VIVID Sydney review

Drone show VIVID

Is VIVID Sydney worth visiting? Short answer: YES! Why? keep reading..

Finally, 2024 was THE year! I had been looking forward to experiencing VIVID for years. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. 

Here is a full VIVID Sydney review, divided into the different categories of the event.

Free light walk VIVID

The light free light walk 5/5

Follow the light walk around the city for free. Light projections and lazer lights on the opera house, harbour bridge and other buildings are amazing. The walk will go around all the way to Darling Harbour where you'll find other cool light projections, a water show, fire art and a big stage...

Let the party begin..😉

(paid) Light projections 4/5

Me, inside the AI lightbox thingy :)

Wait in line for a some really cool experiences, like last years AI "box". I went on a rainy weekday and had to wait a maximum of 15 minutes for attractions like that. This experience is free, some others you'll have to pay for..

I only visited one of those paid attraction last year, the Wynyard tunnels. I thought it was a pretty cool experience! Walk through the old underground Wynyard train tunnels and enjoy some (very loud lol) music and light projections. Only thing is, I did think it was a bit overpriced for what you got.

TIP: book these paid attractions far in advance because they do sell out quickly!

Drone show! 10/5

Drone show VIVID

Yes, correct , a 10 out of 5 for the drone show ;-). An AMAZING experience. I think the pictures will speak for themselves 😉.

Tip: Make sure you have more than one opportunity to see the drone shows, do not count solely on the last show for example. If there is a tiny bit of rain or wind they will have to cancel the drown show and you'll be left with quiet a disappointment if that date was your only chance!

Views 5/5

Bonus tip: this is the view from the ferry!

But in a big crowded city like Sydney, where do you get a good view of the show??

First of all, I would recommend to stay at Sydney Harbour YHA, the rooftop terrace gives you one of the best views of the city. Not to mention the hostel itself is nice, clean and awesome located at 5 minutes walking distance from Circular Quay.

Other places you can see the drown show from are: Milsons point, Broughton street lookout, Observatory Hill lookout, Pylon lookout or just at the opera house, if you are prepared to wait for 4 hours for a good spot (who the ... would do that, nooo totally not me, winkwink).

Food and drinks 4/5

Got hungry from all the explore(iris)ing?😜'Grab something to eat and drink at one of the many stands! Churros, Turkish donuts, fries, pizza, ice cream.. They have got it all. If only judged at the variety of choices I would give this 5 stars. But the pricing is very high and quality of the foods medium (like festival food). Overall a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Crowds 3/5

As to be expected, crowds during the festival are huge! Especially on drone show days. I watched the drone show from Circular Quay and my 5 minute walk back to the hostel turned into an hour long walk. This is something to consider, especially if you plan on going with the kids. You can "avoid" the crowds a little bit by watching the drone show from another location I mentioned and strategically planning your visit. The organisation does try to take measures to manage the crowds but although expected I thought it was still quiet intense.

Public transportation and traffic 3/5

Public transportation is not existent during the event at night (or very limited trains and trams available). I personally do not have experience with getting out of the city by car after the event or using public transport (do you? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!). It looked crazy busy and uncomfortable in my opinion.

As far as traffic, the roads looked well managed but I still figure it would take a while to get home. If you have a choice I would recommend to stay somewhere of walking distance to circular quay or darling harbour. Sydney is very walkable, especially during the VIVID light festival.

"cheeeese", photo sign VIVID

Final rating 4,5/5 stars.

YES VIVID Sydney is definitely worth visiting! Go on a (rainy) weekday, plan your transport and paid activities in advance and make sure you see one of the AMAZING drone shows. 

Sooo, what are you waiting for? VIVID 2025 will be here 23rd of May until 14th of June! 😉🤩