Why you should spend Vivid 2023 at Barangaroo

The Barangaroo precinct has quickly become a favourite for the annual festivities brought to the harbour city by Vivid.

Accessible walkways, a foreshore perfect for hosting incredible light installations and a variety of dining options mean the area is an ideal spot to soak up what Vivid has to offer in 2023.

You’ll find installations that transform the precinct into a rainbow of light and energy at Exchange Square, along Wulugul Walk, and at Barangaroo Reserve. The vast Cutaway will play host to Vivid House–an immersive 360° experience through four awe-inspiring artworks–and Vivid Fire Kitchen–a hub of flame-fuelled food and drink and a guaranteed festival highlight.

Getting there:

Barangaroo is just a five-minute walk from Wynyard Station through an underground tunnel. You can also catch a bus to King Street Wharf. If you prefer to arrive by water, ferries run to Barangaroo Wharf from Circular Quay and Parramatta.

Vivid Light:

Name: The Tunnel

Artist: Big Art Inc. (Canada)

Location: Wulugul Walk

They say that most adventures are about the journey, not the destination. However, The Tunnel is atrip of itself, steered by fellow Vivid Sydney spectators. Travel through an open hallway made of 16otherworldly, space-age structures, controlled by ‘Pilots’-those watching from a nearby console.Each journey is unique, as each Pilot has complete control over The Tunnel’s soundscape and8,000+ LEDs, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

Name: Night Whisper

Artist: Amigo & Amigo (Australia)

Location: Barangaroo Headland

We’re not that dissimilar to moths: as Vivid Sydney shows, humans are also innately drawn toward light for warmth and a chance to come together. This silhouette of an oversized lightbulb invites us in, as does the fluttering inside, thanks to an eclipse of Australia’s endangered Bogong Moths inside the bulb. Stand and watch as their wings cast shadows as they move, creating an enticing yet calming dance of light.

Vivid House:

An immersive 360° experience through four awe-inspiring artworks. Head on a hyper-real journey across Australia’s mountain peaks, verdant valleys and more. Marvel at the beautiful resilience of corals. Experience oceanic photography like never before. Take a psychedelic trip through Sydney’s hidden coves. Additionally, join Vivid Sydney’s Charity Partner WWF-Australian an epic journey across Australia and beyond with Wildlife & Wild Places.

Vivid Food:

Vivid Fire Kitchen (located at ‘The Cutaway)

Alongside the immersive splendour of Vivid House, Vivid Fire Kitchen brings together Sydney’s hottest dining concepts with local and internationally-acclaimed pit masters and a collection of the finest NSW producers, curated drinks and fire-inspired cocktails for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities between 26 May-17 June.

House of Naturalia (located at Barangaroo House)

Taking over all floors of Barangaroo House, the House of Naturalia focuses on a zero-waste and sustainability approach. At Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar on the first floor, you’ll find a menu by Head Chef  Tara Chua curated specifically for Vivid Sydney, while renowned DJs Frank Booker and DJ Jnett will hold down the decks.

Upstairs at Smoke Rooftop Bar, a custom cocktail menu will see would-be discarded ingredients transform into the stars of delicious drinks, perfect for sipping while taking in the view.