Tag: vivid sydney

BEST WAY TO SEE VIVID SYDNEY? FROM THE WATER!

Every year, Vivid Sydney transforms the city into a glowing celebration of creativity, light, and innovation. With the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and skyline illuminated in brilliant colour, it’s no wonder Vivid Sydney is one of the most anticipated festivals in the world. But instead of battling the crowds on land, there’s a better — and more breathtaking — way to experience it all: from the water.

🌊Why Watch Vivid Sydney from a Cruise?

1. The Best Seat in the House – No Crowds, No Stress
While thousands gather onshore for a glimpse of the action, a harbour cruise offers a crowd-free experience with front-row seats to the city’s most iconic installations. Sit back, relax, and soak in the lights from the comfort of your vessel.

2. Unmatched Views of the Icons
There’s nothing quite like seeing the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge illuminated — and even better when you’re watching them from the centre of the harbour. From this perspective, the entire city becomes your personal light show.

3. A Dynamic, Ever-Changing Perspective
A Vivid Sydney cruise gives you more than one view. Glide past multiple precincts like Circular Quay, Barangaroo, and Luna Park, all shimmering with reflections on the water. It’s a constantly shifting, 360° canvas of colour.

4. Ideal for Photos and Peace of Mind
Cruising gives you unobstructed angles for those perfect night-time shots. No crowds in the frame, no pushing through packed walkways — just clear, dazzling scenes and plenty of space to move and capture the moment.

5. Make it a Night to Remember
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, family night out, or a celebration with friends, a Vivid Sydney harbour cruise is a magical experience that takes your night to the next level.

🍽️ Introducing the Vivid Cruise & Dine Package

For a truly special night out, our Cruise & Dine Package combines a premium dining experience with the magic of Vivid seen from the water.

Start your evening with a delicious dinner at Jounieh Walsh Bay — one of Sydney’s most celebrated waterfront restaurants, known for its modern Lebanese cuisine and panoramic harbour views. Located just steps from the cruise departure point, Jounieh offers the perfect blend of flavour, atmosphere, and convenience.

After dinner, stroll to the nearby wharf to board your Vivid Sydney harbour cruise and watch the city come alive in lights. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the full Vivid experience — without the hassle of crowds or coordination.

Your Package Includes:

Whether you’re entertaining clients, enjoying a romantic night out, or sharing a special evening with friends, the Cruise & Dine Package featuring Jounieh is the ultimate way to experience Vivid Sydney 2025.

🛥️ Types of Cruises for Vivid Sydney 2025

✨See Vivid Sydney Differently in 2025

Vivid Sydney is more than just a light show — it’s an immersive, unforgettable experience. And there’s no better place to take it all in than from the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour. Whether you choose a cruise on its own or pair it with dinner through a Cruise & Dine Package, you’re in for a night of colour, creativity, and connection — far from the crowds, and right at the heart of the action.

Spots are limited and Vivid Sydney is one of the busiest times on the harbour — book your Vivid Sydney experience now to secure your front-row seat to the lights!

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #boat #catamaran #vivid #vividsydney #cruiseanddine #allthingsnautical

VIVID SYDNEY: A HEAVENLY EXPERIENCE

As the vibrant city of Sydney comes alive with the dazzling lights and colourful displays of the annual Vivid Sydney Festival, there’s no better way to experience this spectacle than from the tranquil waters of the harbour. Sea Sydney Harbour is thrilled to offer you an opportunity to witness the magic of Vivid in unparalleled comfort and style with our Intimate Vivid Sydney Cruise on Heaven.

Picture yourself aboard our luxurious catamaran, gently gliding through the shimmering waters of Sydney Harbour as the city skyline transforms into a mesmerising canvas of light and colour. Our 90-minute cruise promises an intimate and unforgettable experience, catering to a maximum of 40 guests, ensuring that you can capture and savour every moment without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.

Escape the Crowds

One of the most appealing aspects of our Vivid Cruise is the opportunity to avoid the typical crowds associated with experiencing Vivid Sydney from land. Instead of jostling for a vantage point amidst throngs of spectators, you’ll have front-row seats to the spectacle from the comfort of our spacious catamaran. Imagine the serenity of soaking in the breathtaking views with your loved ones, free from the distractions of large crowds.

Gourmet Delights

But the magic of our Vivid Cruise doesn’t stop there. To complement the enchanting sights, we offer a tasty selection of canapés and a beverage of your choice, ensuring that your senses are fully indulged throughout the journey. Whether you prefer a glass of wine, a beer, or a non-alcoholic option, our attentive staff will be on hand to cater to your every need.

Intimate Experience

Moreover, our intimate setting allows for a more personalised experience, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends, enjoying a romantic evening with a loved one, or simply seeking a unique way to explore Vivid. Our friendly crew will be delighted to provide insights and stories from the harbour, enriching your experience even further.

Immerse Yourself in Wonder

As the lights of Vivid dance across the water, casting a magical glow over the harbour, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of wonder and delight. From iconic landmarks adorned with intricate light installations to whimsical projections illuminating the night sky, each moment promises to captivate and enchant.

So why settle for a conventional Vivid experience when you can elevate it to new heights with our Intimate Vivid Sydney Cruise on Heaven? Join us for an evening of unparalleled beauty as we embark on a journey through Sydney’s most enchanting light festival.

Vivid Sydney 2024 runs from Friday 24th May through to Saturday 15th June 2024. Book your tickets now and don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to see Vivid in a whole new light.

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 #vividsydneycruise #allthingsnautical

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

NAUTICAL GIFTS FOR MUM

Here’s a little secret… Captain Frank is a bit of a mummy’s boy (there’s nothing wrong with that), so with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate Mum like never before!

We’ve been shopping to find some of the best gift ideas for mum… Of course they all have a little nautical inspiration, and had to get the tick of approval by Captain Frank. So why not indulge mum in a little nautical love!!

We’ve selected some top picks and ideas to make mum’s day!!

1. Personalised Nautical Wine Glasses – We all know how hard mum works, so at the end of the day that glass of wine seems well-deserved. With these personalised Nautical Wine Glasses, mum can sip her favourite chilled wine in a coastal-inspired engraved wine glass. Personalise a set of 4 glasses with some engraving and mum will feel like she is sailing an endless ocean next time she sits down to indulge in her favourite wine. Don’t forget to include her favourite bottle for that added special touch!

wine glasses
Pour mum a glass of wine in these quality personalised wine glasses. Image –  http://www.thenewenglandtradingcompany.com

 

2. Sea of Love Message in a Bottle – Remembering it’s the thought that counts shower mum in a sea of loving words! Send your personal special message in a bottle to create something unique and sentimental for mum. This unique gift is truly from the heart and your personal message can be printed, rolled into a scroll and placed inside a bottle of sand. It will truly emulate a feeling of a “bottle washed ashore” and will be a gift mum will cherish for a lifetime.

3. Experience Vivid on Sydney Harbour – For the mum who loves an experience, it’s all about spending quality time with family and friends – a harbour cruise to take in the Sydney sights and the lights of Vivid Sydney could be just the perfect gift idea! Select a night to visit the Vivid Sydney festival, which commences late May and runs to mid June, and enjoy the water together with the beautiful light display. Share an intimate cruising experience with mum aboard a beautiful catamaran and make your night even more special by stopping off for n indulgent dinner before boarding the vessel.

vivid
Take mum out for the evening and experience the Vivid Sydney light display on a boat. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

4. Nautical Fashion – For the mum who loves to be in style, consider a nautical fashion piece for her wardrobe or a beautiful accessory. Whether it be that sassy pair of shoes, a trendy nautical inspired jacket or something a bit more subtle with those timeless navy blue and white stripes, mum will sure be on trend when she heads out for the day. Start by browsing the catalogues of some her favourite fashion brands and no doubt you will soon come across a nautical inspired piece. It’s a staple item for those mums that love to be in style!

Untitled
Mum will be sure to be on trend with a timeless nautical piece to add to her wardrobe. Image – https://sparkleshinylove.com/cozy-nautical-sweater/

 

5. Summer Accessories – Does your mum love to be outdoors and get in the water? Spruce up her outdoor accessories and sporting equipment with some summer coastal inspiration and stock her up with those things that you know she uses and loves! Compile a beach towel and bag, some sunnies, a paddle or two and why not go big and purchase her that paddle board or kayak that you know she’s been eyeing for some time? It’ll be a great new hobby for her and will keep her fit, healthy and happy – who knows she may even let you borrow her new toy sometime!

We hope that some of these nautical inspired gift ideas float your boat and appeal to you mum!

Wishing all mums a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #mothersday #allthingsnautical