Vivid Sydney 2021: 7 unique ways to experience it
Why stroll through a Vivid night when you can head for the seas or reach for the skies?
As Vivid Sydney officially releases its plans for 2021, forget the standard harbour-side stroll as we explore all the ways you can see the festival from new angles and heights (literally).
Intrigued to see what we have up our sleeve? Read on.
1. Call the water home for an evening
Go the whole nine yards this August with a viewing of Vivid from the seas. Featuring a luxury yacht, float by the spectacular installations and exhibits throughout Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour. It doesn't stop there, your overnight stay on the Hunter 36 also comes with a gourmet dinner, breakfast, towels, linen and everything you need to completely unwind.
Where: Darling Harbour
Cost: $1,375 for two people
2. Indulge with dinner AND a show
Not a fan of squeezing past crowds? Prefer to see the entertainment from the comfort of an establishment? We understand. That's why a five-course tasting menu (with wine) right on the harbour is sure to hit the spot. With Vivid and the Opera House as your backdrop, enjoy artisan bread, premium beef, chargrilled chicken and brownies concocted from chocolate.
Where: 6 Head, Circular Quay
Cost: $199 for two people
3. Picnic with a million dollar view
Calling all romantics! It's no secret that Vivid Sydney makes for the perfect date night. Up the ante with a private picnic in the heart of Kirribilli (and no, we don't mean Scott Morrison's lawn). You and your special someone can lay back, relax and dine on a fruit platter, sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries as the city lights up.
Where: Kirribilli
Cost: $390 for two people
4. Private charter anyone?
If your Vivid plans consist of getting the band back together, look no further than some quality time aboard a private skippered yacht. Sailing through the city, you'll be able to admire all the dazzling exhibits from the comforts of a Dufour 310.
Where: Darling Harbour
Cost: $750 for nine people
5. Do Vivid the Australian way with a classic pub crawl
Not only do you get a guided walk through one of the busiest periods of Sydney, but you also get to visit (and taste test) three of the finest pubs that The Rocks has on offer. The tour covers all things haunted, Sydney's oldest pub, larrikin gangs, the rum rebellion and so much more.
Where: The Rocks
Cost: $99 per person
6. Head to new heights with 360-degree views
Now this might be one of the most efficient ways to catch Vivid Sydney this year. Set 268 metres above street level, the SKYWALK lets you absorb uninterrupted 360-degree views of Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Darling Harbour. An all-in-one? We'd definitely say so.
Where: Sydney Tower Eye, Sydney
Cost: $82 per person
7. Set your sights on the Harbour
This one goes out to all lovers of cruising – frankly, it wouldn't be a complete list without one. Featuring a three-course contemporary dinner, live music, a dance floor, guaranteed window seating and an experienced crew, you couldn't be in better hands come Vivid Sydney.
Where: King Street Wharf, Sydney
Cost: $140 per person
For all the information on what to expect this year to where to stay post-festival, check out our complete Vivid Sydney 2021 guide.
