshops, happening across New South Wales during Vivid Sydney 2016, you now have a reason to take a stroll every evening before and after dinner.
For those who are lazy to plan a route, the app also provide you with trail suggestions and gives you information on how long are the trails and estimated time to complete the walk.
XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open
And if you happen to be in Sydney from 7 to 12 June, you may also want to catch the XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre for some shuttlecock action. Two time Olympic champion and five-time world champion Lin Dan from China will return to Sydney along with current World No 1 Chen Long from China. Curent World No 1 Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand and defending women’s singles champion and World No 2 Carolina Marin from Spain will also be playing in Sydney. Others in the lineup include World No 1 Women’s Doubles Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi from Japan and World No 1 Men’s Double and defending champions Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong from Korea.
Things to Do During Vivid Sydney
The Vivid Climb
The BridgeClimb invites VIVID Sydney fans to climb above the festival and see the celebrations in different light. The vibrant light installation will be at the top of the Australian icon for climbers to enjoy during Vivid Sydney. The multi-coloured flashing floor will stage groups of Vivid Climbers dancing. Be part of the attraction, as you wear special Vivid Climb vests fitted with flashing lights as visitors from below in Circular Quay and Darling Harbour see the climb groups illuminating the iconic steel arches.
Vivid Sydney Festival 2016 Package
If you are travelling from Singapore, there is a Vivid Sydney Festival 2016 package priced from S$458 per person based on double occupancy. The package includes
- Round-trip economy flights from Singapore to Sydney on Scoot
- Three nights accommodation
- Option of Vivid Sydney dinner cruise
- Blue Mountains and Australian Wildlife full day tour
You can book via www.flyscoot.com/sydney or Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, Dynasty Travel, Euro-Asia Holidays, Farmosa Holiday, Jetabout Holidays, MISA Travel, New Shan Travel, PriceBreaker, Scenic Travel and UOB Travel.
Flights to Sydney
Emirates is offering a special promotion flights between Singapore and Sydney. All-in-fares from S$698 are available from travel agents and on emirates.com. Emirates codeshares with Qantas for its direct flights between and Sydney. It also flies between Singapore and Melbourne with a connecting flight on Qantas between Melbourne and Sydney.
Fly on British Airways’ Boeing B777-300ER direct to Sydney. There are 44 World Traveller Plus premium economy seats on board this aircraft offering wider seats and more legroom. British Airways is offering fares between Singapore and Sydney from S$672 in World Traveller Economy class which is the best value fares available. Book through ba.com. In June, BA15 departs Singapore at 7.20pm and arrives in Sydney at 5.05am. BA16 departs Sydney at 2.55pm and arrives in Singapore at 9.10pm
Qantas flies two direct flights between Singapore and Sydney with sale fares starting from as low as S$433. QF82 departs Singapore at 8.15pm and arrives in Sydney at 6.10pm. QF6 departs Singapore at 11.55pm and arrives in Sydney at 9.50am. Return flights from Sydney departs at 10.20pm and arrives in Singapore at 4.45pm on QF81, while QF5 departs Sydney at 3.35pm and arrives in Singapore at 10pm.
Malaysia Airlines is offering Mid Year Sales fares from 6 to 20 May 2016 for travel from 6 May to 15 December 2016. Special fares from Singapore to Sydney are available on malaysiaairlines.com. Fares start from S$600.20 round trip. Malaysia Airlines offer many departure timings from Singapore for the connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. MH141 departs Kuala Lumpur at 9am and arrives in Sydney at 7.15pm. Its second flight MH123 departs Kuala Lumpur at 11.45pm and arrives in Sydney at 10am the next day. The return flights MH122 departs Sydney at 1.50pm and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 8.40pm while MH140 departs Sydney at 9.40am and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 4.30am.
Jetstar can get you to Sydney via Melbourne with the Singapore – Melbourne leg on JQ8, a Dreamliner flight with an option to fly on business class. JQ8 departs Singapore at 9pm providing you with snooze time so you reach Melbourne at 6.20am the next day in time to catch connecting flights to Sydney.
Room With A Vivid Sydney View
Staying in a hotel that gives you the best vantage points of Vivid Sydney may be important to you. We spoke to our friends at Skyscanner and they came up with Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Hotel, InterContinental Sydney and Park Hyatt Sydney.
You can also check out the Vivid Sydney package deals on Vividsydney.com.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is offering a special Vivid Sydney Package that comes with overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast and a complimentary signature cocktail in Grain Bar from AUD330 per night. Here you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the colourful projections across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House from the hotel’s harbour view rooms or suites. The hotel will also feature as a backdrop to a major Vivid Sydney Light projection across the cityscape, illuminating the building each evening from 6pm to 11pm.
The InterContinental Sydney is located on the skirt of Circular Quay. Illuminated icons from Vivid Seconds are just a few seconds away by foot. Stay in one of the hotel’s Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Royal Botanical Garden view rooms. And if you are in staying in one of the Club rooms, the hotel’s rooftop lounge and terrace on level 31 offers 270 degree panoramic views of the Harbour.
The Park Hyatt Sydney offers spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House. The hotel has 155 rooms and suites including three new rooftop suites with private terraces and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and spacious private balconies also offer harbour views. Head up to the outdoor rooftop pool and terrace for a higher vantage view.
Rooms here cost around AUD900+.
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks is located in a vibrant historical neighbourhood in downtown Sydney. This charming hotel in the heart of The Rocks offers views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from afar.
QT Sydney has partnered the Sydney Opera House, and will offer hotel guests and venue members offers and benefits with a series of special experiences. The first is in conjunction with Vivid LIVE – the Sydney Opera House’s annual celebration of contemporary music held as part of Vivid Sydney. The QT & Sydney Opera House VIP Experience is priced at AUD454 per night and features
- Accommodation in a QT King Deluxe Room with minimum two nights stay
- Breakfast in Gowings Bar and Grill
- Exclusive backstage access and a tour of the Opera House including official tour lanyards and viewing of the illuminated sails and Forecourt installations
- Access to the Sydney Opera House’s Vivid LIVE Deep Purple Pool Hall including cocktails for two following the tour
- Pre or Post cocktails for two at QT Sydney
For the budget conscious, Sydney Harbour YHA is located in The Rocks which lets you in on the action while observing from afar. Enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour from the rooftop terrace. The City Break special here offers three nights accommodation, daily breakfast, a lunch or dinner at The Australian Heritage Hotel next door at AUD165 per person in a multi-share room, AUD480 per double room or AUD690 per family room.
Hotels with Vivid Sydney Packages
The Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney Hotel may not have fabulous views of the VIVID activity, but it is close to all the activity. Having undergone a AUD12 million re-design, the Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney offers new rooms. Stay at this hotel during VIVID Sydney 2016 from AUD212 and enjoy an upgrade to a Premier room, enjoy late check out until 12 pm and receive a free VIVID themed gift.
The Sheraton on the Park has a Vivid Experience package starting from AUD239 per night. The package offers you overnight accommodation, overnight parking for one car, in-room wifi and access to the rooftop pool and health club. Located at Elizabeth Street, the hotel offers you direct access to the retail and business district.
The Westin Sydney is offering room rates from AUD250 in a Tower Room. The Westin Sydney is located in Martin Place, and is the perfect location for those looking to explore Sydney during Vivid Sydney 2016.
Don’t Go Hungry at Vivid Sydney
A trip to Sydney is not complete without enjoying the fine food and drinks. Accorhotels bring Vivid festivities to life through food, cocktails and cuisine.
Harbour Rocks Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel
Located within the heart of the Vivid festivities, Harbour Rocks Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel offers the perfect place to start the night. You can craft your own two-course dinner at Scarlett Restaurant and choose from entrée, main or dessert for AUD50 per person. Call (02)8209999 to book.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Q Dining at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour offers refined modern cuisine with a spectacular backdrop highlighting the Vivid lighting extravaganza. Dine on a seasonal menu and sip wine from its award wining wine list. Call (02) 92564044 to book.
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
The Ternary offers a pre-Vivid dinner from Monday to Friday from AUD55 per person which includes a glass of beer, wine or soft drink with a three-course meal. You can also collect a Glow Fun Pack for the kids at AUD6 while trying out the special edition Vivid cocktail for AUD16.
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
Gather at Bar Rendezvous at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park and countdown to sunset from 3pm onwards with a Pineapple Sunset Cocktail priced at AUD18. Inspired by the colours of Vivid Sydney, the cocktail is concocted with vodka, pineapple juice, raspberry grenadine, sparkling water and topped with Maraschino cherries.
Novotel Sydney Central
Fieldhouse Restaurant at Novotel Sydney Central offers an early bird dinner from AUD39 per person from 27 May to 18 June 2016. This comes with a glass of wine. You can also enjoy an AUD15 ‘Vivid Visions Cocktail’. Novotel Sydney Central also offers a Vivid by Night Package from AUD259 for overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast and express tasting plate dinner for two with a glass of wine at Fieldhouse Restaurant.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Soiree Bar will serve a standout Gin based Vivid cocktail for AUD12 complete with a neon coaster. Enjoy the cocktail amidst Sofitel Sydney Wentworth‘s own in-house light and visual display.
Mercure Sydney Central
Four Elements Restaurant at Mercure Sydney Central offers two-courses from its current menu with a Vivid cocktail for AUD68 per person. Receive an Australian cheese box to take away as you enjoy the festivities. Call (02) 92176666 to book.
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