Unique Experiences at Vivid Sydney

Part history lesson, part nighttime adventure, a ghost tour through The Rocks will put a spooky twist on the light show. You'll get a one-of-a-kind tour as you come across haunted sites, listening to dark stories and secrets that will entertain both young and old. This one also starts a little later after the lights are on, giving you plenty of time to grab a feed and check out the installations around Circular Quay beforehand.

Delivering big on fun and lights, a Vivid Sydney kayaking experience is a winner whether you’re going with the family or doing it with friends. Hitting two birds with one stone, you’ll get the chance to paddle around the harbour at night and find an exclusive spot to watch the lights switch on without the foot traffic. Starting earlier in the evening, you’ll still have time to cross the bridge and see the lights up close after your paddle.

Level up your snaps of the festival with a Vivid Sydney photography workshop. With a pro photographer as your guide, this experience puts a whole new lens over the festival, leaving you with handy skills and shots worth framing back home. Best of all, it wraps up at 9pm, just as the families head off and the crowds thin out, giving you free time to enjoy the rest of the light walk (and sneak in a bit of practice).

The best way to cover the most ground, the Vivid Big Bus tour will make sure you tick off all the highlights, minus the big walk. A top pick for young families or people who just want to see the show without the leg-burn, you’ll catch a good chunk of the installations and still have time to jump off and check out the main attractions up close. Not to mention, it’s great value as you cover most of the show in one night and can get around faster than you would on foot.

Not your average boat ride, a 4-course dinner Vivid Sydney cruise adds a whole new meaning to dinner with a view. Tuck into a tasty feast as you cruise around in style, scoring front-row seats to the show without the crowds. Even better, you’ll make it back on land in time to stretch the legs and go for a wander around Barangaroo to see the lights up close.

Looking to come in early but need a way to keep the little ones busy? Start with the Vivid special at Madame Tussauds or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Giving you plenty to look at before the lights even turn on, these discount tickets will get you up close and personal with iconic Aussie celebs and animals. It's also not too far from the Fire Kitchen and the drone show, which makes it a convenient starting point for the rest of your plans.