This year, we did something we said we’d never do: we went to Vivid Sydney with a baby! Well, Miss One is creeping closer to Two; but we argue to ourselves that she’s only just more baby than kid. Why? Because she still loves to be strapped into the baby carrier for adventures.
Vivid Sydney is a super cool Sydney spectacle: illuminating the Harbour City (and beyond) with its pulsing, passionate displays. With ten years of installations to its history, the festival re-invents itself every year with new displays in new city nooks, whilst keeping the major architectural canvases of Circular Quay true to big, bold and beautiful designs. Whether you’ve been once or many times, the event really breathes life to the city at a time of year when we’re all keen to keep cosy indoors.
Spotlight on Circular Quay: Our 2018 Photo Fest
With a toddler in tow, we selected one section of the festival to enjoy this year. We caught the train into Circular Quay at 4pm, dined (snacked) at the food court of Gateway at 5pm, then wandered up to the MCA for a little pinot noir out of the winter drizzle. At 6pm, lights on, and we went off to explore the 2018 sights.
Tot Tips
- Lights on:Â 6pm. Be there for it. The majority of the crowds are still on their way in, therefore giving you and your crew the opportunity to experience as much as you can. Well, until an overtired kiddo (or kiddos!) calls time on the escapade.
- All aboard: Public transport is where it’s at to get into, around and home from, Vivid Sydney. The precincts are serviced by trains and buses, and ferries (Circular Quay and Milsons Point). These services get you into the heart of the action (parking is minimal and there’s many road closures to navigate otherwise).
- Don’t do it all: Pick an area and take that as your festival sample. Don’t do it all. There is just too, too much to see! This year we chose the traditional mecca of Circular Quay (as clear in our photos). We will experience other sectors in future years: Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour, or further afield.
- Don’t pram it: if you feel you can, leave the pram at home. Crowds swell and become thick quickly (especially around the popular harbour areas); attempting to commute with a parent-pushed vehicle will really slow down the amount you can see, and how quickly you can see it. We were able to strap Miss One into a baby carrier which kept us nimble and flexible; if she wanted to stretch her legs we could do so at the interactive installations.
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is an annual festival that celebrates light, music and ideas. Held in May/June, it is a unique, visually fabulous experience – for the whole family. Keep up to date with its news and announcements here.
Our Little Travel Tales 