Vivid Sydney light festival: how to plan your visit

Vivid Sydney light festival opens this Friday, 25 May, and runs until 11 June 2012. It turns the harbour foreshore into a night-time gallery of light art, music and big projections. This is the fourth year it has been held, and organisers expect more than 500,000 people to come. This guide shows where to go, what to see and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011; PR Newswire, Vivid Sydney 2012 lights up Australia's harbour city, 15 March 2012.

What is on at Vivid Sydney this year

Destination NSW says the 2012 program includes more than 50 light art sculptures. The program describes them as interactive and immersive, so expect to walk up close. There are also large 3D projections on buildings and illuminated skyscrapers.

The biggest draw is the Sydney Opera House. Its sails are lit with moving light patterns. A German light collective was named in the March announcement as the designer of the sails lighting. The festival also has Vivid LIVE, a series of contemporary music shows at the Opera House, and a new Vivid Ideas Exchange at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where people talk about creative ideas. The Ideas events are aimed at business and the creative industries, so most visitors will head for the lights instead.

The organisers say there are both free and ticketed events. The sculptures and projections are spread along the harbour foreshore, at Circular Quay and in The Rocks, so there is plenty to see outdoors. Check the official program to see which shows and talks need a ticket.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011; Spice News, Destination NSW announces Vivid Sydney 2012, 19 February 2012; PR Newswire, 15 March 2012.

Where to walk

Start at Circular Quay. Most of the outdoor light art is around Circular Quay, The Rocks and the harbour foreshore, so you can see a lot on foot without a car.

1. Circular Quay: Begin by the water. The ferry wharves, the station and the promenade put you in the middle of the displays.
2. The Rocks: Walk west through the old streets. Look for light works on buildings and in small squares.
3. The foreshore towards the Opera House: Follow the harbour edge east. Finish near the Opera House, where the sails are lit.

You can also walk it the other way. Starting at the Opera House and finishing in The Rocks puts you near cafes and pubs at the end of the night. Wear flat shoes. You will be on your feet for a couple of hours, and the promenade is busy.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011; PR Newswire, 15 March 2012.

Best times to go

The lights are for the evening, so go after dark. Winter sunset in Sydney is early, so you do not have to wait long. Check the official Vivid Sydney website for the exact nightly hours before you leave, because the organisers publish them there.

• Weeknights beat weekends. Tuesday to Thursday is usually calmer than Friday and Saturday.
• Go early or late. The streets near the Quay fill up in the middle of the evening. Arriving soon after dark, or later at night, gives you more room.
• Opening weekend is the busiest. If you can, pick a date in the second week.

With a crowd of half a million expected over 18 nights, a quiet spot will be hard to find on any weekend. Plan to move slowly and be patient.

Sources for this section: PR Newswire, Vivid Sydney 2012 lights up Australia's harbour city, 15 March 2012; Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011.

Getting there and getting around

Circular Quay is the main train, ferry and bus hub for the city, so public transport is the easiest way in. Trains stop right at the Quay. Ferries also arrive there from across the harbour. Driving is harder. Streets near the foreshore are busy and parking in the city is limited and costly at night.

• Check train and ferry times on the Transport Info site before you go, as late services may differ.
• Pick a meeting point in case your group gets split in the crowd.
• Charge your phone. You will want it for photos and for finding friends.

If you are travelling from another state, book a place to stay early. Rooms in the city are likely to be tight on the opening weekend.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011; PR Newswire, 15 March 2012.

Tips for photos and a good night

• Dress warm. Late May and June are cool by the water, and the wind off the harbour can be sharp.
• Use a steady surface. A small tripod or a railing helps with night photos. Turn off the flash, as it spoils shots of lit buildings.
• Look up. Many projections are on the sides of tall buildings, and the best view is often from a little distance back.
• Be kind to others. Some sculptures are interactive. Take turns and do not block the path.
• Plan food. Eat before you arrive or book a table in The Rocks, because queues grow once the crowds gather.

Programs can change, so look at the official Vivid Sydney website for updates on the day.

Sources for this section: Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 media release, 14 December 2011; Spice News, 19 February 2012.

Sources

1. Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney 2012 announcement, 14 December 2011: prnewswire.co.uk
2. Spice News, Destination NSW announces Vivid Sydney 2012, 19 February 2012: spicenews.com.au
3. PR Newswire, Vivid Sydney 2012 lights up Australia's harbour city, 15 March 2012: prnewswire.co.uk