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See Vivid Sydney In A Whole New Light With These One-Off Experiences

By Phoebe Youl

Vivid Sydney lights up Sydney Harbour

There’s never a bad time to explore everything the beautiful harbour city of Sydney has to offer. But the 23 days (and nights) in which Vivid Sydney lights up the city, is arguably one of the most beautiful times to get out and about and try your hand at some new activities and experiences. 

As part of Vivid Sydney’s biggest-ever program running from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June, Destination NSW and Experience Oz are offering up a long list of unique attractions and events that allow you to experience both the city and the best of Vivid in one go. Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of everything your doorstep has to offer, or you’re travelling interstate, keep reading below for eight one-off and extraordinary Vivid Sydney experiences not to be missed. 

Vivid Sydney SKYWALK At Night

Sydney Tower SKYWALK | Westfield Sydney, Sydney

What better way to experience the spectacle of Vivid Sydney than from 268 metres in the air! This exciting night tour of Sydney’s Tower Eye will have you standing high amongst the skyscrapers as you enjoy 360-degree views of the Sydney skyline and harbour. Each guest will also get to add their own bit of Vivid flair, with light-up bracelets and accessories on offer. Click here to learn more and book this unforgettable experience. 

Vivid Sydney Lights Evening Cruise

Captain Cook Cruises | Lime St, Darling Harbour

If you’d prefer to skip the crowds and instead enjoy viewing all that Vivid Sydney has to offer in style, then look no further than this evening cruise. Departing twice daily, once on board you’ll be able to take in all the sites of Sydney Harbour whilst relaxing on board with access to the ship's fully licensed bar. This cruise is only available for the duration of Vivid Sydney, so make sure to secure your booking in advance here

Vivid Sydney Night Photography Workshop

Photo Workshop Australia | 14 Circular Quay E, The Rocks

Whether you’re a photography buff or a novice, discover the magic of Vivid through the lens during this interactive workshop. This night photography course will take you into the heart of the city, teaching you how to use your camera to capture incredible images of the Sydney city skyline and Vivid lights. The class sizes are kept purposely small, so you’ll be able to enjoy personalised attention and walk away from the workshop feeling inspired and ready to put your new photography skills to the test! Learn more and buy tickets here.

Vivid Sydney Private Harbour Cruise

Sydney Luxury Cruise | 4 Circular Quay West, The Rocks

The perfect excuse to get six of your favourite people together, this one-hour private cruise will see you cruising around the harbour aboard the luxurious MV Bel, a gorgeous 28-foot Italian-style vessel, complete with your own private skipper. You and your guests will be able to take in all that Vivid Sydney has to offer including light sculptures, laser light shows and 3D mapped projections lighting up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Luna Park and many more top attractions. Click here to book this truly magical and luxurious experience.

Sydney Harbour City Lights Night Kayak Tour

Sydney Kayak Experience | 6 King George Street, Lavender Bay

If you’ve always wanted to kayak in Sydney Harbour, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is not to be missed. Departing after sunset, the 90-minute long evening kayaking tour will allow you to admire all of the iconic landmarks of Sydney Harbour from your very own kayak. With limited group sizes of only 12 paddlers, your dedicated tour guide will run you through a kayaking safety session before taking you to some incredible vantage points that are only accessible by water. Reserve your spot here to join this exclusive tour.

Vivid Sydney Scenic Night Flight

Fly Australia Charter | Hanger 109, Drover Rd, Bankstown Airport

While the lights and magic of Vivid Sydney can be enjoyed from so many different vantage points, it’s hard to compare the ultimate experience of taking in the city from above. This magical 45-minute scenic night flight will allow you to watch the city transform thanks to the multitude of digital artworks, laser lights and 3D projections splashed across the city. Starting at Bankstown Airport, you will take to the sky, flying over Sydney, covering all the iconic landmarks in one amazing aerial view. Want to learn more about this one-of-a-kind experience? Grab your flying partner and book this Vivid Sydney scenic flight here.

Vivid Sydney Haunted Ghost Tour 

Lantern Ghost Tours Sydney | 69 George St, The Rocks

If you’ve always wanted to experience Sydney in a new light, then this is the perfect way to do it. This 90-minute tour will have you exploring some of the city's most famous landmarks, while you learn all there is to know about the ghosts that haunt them. Not only will you get to delve into the history behind The Rocks, but you’ll also be able to admire all of the landmarks under the coloured light of Vivid. This special edition of the ghost tour is only operating during Vivid from 26 May to 17 June, so be quick and book online here before tickets sell out.

Vivid Retro Party Cruise on Sydney Harbour

Vagabond Cruises | King Street Wharf Unit 3/11 Lime Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Take a trip back to the 80s and 90s and dance the night away amongst the lights of Vivid Sydney on this retro-themed party boat cruise. Surrounded by colourful decor and memorabilia, this themed cruise will have you instantly transported to a different era. The perfect activity to book with friends, prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed guests and delicious hot and cold finger food served by roving staff. Don’t miss out on this epic party by booking online here before tickets sell out. 

Keen to see more during Vivid Sydney? Head to the Experience Oz website here to learn more about all of the events and experiences they have to offer. 

Image credit: Destination NSW

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchases. Additionally, this article is sponsored by Experience Oz and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

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