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Vivid will be going ahead this year from 6 - 28 August 2021. We'll update this page with more information as it becomes available.
Spreading from Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, under a lit-up Harbour Bridge, to The Rocks and Circular Quay, many of the Vivid Sydney festival’s displays take on a whole new perspective from the water, and joining a Vivid Sydney cruise is a great way to see the event’s displays without the walking and crowds.
Whether you're looking for the cheapest option, one that includes a buffet dinner, or the longest sailing possible, we've listed all the cruises bookable online that we could find so you can compare your options.
Every year, dozens of boats sail the harbour aglow with brightly coloured lights and become part of the Vivid Sydney display. Sydney Harbour Ferries get in on the action too. If you're hoping to join a boat tour during Vivid that participates, these are the official operators that have joined the festivities in the past.
What can you expect from a Vivid Sydney cruise? We sat down with Naseem Hemmati, who sailed on this Starship Sydney Vivid Cruise in 2019 for a quick chat about his experience.
What I loved most about the cruise was the live performance from the band and the dancers. It amplified the atmosphere and was an entertaining way to complete the cruise as guests were encouraged to join in. The food stalls were another aspect I loved - there was always something to eat or do when you weren't enjoying the view.
The lack of seating is the only aspect of the cruise that I didn't enjoy however throughout the night as people moved around more became available.
Dress warm so that you are able to enjoy the view.
The festival runs for 23 days from 24 May - 15 June 2019.
The Vivid Sydney light displays will be turned on at 6pm each night during the festival.
Yes. Most of the sightseeing cruises during Vivid depart from Darling Harbour or King Street Wharf, so you'll get the chance to wander around the area before and after your cruise. It's best to check with the operator you've booked your cruise with to see where and when you need to meet the boat.
If night photography isn't your forte, especially from a moving boat, consider joining a night photography class prior to or during the festival to capture the best images.
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When does the Vivid Festival run from for 2018?
Hi Kath!
The announcement left on Vivid Sydney website is they will be opening later this year.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi wanted to know what cruises they have for vivid that is buffet dinner and dance floor DJ on board???
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your questions.
All the cruises we have listed above except for 90-Minute Cruise with Sparkling Wine on a Sunday, Friday or Saturday and 2-hour cruise with canapés and drinks from LivingSocial, offer buffet dinner.
However, upon checking the details, only the 2-hour cruise with cocktails and canapés which costs $29.00 offer buffer dinner and DJ. For more details, simply click the “view details’ button above.
Cheers,
Anndy