LET’S EXPLORE VIVID SYDNEY

BYO Vivid Sydney Cruise - Kirralee

Vivid lights are our favourite part of the Winter festival! The light show spreads across the city – from the Sydney Opera House area to Darling Harbour and beyond, across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and to the North Sydney areas, and it even spreads over to Taronga Zoo. On a clear night, the lights can be seen from over 6km away from high areas in Sydney.

Image: @tikaandhini

After 10 years of lighting up the city, Vivid Sydney was confirmed to be the biggest festival of lights in the world with 2.4 million people attending in 2019 and each year thereafter, increasing further. 


6 INTERESTING BEHIND THE SCENES VIVID FACTS

  • Inspiration for the creation of this festival struck, after one of the creators, Anthony Bastic, saw beautiful, illuminated buildings in London. 
  • It takes 5.2km of network cable to light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city. 
  • It takes 6 weeks to set up for the festival, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge display solely taking 3 weeks to set up. Planning and creating the artworks takes 11+ months. 
  • Each year Destination NSW receive over 200 artist applications. 
  • Approximately 800 volunteers are engaged to make this event possible.
  • Since 2019, the festival has been 100% green power.


TOP WAYS TO EXPLORE THE VIVID LIGHTS

Walk & Explore – If you are a keen walker and explorer, you can walk along the 8.5km Vivid Light Walk, following the light displays through Circular Quay, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. Get up close and personal with the sculptures, take photos and interact with the artworks. If you need a break, you can always stop at one of the many restaurants or bars along the way. 



Cruise & Relax – If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere to see the lights, with fewer crowds and physical activity, then viewing the Vivid lights from a boat is a great option. The view from the water is glamourous, as the water glistens, and the building lights shine and sparkle. It’s a great way to see the Vivid lights without the busyness of the city, and cruising on a smaller vessel allows you to cruise close to the shoreline, offering some picturesque Instagram-able shots of the Vivid displays.

Sea Sydney Harbour offers cruising experiences for a range of budgets including ticketed and private hire options. Cruises run throughout the festival on Kirralee, Heaven and Fleetwing II. All experiences are great for corporate and team gatherings, or to simply share a sparkling night out with your family and friends. Start or end your night out with a Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruise!  

There is also the option to upgrade your booking to a Cruise & Dine Package, which includes a delicious dinner at Jounieh Walsh Bay.


Vivid Sydney 2023 runs from Friday 26th May through to Saturday 17th June 2023. Secure your ticket on board and experience Vivid Sydney from the water – this is not a boat you want to miss! 

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vivid #vividsydney #vividsydneycruises #allthingsnautical

VIVID SYDNEY IS BACK !

The speculation and travel plans have been happening for some months now, but it’s only recently been confirmed that Vivid Sydney is set to return for 2019! For it’s 11th year running Vivid Sydney is set to dazzle our beautiful city!

Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of lights, music and ideas. The vibrant outdoor festival attracts millions of visitors to Sydney, with the iconic Sydney Opera House being a key focal point of the festival. The array of light installations around Sydney are amazing, and the water is certainly a great place to experience the festival and fun vibes.

This year Sea Sydney Harbour is excited to announce THE LAUNCH of a NEW INTIMATE HARBOUR CATAMARAN CRUISE on board vessel Fleetwing II.

THE VESSEL

Fleetwing II is a luxury 16 metre motor catamaran cruiser that can accommodate for up to 46 guests. Consisting of four deck areas, with upper and lower deck spaces, a large internal cabin and easily accessible bow area, the vessel can be enjoyed in comfort in all weather conditions. The vessel has a modern and sophisticated vibe, with an on board bar and plenty of room to enjoy the harbour views and Vivid lights.

AN INTIMATE VIVID SYDNEY CRUISE

See the spectacular sights and sounds and enjoy the scenic views of Sydney’s enlightened buildings and landmarks. Enjoy the water, see the lights and landmarks and skip the crowds with a harbour cruise departing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the festival period.

What’s included?

  • A 90 minute cruise aboard Fleetwing II with an experienced skipper and crew (maximum passenger numbers of 46)
  • Delicious canapés + 1 complimentary beverage per person (further drinks can be purchased on board)
  • Convenient pick up and drop off location at Towns Place Wharf

This intimate cruising experience is perfect to bring along the whole family, or to enjoy with friends or colleagues, as you take in the breathtaking views of Sydney and the spectacular Vivid Sydney light display.

DON’T MISS THE BOAT !

As the festival continues to grow each year there are more and more sites to see from the water and harbour cruises are becoming a popular way to see the lights. No more walking through the crowded streets – jump on a boat and experience the fun from the water!

Vivid Sydney 2019 runs from Friday 24th May through to Saturday 15th June 2019. Secure your ticket on board and be sure not to miss the boat!

This post has been written by the Sea Sydney Harbour team to provide information on Vivid Sydney and special event harbour cruises.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vivid #vividsydney #allthingsnautical

VIVID SYDNEY +5

It’s back… bigger and brighter than ever!! +5 for the 5 stars that this festival deserves – a true 5 out of 5 star rating! And +5 for the additional 5 nights that the festival will run for in 2016!

The longest ever Vivid Sydney Festival will shine for 23 nights, illuminating Sydney Harbour, new and much-love precincts, and hosting vibrant music performances and big ideas talks. The festival runs from Friday 27th May through to Saturday 18th June 2016.

The sails of the Sydney Opera House well-lit and claiming all the attention. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will continue to be a key feature of the Vivid Lights festival and will transform into an animated canvas of the oldest Australian Indigenous art. Vivid Sydney’s brilliant lights also return to Chatswood, Central Park, Darling Harbour and the Australian National Maritime Museum, Martin Place and new precinct The Galeries, which becomes the festival’s first indoor precinct. Treasured attractions, yet new additions to the festival include Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, which will light up during Vivid Sydney in celebration of the monumental anniversaries both celebrate in 2016.

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The water-theatre fountain in Darling Harbour. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Beyond Vivid Lights, Vivid Music will pulse through the city with new sounds and venues in the line up. Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House will unleash a series of incredible acts and storytellers, shaping the creative landscape for upcoming artists, who will headline Vivid Ideas.

Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruises

Cruise with colour and creativity and experience the 5 star Vivid Sydney Festival from a prime location cruising Sydney Harbour. See the spectacular sights and sounds and enjoy the scenic views of Sydney’s enlightened buildings and landmarks. Aboard Kirralee, there are indoor and outdoor areas for viewing the light displays, so skip the crowds and experience the festival on a boat with Sea Sydney Harbour.

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The stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge shining bright and bold. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

Ticketed cruises run for 1.5 hours and there are various departure times on each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the festival. Cruises will also be running on the public holiday Monday 13th June.

Light refreshments and soft drink will be provided. Passengers can choose to BYO alcoholic beverages. No corkage fees apply.

Vivid Harbour Cruises are perfect to bring along the whole family and enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney and the spectacular light display!

What’s included?
• 1.5 hour charter aboard The Kirralee with an experienced skipper and deck hand/host. An intimate cruising experience with maximum passenger numbers of 30.
• Pick up and drop off at King Street Wharf
• Light refreshments and soft drink

Grab Your Ticket Today!

Named Australia’s best tourism event for 3 consecutive years, this festival is not to be missed!! Why not experience Vivid Sydney aboard a harbour cruise with Sea Sydney Harbour.

Cruise with colour and creativity and enjoy 5 star views of Sydney’s iconic buildings and landmarks bathed in bright lights and vibrant colours. Find Sea Sydney Harbour on Facebook, like our page and follow the ‘Vivid Sydney Festival 2016 Harbour Cruises’ event to discover the latest information and keep up to date on ticket availability. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Moving lights captured at the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

This post has been written by the Sea Sydney Harbour team to provide information on Vivid Sydney and special event harbour cruises.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vivid #vividsydney #allthingsnautical

LOTS OF LIGHT AND LOVE FOR VIVID SYDNEY

Vivid Sydney is a spectacular array of light, music and ideas. The festival is an annual event and there is always something new and fun to explore. If you’re a lover of art, music, live performances or just a fan of Sydney in general, you will love the Vivid Sydney festival! Captain Frank sure does!

Falling in love with Vivid Sydney is not a hard thing to do. Here are some of Captain Frank’s top reasons why he enjoys the Vivid Sydney Festival each year.

  • You could go every year and still be amazed at the spectacular display. It is always different.
  • The festival makes Sydney feel alive and fun, and despite the pre-winter evening chill thousands of people flock to the big city.

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Circular Quay on show during the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – www.paxtyvisuals.com

 

  • At no other time of the year does Sydney look so beautiful!
  • The city comes together inspired by creativity, ideas, lights and fun.

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Vivid Festival crowds near Sydney Opera House. Image – www.theguardian.com

 

  • The atmosphere across the city is absolutely amazing!!!

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Dance all night during the Sydney Vivid Festival. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

This year take up a prime location and see Vivid Sydney from aboard a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Considering the popularity and love of the festival, there is no doubt that the crowds on land will be large with festival crowds expected to grow. What better position to view the city light display then aboard a cruise on Sydney Harbour!

Planning to attend the festival this year? Share your pictures capturing the beautiful art and lights across Sydney on Instagram

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #vividsydney #allthingsnautical