Get Ready for Vivid Sydney 2016
The stunning festival of light, music and ideas is all set to again steal the heart of its followers with a storm. This annual festival kindles the spirit of whole Sydney as the city gets enveloped in ethereal colors to bewitch you. This spectacular festival has grown into the largest of its kind in the world, attracting more than 1.7 million visitors last year. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. Again in 2016, Sydney will beam with spectacular lights and colors, bright enough to transport you in a state of daze. This is the ultimate Sydney Light Festival that you should not miss!
The Vivid Festival Sydney is all set to enthrall from Friday 27 May 2016 to Saturday 18 June 2016 in Sydney.
There are a number of locations where the Vivid festival spreads its wings upon such as Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Martin Place, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay, Central Park, Chatswood, Carriageworks, on Sydney Harbour and for the first time,Taronga Zoo, The Royal Botanic Garden and The Galeries.
Highlights of Vivid Sydney 2016:
One of the major highlights of this year’s vivid festival would be the world-renowned projections on the Sails of the Sydney Opera House. This year in the history of Australia, the sails would actually celebrate the world of Australian Indigenous Art. Onlookers would come to know of spirituality and culture of Australia’s First Immigrants, giving an insight into the interconnected sharing systems and trade routes that have become embedded in the country’s history as well as present.
There will be 60 spectacular light art installations, large-scale illuminations and mesmerizing 3D-mapped building projections to light up Sydney’s waterfront. A confluence of nature and technology will actually send you in a state of trance.
This year will a special treat to kids as an illuminated trail of amazing and endangered species will light up Vivid Sydney’s wildest precinct as part of Taronga Zoo’s Centenary celebrations.
You will be able to admire beautiful creatures ranging from the magnificent Asian Elephant to the vibrantly colored Corroboree Frog at night with the noble aim to support Taronga’s efforts to create a shared future for wildlife and people.
Go to the Darling Harbour and you will be able to see thrilling spectacles of Vivid 2016.
You can also enjoy the brilliant spectacle from your harbor ferry or cruise vessel. The many Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruises and ferries that travel around the harbor will be decorated with brilliant lights that change color as they would enter the different Vivid precincts.
This year, the Vivid festival will run for an additional five nights in 2016, from 27 May to 18 June.
Vivid Sydney at Toronga Zoo
Vivid Sydney 2016 is going to be special as it will be in nexus with Toronga zoo’s celebration of its Centenary. This wild precinct will light up with an illuminated trail comprised of giant animal multimedia light sculptures at Taronga Zoo, which is also celebrating its Centenary in 2016. Some of the featured animals would be species from Australia and Sumatra, ranging from the magnificent Asian elephant to the brightly coloured Corroboree frogs, species that Taronga is committed to protecting. Moreover, these giant light sculptures will be among the largest and most technologically advanced lanterns ever to feature in Vivid. Its details are:
Where: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
Cost: Adult $17.95, Child $11.95 (4-15 years)
Remember, the cost of entry will contribute to Taronga’s Conservation Commitment.
Where to Eat during the Festival
You can always find something around Circular Quay. However, during the festival the Pop-up restaurants and bars spring up on street corners and around the Opera House, while food trucks line the surrounding roads, often serving menus inspired by the festival. That is where you will get the best of food and snacks.
While you are there take part in these other interesting activities to do in Sydney or enjoy these 4 Sydney Coastal Walks!!
Places from Where to see Sydney Light show
Stand on the deck of a ferry
Experience great views from a Darling Harbour ferry. They leave regularly from Circular Quay. Opt for ferries that also offer up-close views of the lights on the Opera House.
You can have stupendous views of the bridge from the world famous Opera House. The Deep Purple Pool Hall in the Opera House overlooks the Harbour Bridge and across to the MCA.
From Cahill Expressway walkway
Get down on the Circular Quay and ascend the stairs to reach Cahill Expressway Walkway to enjoy some of the best views ever of Vivid Sydney.
Get into the Bar at the End of the Wharf and experience some stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. This is perhaps the best place to see Vivid Sydney.
From Altitude Bar, Sydney
Get some dizzying drinks at the Altitude Bar that offers panoramic views of the lights on the harbor and around the quay.
Other best vantage points to see Vivid Light are Circular Quay, The Rocks, Hickson Road Reserve, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont Park, Bradfield Park (under the Harbour Bridge at North Sydney), Luna Park, Lavender Bay, or on the harbor itself.
Thinking of accommodation during your stay during the festival? Book with us to know the best of hotels in Sydney!
There are options available for you to park your vehicles such as Domain Car Park. There will be extensive road closures and special event clearways in the Sydney CBD, The Rocks and Walsh Bay. This is done in order to minimize traffic congestion. Public transport in any case is the best option available.
Public transport to reach Vivid Sydney 2016
By Ferry: Circular Quay is the main Ferry terminal with ferries normally running from 6am to 1 am servicing Darling Harbour, Manly, Mosman Bay, Neutral Bay, Parramatta Taronga Zoo and Watson’s Bay.
By Trains: You can easily reach most of the areas of Sydney as they are serviced by train, with connections to popular destinations including the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley.
By Bus: Buses have frequent stops and are thus the best way to reach the points of Vivid festival.
By Light Rail: The light rail network runs from Central station in the CBD through Wentworth Park, Rozelle Bay to Dulwich Hill. The light rail operates from 6am to 11 pm or midnight on Fridays with 24 hour services from central to Star casino.
So why wait? Plan your trip to Sydney to experience one of the most beautiful festivals of the world, Vivid Sydney!
Enjoy other Festivals around the World:
Chinese Dragon Boat Festival 2016
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