Sydney is gearing up to be bathed in light and colour thanks to Australia’s most photogenic event, Vivid Sydney. Thousands of people will no doubt flock to Circular Quay and its surrounds to see the dazzling lights over the 23 nights from May 24 to June 15 and if that’s keeping you from leaving the house and heading down to the city yourself, there are a few excellent spots that offer all the views without the throngs of people. Here, we’ve hand-picked the very best spots to see all the Vivid Sydney views without the crowds.
1. Lavender Bay
Lavender Bay is a picturesque harbourside suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney and it’s home to a number of hidden spots devoid of crowds including Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden and Lavender Bay Parklands. It’s also located just a few minutes from Milsons Point Station which offers stunning views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Luna Park.
2. Sydney Tower Eye
Money can buy happiness if you spend it on experiences and to make it a memorable Vivid experience, Sydney Tower Eye is the place to go to. Not only can you see all the flickering lights and colours 268m above the CBD, but you’ll also be far away from the crowds with only an intimate group of people. This year, Sydney’s tallest building will feature a Vivid Skywalk with new flashing harnesses and accessories for a bit of glow-in-the-dark fun. Get your tickets.
3. Dark Spectrum, Wynyard Station
We raved about the Dark Spectrum experience being one of Vivid’s most exciting activations last year so we were pretty chuffed to hear it was returning for 2024. Dubbed Dark Spectrum: A New Journey, it is set to take place below the abandoned train tunnels under Wynyard Station so you won’t have to worry about making your way through a sea of people. The experience includes immersive rooms that will take you on a multi-sensory journey with light displays handmade lanterns, strobe lights, vibey music and more. Check out our experience at the Secret Sydney Instagram page and grab your tickets at the Vivid Sydney website.
4. Taronga Zoo
Swapping the city for nature is always a good idea. This year, unfortunately, the popular Wild Lights at Taronga Zoo is not returning but the zoo is still an excellent — and quieter spot to see Sydney’s skyline and local animals like koalas, dingos, kangaroos, emus and platypuses. Grab your tickets to Taronga Zoo here.
5. Cahill Expressway
Cahill Expressway is an overhead roadway across Circular Quay which means you get views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from close quarters without having to navigate the endless crowds. You also get treated to views of the Museum of Contemporary Art and beyond so it’s one of the best places to head to if you’re not a fan of crowds but don’t want to miss out on the Vivid Sydney buzz.
6. Lightscape, Royal Botanic Gardens
Another major highlight of Vivid Sydney 2023 which is making a return this year is the immersive Lightscape experience. Spread across the Royal Botanic Gardens, guests are invited to go on a stunning 2.1 km journey through lights, fire, glowing trees, lit-up tunnels and more. Despite its proximity to Circular Quay, there are not a lot of crowds to contend with given the expansive space at the gardens and how spread out the event is. There’s also food trucks and drinks on-site to warm up with. Grab your tickets here.
7. Harbourside restaurants
A number of harbourside restaurants are open late during Vivid Sydney and offer delicious food and brews with a side of stunning views. Some to dine at this Vivid include Quay, Opera Bar, Bar Patrón, Bennelong restaurant, Maybe Sammy and more. Check out all the top-notch places to see Vivid views from here.
Check out everything that’s happening at Vivid Sydney here and get planning.