Top Things to Do in Sydney: June 2022 Edition

Sydney’s winter begins in June and these months are the best to enjoy and explore the harbour city since everything from airfare to hotels will be at excellent prices. During winter there are plenty of things to see and do in the city. It also marks the beginning of something special in Syndye’s calendar, the annual whale watching season. Since there are no school holidays in this month, the tourist attractions and hotspots are likely to be less crowded, making it an ideal time to explore the city, especially if you prefer cooler temperatures. Here are some top experiences to make the most of your visit!

Harbour Cruises

Sydney has a magnificent skyline with towering skyscrapers and numerous monumental structures and it is best experienced from a Sydney Lunch Cruise! Enjoy various cruises that will take you past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you enjoy the luxury of a freshly prepared menu and a fully licensed bar! Pick a classic paddlewheeler to experience striking views of the cityscapes and the harbour attractions from the wrap-around verandahs as you feast on a yummy buffet lunch! The days are eminently pleasant resulting in clear and bright days so this is an excellent choice! If you prefer to go out after dark you can choose a Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise on the paddlewheeler, offering you a chance to enjoy a three course seated-menu and a live cabaret show! Get your cameras ready at all times as you will be witnessing the city in its night lights and the harbour landmarks illuminated with colourful patterns!

Skydive

Yet another way to experience the city’s breathtaking skyline and the striking views of the nation’s coast. Plunge into Earth at speeds you have only dreamt of in the gorgeous backdrop of Sydney’s landscapes in one of the most exhilarating experiences up for grabs in the whole of the city. The team that runs the tandem skydiving experience takes a chief spot in terms of safety parameters. Equipped with a highly-qualified staff and failure-proof equipment such as the chutes with AAD technology, this experience is one of the must-do things in the city and has emerged as a popular tourist attraction. So whether you’re looking to tick off a bucket list activity or an adrenaline junkie in general, have a go at this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Vivid Sydney

If you’re visiting Sydney in early June you can witness one of the biggest festivals of lights in the Southern Hemisphere. Vivid Sydney 2022 is the annual festival of light, music and ideas that commences from late May and sets the city’s streets and buildings on fire for 23 days. Experience some of the most captivating light installations and art projections inspired by the very soul of the city and brought to life by artists from near and far! You can experience these extravagant spectacles through many ways including walking tours, photography tours, HeliTours, Vivid Cruises and many more! This year the festival is going to be the biggest since its inception with numerous festival firsts and of course the main drawcard– the Lighting of the Sails.

Hunter Valley

If you have already covered all the prominent spots in the city, then it’s time for you to go on a day trip to Hunter Valley, one of the most underrated regions in New South Wales. Although the conjured depiction of the area is an image of wilderness, predators and camouflage, Hunter Valley presents a rather contrasting scenery with vineyards, some friendly kangaroos and delicious food! Stroll through the best vineyards and cellars of the area and learn about the winemaking processes as you sample a few wine delicacies and locally produced cheese!

Top Sydney Attractions to Rekindle The Love with the City

Sydney is one of those amazing destinations that make you go ‘wow’ the moment you step foot in. I might be a bit biased but living here for more than seven years made me realise, Sydney has got it all. Few cities around the world can match its surreal natural beauty, its rich heritage and its creative, cultural and culinary diversity. But if you think you’ve seen it all, then it’s time to rethink! Let’s go on a rollercoaster of a ride back to our city and remember why we fell in love with it in the first place with these unique attractions!

Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise

If there’s one thing Sydney is renowned across the globe for, it’s the photo of the iconic Opera House perched on the banks of Sydney Harbour. This is one of those mesmerising views that never fails to amaze me and I’m pretty sure many Sydneysiders feel the same way. The ideal way for you to embrace the true beauty of the harbour and its attractions is to hop aboard a lunch cruise. Cruises take you past these attractions and offer unique perspectives of it, while letting you enjoy an incredible lunch. I was lucky enough to cruise on the authentic paddlewheeler, with its wrap-around verandahs and cathedral windows, the views became even more epic. I also got to click exquisite photos of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, the grinning moonface of Luna Park and much more onboard this popular harbour cruise lunch. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one.

White Rabbit Gallery

The state-of-the-art gallery in the Inner West was born out of the sole desire to share the contemporary artworks China and Taiwan with Sydneysiders. Opened in 2009, the gallery focuses primarily on 21st century Chinese artworks and includes works from over 700 creative artists. But be sure to check their website before heading out with the whole family as they are known to showcase provocative and controversial artworks! The whole building is free to visit but if you’re looking to hop on a guided tour and gain a better understanding of the art, try visiting at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. And maybe on your way out, you can stop by the street-level Tea House for a delicately flavoured tea, dumpling or a coffee.

Wendy’s Secret Garden

World-class views and wonderland vibes for free? Yes, please! Located just off North Sydney, Wendy’s Secret Garden is an absolute no-brainer for a romantic date, a quiet picnic or a small social gathering. The secret garden, not so secret anymore, is secluded, quiet and zen in spite of its vast popularity. Some come here to admire the views, some to enjoy the magical flora throughout the garden, some for a quick-catch up and some just to unwind in the midst of nature. And when the sun starts to set, it takes on a whole different light and serves as the perfect spot for a lovely date! I went there along with just a book and it was memorable to say the least. Turning the pages slowly as the tweets and chirps pop up, along with a gentle breeze, you can actually feel your thoughts and worries fade away into the abyss!

Sydney Observatory

Are you an astrophile like me? Then, you will love this underrated spot! For me, there is nothing quite special and calming than gazing at the many shiny stars and enjoying the boundless outer space at night. And at the Sydney Observatory you can do just that and more! With the guidance of experts you can dwell deep into the oblivion and marvel at the many objects which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. What’s the wait? Head out for a journey through space and time!

Vivid Sydney is Back! Check Out its Top Attractions!

Vivid Sydney, the annual festivity of lights, music and ideas is shining bigger and brighter in 2022 after the three-year break during the pandemic. It’s once again time for neon lights, thrilling music shows, provoking workshops and late night entertainment to shed its magic on the Emerald City of Australia. The opening weekend was spectacular to say the least–over 600 drones took to the skies, fireworks erupted off the Harbour Bridge and the First Light made headlines with a touching opening ceremony. But the best is yet to come!

As we move onto the third week of the festival, here are some key attractions worth checking out.

Vivid Sydney Cruises

Being one of the major hotspots during Vivid Sydney, Sydney Harbour will be swarming with people from all over the country and world. All the familiar buildings and landmarks will take on new forms with exceptional artworks dangling across their facades. One such crowd puller is the Lighting of the Sails of the Opera House. This year, creative artists bring life to the sails of the House through a stunning depiction of the Martumili collective painting, Yarralpa–Hunting Ground. Escape the crowds and get a good look at this mesmerising artwork on board a Vivid Cruise on Sydney Harbour and fill your socials with exclusive frames! And that’s not all! If you choose to cruise on the authentic paddlewheeler with wrap-around verandahs, you get to enjoy the added element of an hour-long cabaret show as well! Keep your eyes open for the best Vivid Cruise Deals and spend a stunning night on the harbour with food, views and entertainment!

Work of Art by Sinclair Park

Among the long list of skyscrapers and monumental buildings that get vivified as part of the festival, there exists one edifice of ‘multi-storied’ prominence! Legendary architect Frank Gehry’s first Australian marvel, the Business School of University of Sydney (UTS), becomes an impeccable canvas for a dazzling neon light show! Gehry’s buildings are renowned across the world for its out-of-the-box style and it is evident in the exquisite architecture of the Business School as well. This unique nature of the building is the perfect canvas for Sinclair Park, who illuminates it with colour-changing lights and wall grazers, which when manipulated carefully, becomes a wonderful juxtaposition of geometry and texture.

Vivid Live & Vivid Supper Club

If you’re a night owl, do not fret about the fact that the lights go off after 11pm. There will be many late-night shenanigans across numerous venues that keep the festival spirits going. Mary’s Underground, one of the go-to venues for an intimate cabaret experience, will be hosting an exclusive set of programs on select nights till the end of the festival. Hosted by sensational Uber-diva Trevor Ashley, you can enjoy a curated selection of programs from jazz, cabaret, burlesque, comedy along with other headliners by Mahalia Barnes, Emma Pask and more! Elsewhere, on the banks of the harbour, the Opera House will be transformed inside out to celebrate over 70 Australian and international artists!

Vivid Ideas

The uplifting of the restrictions mean that we can expect an incredible lineup of international talents who will cutivate the minds of the festival-goers with eye-opening talks. Headliners this year will feature Troye Sivan, a wunderkind and fashion icon who has inspired millions of youth through his music, and Aaron Sorkin, a master conversationalist who will tackle current political challenges. Gretchen Carlson, who led the #MeToo movement will also be on the forefront addressing issues like workplace toxicity and more!

Vivid Sydney 2022 is underway and is showing no signs of slowing down! Venture out to the city CBD and explore its many laneways, streets, buildings and precincts to enjoy a perfect night out during the festival.

Sydney: The Promise of Elevating Travel Experience

What’s life without anything interesting? A break from work or studies is necessary to keep our spirits high. Take necessary steps to de-stress yourself and plan a trip to some of our bucket-list destinations with family and friends. Let me tell you this, the best part of my one month Aussie trip enabled me to be spontaneous and live in the moment without worrying too much about things. If you have plans to truly switch off and be somewhere beautiful and serene to calm your mind, you can plan your travels around Sydney, one of the most visited travel destinations in Australia. Here I have put together some interesting choices for you to experience a proper holiday in Sydney.

Dine out on a Sydney Harbour Cruise

Now you know, Sydney Harbour, the most talked-about tourist destination in the city, can also be seen as a mesmerising dining destination. Although the inflow of tourists was reduced to a trickle in the past year, the old harbour crowd and charm are back and there are activities you can indulge in such as a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. There are various luxury cruises on Sydney Harbour and you can also board one among them — a popular showboat. This unique cruise built to cutting-edge nautical standards provides a tranquil ambience where you can enjoy restaurant-quality dining, the starry sky, exciting close-up views of the harbour attractions and more. Enjoy a delicious deluxe 3-course dinner complemented by the sparkling views of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The harbour cruise combines dinner and splendid views of the harbour attractions and also has a fully licensed bar on board that serves a wide range of finest Aussie beverages.

Explore the Royal National Park Walks

Known for its secluded picnic spots, picturesque beaches, and cycling trails, the Royal National Park is one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the city. Head out to any of these spots at the National Park to overcome your stress and blues and go cycling with your friends or explore its beautiful walking trails. You can choose a walking trail if you feel like spending some time outdoors and taking in the fresh air. Do carry your camera and capture some IG-worthy clicks. Most of the coastal walks in the Royal National Park lead to the beach and let me make this clear, no Sydney trip would be complete without hitting one of the beaches in Sydney. So if you are excited, you can make it up to a beach that offers stunning views. Pack up all your travel and especially, beach essentials and head out to the National Park for a memorable experience.

A Visit to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains in Sydney, home to many breathtaking destinations, are perfect for a vacation in search of peace. Located just a few hours from the city centre, this amazing destination is pretty easy to commute to. Be it an adventure trip or a peaceful time-out amidst the lush green nature, let me assure you, the Blue Mountains have a lot to offer. If you are interested to learn more about the Blue Mountains, you can sign up for a Scenic World Discovery Tour and see the breathtaking sights from different perspectives. Get your camera ready to capture the panoramic Blue Mountain vistas that can set your IG feed on fire. Some other important destinations to add to your travel list are Mt. Solitary, The Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, and Katoomba Falls.

Sydney boasts of a treasure trove of amazing tourist waypoints. And it is impossible to contain everything on one single page. There are many more places in the city offering amazing experiences and are safe for travelling. Pack your bags and check out one at a time.

Vivid Sydney has Returned! Check Out its Best Attractions!

A happening city like Sydney has plenty of exciting activities all year round with almost every month filled with celebrations embracing the themes of culture, art, literature, food, religious events and human relationships. But the one that leaves all Aussies as well as tourists in awe is the winter extravaganza, Vivid Sydney. Come May 27th, the city will be in for a treat with some of the top creative minds from far and near join forces to create a multi-sensory fiesta! Yes, we cannot wait either! Read along to find out what to expect for Vivid Sydney, its highlights, attractions and more!

After being called off for 2 years in a row, the festival of lights, music and ideas is back with a bang to set the city ablaze for 23 days. There are several factors you should take into account before heading out to explore– like where can you enjoy the best views? Vivid Cruises are an integral part of the festival, offering prime views of the harbour festivities in a crowd-free environment. The Lighting of the Sails, the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Barangaroo, Luna Park and The Rocks are few of the attractions you can see onboard the cruise. They also have awesome inclusions such as a live cabaret show and dinner on the classic paddlewheeler. So be sure to give them a try to see the festival in a new light. Check the best Vivid Cruise Deals here : https://www.sydneyshowboats.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/vivid-sydney-cruises

In something completely new for the festival, the Light Walk will be at its longest, stretching 8kms from the Opera House and all the way through the Central Station. This is one of the main focal points of Vivid as now it will be easier for people to mosey along and discover areas that they have never seen before. The walk also features 200+ LED sculptural birds of varied species as part of the Future Natives and will guide the way through the Central Station and The Good Lines Tunnel for the first time. But, that’s not the only connection of trails you will see. Connected City by Mandylights will embellish the city’s towering architectures with over 150+ laser lights, connecting every part of the city like a ribbon.

Another important event in the festival agenda is the First Light– an event contrived to honour the Gadigal people of the land. This moving event will be launched on the first day of the festival before Lights On at 6pm, as a form of welcoming the festival. The event aims to show love to the First Nations people with a series of performances, including strory-telling light projections on the southern pylon of the Harbour Bridge, a smoking ceremony and more. This welcoming ceremony will also be shown on screens throughout the Light Walk on every day of the festival.

Vivid Ideas is the element of inspiration that Sydneysiders are waiting for. With a massive lineup of brilliant thinkers, pioneers, artists and creative souls, get ready for uplifting sessions that will make you think even long after the events. Headliners like Troye Sivan takes the stage to inculcate inspiration in the youth by addressing his takes on fashion, queer politics, fame and more. Vivid Ideas Up Late is another late night event which celebrates the soul of Sydney through talk, performances, music and art with the help of artists who seek to bring a change into the world; revolutionists who will inspire you to take on the world, creative minds who contribute to the community and create a sense of connection to the city.

Top Destinations You Should Have on your Bucket-List

When we talk about bucket-list destinations, it’s usually all about countries; when in reality, it’s the cities within a country that draw everyone in. A bucket list can always grow. Well, at least for me, every time I scroll through the ’gram or Pinterest, my bucket list gets a new addition. Our world is blessed with many breathtaking destinations; some are extraordinary, some are ancient and some just undeniably gorgeous. These are the places that will have you dreaming about them even before you arrive. Check out these amazing cities across the globe to add to your bucket list.

Sydney, Australia

Home to over 90 beaches, national and natural landmarks, picturesque gardens, dramatic landscapes and a vibrant culinary scene, Sydney is one of the most gifted cities in the world. One can experience most of the iconic attractions onboard a Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and more. The city offers endless experiences to all types of travellers, regardless of the time of visit, so you can visit any time of the year. You might have heard about views that never get old, well this is one of them! I chose a Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise as I’m a night person… and boy! was I stunned by the illuminated views of the harbour and the unique waterfront dining experience! One can easily spend days and months enjoying everything this harbour city of Australia has to offer, and you will not run out of new things to see and do!

Ubud, Bali

There’s always that one place that feels like home, even if you have never visited the place before. Bali is one of them. It’s that place where people come and never want to leave, as there’s so much more to Bali than pristine beaches and the tropical laid-back energy that screams throughout the region. Bali is home to numerous spiritual destinations that you get to see only in movies—the Sea of Golden Flower in Besakih and the Bambu Indah in Ubud. Ubud is often dubbed as the spiritual hub and the heart of the island, housing magical waterfalls, lush vegetation and paddy fields. The Sacred Monkey Forest, locally known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, home to more than thousand monkeys including the long-tailed Macaque, is a tourist-hotspot that attracts around 15,000 visitors every month.

LA, California

Los Angeles, or the City of Angels, is an iconic Californian city offering everything from endless stretches of beaches, awesome food, and never-ending sunshine. Home to blockbuster movie production houses, it’s impossible to narrow down just a few attractions here, but a must-do activity is to experience a dusty hike all the way up to the ‘Hollywood’ sign. You might even rub shoulders with some famous names, and even if you don’t, you can always catch a live game or talk show as they are usually recorded in the many studios in and around LA. After all, it’s not every day you get to be a part of the Late Show!

The Himalayas

Although this is not a city, I simply cannot resist listing this wonderland as well. A place of mysticism, people who come here return with a whole new perspective on life. The mighty Himalayas can be accessed from India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal by foot, plane/copter, car or even a yak. Conquering this wonder of the world is a bucket-list activity for millions — coz who wouldn’t want to stand tall among these mountains?

Popular 2022 Vivid Sydney Venues to Check Out

Vivid Sydney — Southern Hemisphere’s most spectacular annual festival — is an astonishing festival of light, music, and ideas that transforms the iconic harbour city into a playground of creativity, innovation, and technology. Book your Sydney tickets soon, because Vivid Sydney is back with a bang! There is a cutting-edge line-up of artists and art-works all ready to make Sydney again a canvas of art. From 3D light installations to live music performances and thought-provoking conversations, at city’s various points in the city, there are more to make you dazzled! If you ’re wondering where and how to celebrate this much-anticipated Sydney festival, let me help you to take a peep in.

Sydney Harbour Vivid Cruises

Go on an indelible voyage across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney to witness the true glory of this most popular Vivid Sydney viewpoint. The lights come on during the twilight hours, transforming the harbour into an extraordinary pool of colours. A Vivid cruise in Sydney is a perfect way to enjoy these beautiful Vivid views on the waters. Get aboard a budget-friendly cruise that takes you across the harbour, offer you the most amazing lookouts as well as numerous photo ops to lit up that Instagram feed. To zest up the mood, you can also purchase your favourite Aussie drinks and beverages from the fully licensed bar onboard! The Opera House sails have always played an ineluctable part during the Vivid festival. This time too, we can anticipate a truly astounding art illustration on these gleaming white sails. Get ready to enjoy the ‘Lighting of the Sails’ on Opera House and illuminated Harbour Bridge views aboard one of the sought-after Vivid cruises. Enjoy everything from a different and unique perspective!

Vivid Helicopter Rides

Still, I’ve a great idea for you, only if you’re ready for the annual Vivid Sydney splurge — a helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney! Well…interesting, right? Climb on board an ultra-modern helicopter to witness the illuminated harbour at night and see how stunning its popular attractions and surroundings are! Like a Sydney Harbour cruise, it is also a great chance to enjoy all the marvellous 3D light installations and art illustrations from a different perspective. Let my reader be a visitor in Sydney or an actual Sydneysider, I want you to experience this truly spectacular event and understand how dazzling Sydney is! It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience that shouldn’t be missed. During the flight, you’ll have the perfect angle to capture the most stirring Vivid Sydney moment. So, if you’re looking forward to enjoy the Vivid Sydney in style, an extravagant helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour is perfect for you! Block your tickets right now!

Vivid Sydney Skywalk

Imagine standing just above the Sydney Harbour, on top of the Sydney Tower Eye, and taking in the 360 ° views of this amazing harbour city and beyond during the spectacular Vivid Sydney festival. This marvellous experience called the SKYWALK will let you witness the prime Vivid vista from the ultimate standpoint. A SKYWALK experience could be one of the stylish choices on offer. The structure stands about 268 metres high above the ground level and there’s no distrustfulness that you’ll feel on top of the world as you indulge in the multitude of colours and views around you. You’ll also be presented with accessories that can be used to pose for your perfect Vivid photographs.

So, are you ready for this glowing experience? Choose what works for you and celebrate the return of Vivid Sydney in style and vigour! Let it be a popular Sydney Harbour Vivid cruise, a helicopter ride over the city’s beautiful light projections, or a Vivid Skywalk, you are promised the absolute best Vivid views and a truly unmatched experience!

Unique Activities to Do at Night in Sydney 2022

Sydney’s nightlife has been quiet for the past couple of years but now as the restrictions are off, we can get back to exploring the after dark glory of the city. The city has indeed seen a lot of change in recent times but Sydney is still an international city and there is something around every corner of the city, waiting to be discovered. So if you’re ready to get your feet wet, check out these enticing night activities in the Emerald City.

Combine Dinner and a Live Show

Exploring the city’s night glory on a dinner cruise in Sydney Harbour should be an absolute no-brainer. While the ferries are a great way to hop on from one spot and onto the next , if you really want to take in all the views in a relaxed and comfortable environment, then a dinner cruise is your best option. Make it extra elegant by cruising on the spectacular paddlewheeler with an old-world charm and top off your night with an hour-long cabaret show. Cruising gently past the lit-up Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while feasting on a seated and served dinner is an outright stunning experience you just cannot pass up. They are offered by prestigious cruise operators so you can’t actually go wrong with this one!

After-hours at Art Galleries

Well yes, visiting art galleries is supposedly a daytime thing but Sydney’s two biggest art galleries/museums have decided to put on an after-hours calendar! The MCA or Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the great cultural institutions of the city, housing everything from artworks and artefacts to fossils. But did you also know they have one of the best rooftop views in the city, overlooking the Circular Quay and Opera House!? Now you can enter the museum after dark as part of their ARTBAR event and go on exploring the latest exhibits, before heading onto the rooftop for a drink and dance session!

Elsewhere at the Art Gallery of NSW, events are scheduled based on the current exhibitions. This after hours program includes talks, tours, life drawings, drinks and mingling with other art enthusiasts!

Spend a Night at a Zoo

Sydneysiders know that a visit to the zoo is a great day trip for the whole family, especially the Taronga Zoo, which also offers exquisite views of the harbour. But what if I told you can also stay overnight and wake up to the sounds of the wild friends? Yes, the ultimate ‘staying the night’ experience is right at your doorstep. From resort-style rooms overlooking the harbour and African-style safaris to glamping and camping experiences, you can enjoy a full wildlife experience with numerous accommodation options. Savour incredible food at the onsite restaurant, hear untold stories about the zoo and its residents on a private overnight tour and of course, meet some of the animals, including the ones you may not have seen during the day!

Check your Photography Skills at Vivid Sydney

If you time your visit during the later days of May or early June, then you will be in the midst of a different Sydney. The Vivid Sydney festival is an annual showcasing of the city’s creative essence through flamboyant art sculptures, light installations, engaging music concerts and thought-stimulating ideas. Deemed as every photographer’s dream, you can hone your nighttime photography skills during this festival. The festival spreads its awesomeness across the historic buildings, iconic landmarks, streets and more. The whole landscape of the city gets transformed into a kaleidoscopic spectrum of colours, patterns and lights. Consider taking a harbour cruise dinner to see the lights away from the crowds and get those awe-inspiring shots of the iconic landmarks.

Could Sydney Be the Best City in the World?

Which is the best city in the world? Many names run to my mind: New York, Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, Paris and more. The fact is, the answer to this deceptively difficult question would be different for different people. However, having travelled to a few too many foreign lands in the past, I feel obliged to make a choice. It’s none other than Sydney. One may wonder why I have strayed from the popular choices. But here’s my two cents on how Sydney could be the best city in the world.

From the city’s sprawling natural harbour to a plethora of amazing parks and gardens, the city is popular for its lovely surroundings. Over the years, the city has continued to be the most popular tourist destination in the country. It is indeed impressive when you see how Sydney elegantly strikes a balance between natural and urban life. One of the most amazing experiences I had during the visit was a showboat Sydney Harbour cruise lunch. The cruise offered a delectable Contemporary Buffet lunch, which consisted of many dishes from different parts of the world. Of all the sightseeing tours and food tours I signed up for, this was indeed the best! Cruise dining with a view of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House felt like a dream in itself. A lunch cruise along Sydney Harbour opened my eyes to the splendid beauty of the city and its well-balanced environment.

Sydney’s livability quotient is marked by its exuberant multicultural character, its diverse food scene and its infrastructure. With a set of strategic and corporate plans, the city has implemented an ambitious project ‘Sydney 2030’, which aims to make it “Green. Global. Connected.” Over the years, Sydney has managed to educate its population on sustainable living and carrying forward various initiatives such as reliable production, and low carbon electricity with zero carbon heating and cooling, growing an urban canopy by 50 per cent, eco-friendly energy generation from clean and renewable sources and more. A brand-new 125-mile cycling network is another initiative that comes under this project. There’s no wonder why Sydney is listed among the world’s greenest cities.

A dynamic cultural hub and a melting pot of Aboriginal and European heritage, Sydney is a great place to be for all the culture vultures out there. The city is also home to many artist communities, musicians, artisans and designers. What’s more exciting is a Sydneysider’s calendar, punctuated by festivals of all kinds featuring the city’s rich culture and artistic tenor. Of the many premier cultural institutions in the city, some places that stood out for me were the iconic Sydney Opera House, the State Theatre, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

Sydney boasts of an adventurous food scene that makes the foodies swoon. The country has a strong Asian influence and that’s to say, you’ll discover everything from Thai and Indian to Chinese and everything in between. The new generation of chefs in the city are determined to make a mark with their contemporary dishes—often experimental and a combination of different cuisines from around the world. If you’re curious about which dishes you must eat while you’re in the city, here’s a list for you: World Famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake from Black Star Pastry Newtown, Saucy Flame-Grilled Ribs and Steaks from Hurricane’s Grill Darling Harbour, Fish & Chips and Sashimi from Sydney Fish Market, Scrambled Eggs from Bills, Ginger Brulee Tart and Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll from Bourke Street Bakery, Coffee from Single O Surry Hills and more.

I’m pretty sure this list doesn’t do much justice to the city’s vibrant life. However, I guarantee the best holiday experience.

Vivid Sydney 2022: Highlights and Experiences

opera house in sydney vivid lights — vivid cruise sydney

It’s almost been three years in the making but this week, the biggest festival of lights, music and ideas is set to make its much awaited return! Arguably the most popular festival in the city, Vivid Sydney is an extravagant showcasing of arts, lights, music and ideas which will highlight the creative soul of the city. With numerous massive-scale events and a huge lineup of artists from around the world, there is no doubt that the 12th edition of the festival will be one for the history books. Here’s how you can make the most of this homecoming.

Vivid Cruise on Sydney Harbour

The largest festival of light in the Southern Hemisphere will spread across the city but it’s hard to go past the impressive Sydney Harbour, where many exciting light installations come to be. If you dread being in a crowd, the harbour cruises are a great way to watch most of the light installations in comfort. There will be many packages on offer but choosing the authentic paddlewheeler will make your night out in Sydney all the more spectacular. Experience a unique cruise and dine experience on this classic vessel, with mouth-watering food, drinks, exquisite views and an hour long cabaret show. You will even get to witness the main drawcard of the event– the Lighting of the Sails of the Opera House– up close! But it doesn’t stop there! The illuminated Harbour Bridge, the iconic Luna Park, Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo and a few other installations can also be viewed easily aboard the paddlewheeler. So don’t even think twice, book a Vivid Harbour Cruise today and experience the festival and its attractions in a new light!

Vivid Tour Experiences

With multiple installations and 3D projections scattered across the city and its precincts, it might be a bit overwhelming for you to get a glimpse of all of ‘em. Well do not fret! You can hop on numerous tour experiences within the Central Business District (CBD).

Photography Tours: Starting from the National College of Photography, this 3-hour walking tour will guide you to the best spots to shoot the Vivid installations. You will also be enlightened with a few photography tips to help you capture the best night photos of the festival.
Heli Tours: If you’re in the city for only a short period of time, why not choose a thrilling 25-min helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour. When it comes to taking to the skies, you have plenty of options including the after dark experience aboard the twin powered Eurocopter EC135.
BridgeClimb: The Harbour BridgeClimb is an awesome way to witness the lights of Sydney flash across the skies. There might not be a more memorable way to enjoy the festival than on the summit of this mighty steel-arch bridge.

Few Must-see Installations & Events

VIvid Sydney 2022 promises us many festival firsts and unmissable attractions. If you’re unable to make it to each and every installation, you can always narrow it down to these must-see installations including the Sydney Infinity. A large-scale water and liquid installation, arguably the biggest one Australia has ever seen, will enliven Darling Harbour with a music synced water show! Another eye-catching attraction is the incredible Night Flight which is a collab event, launching over 600 carefully choreographed drones into the skies to create shapes and patterns. For this free event, all you need to do is look up!

As part of Vivid Ideas and Vivid Music, you can come face to face with your idols and heroes and have interactive experiences, especially in the Ideas aspect. Come face to face with a whole bunch of star names– Troye Sivan, Deni Todorovic, Gretchen Cralson, Baz Luhrmann, the list goes on!