It’s hard to believe, but Vivid Sydney is back for its 15th year—and 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of light, colour, and creativity. With nearly 75% of the program free to attend, there’s never been a better time to explore the magic of Sydney’s most luminous festival.
While the Lighting of the Sails continues to dazzle year after year, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the lesser-known gems—the installations and experiences that might fly under the radar, but are no less mesmerising. If you’re keen to dodge the biggest crowds and discover something fresh, this list is for you.
Here are 10 of our favourite free experiences to enjoy at Vivid Sydney 2025:
A bold blend of storytelling, art and music, King Dingo reclaims culture through powerful First Nations imagery. Clad in royal regalia, this dingo doesn’t just stand tall—it speaks volumes about Australia’s complex history and enduring spirit.
Enter a kaleidoscopic fantasy world, where fashion meets digital art. Celebrating 20 years of “Romance Was Born”, this vibrant visual feast reimagines iconic designs through animated colour, creativity and couture.
Step into a dreamlike oasis at the Argyle Cut, where a luminous tunnel of blossoming flora and fauna takes you on a serene walk through nature—complete with a meditative soundtrack and starry skies.
Ever wished you could step inside a storybook? Fantasmagoria brings fantasy to life, casting light on imagination, storytelling, and the beauty of the unreal. Think swirling dreamscapes, poetic visuals, and a world where wonder takes centre stage.
Nine oversized, cartoon-like flowers spring to life in the heart of the business district—playfully reflecting light and sound in all directions. It’s part sculpture, part garden, and pure delight for kids and grown-ups alike.
Twelve graceful, animatronic swans glide across Nawi Cove in an ethereal dance set to an ambient soundtrack. Drawing from mythology and nature, Cygnus is peaceful, poetic, and utterly mesmerising.
Get your game face on! This interactive light installation invites you to rally with friends as you hit streaks of light back and forth across the court. It’s fun, energetic, and all about teamwork and community spirit.
Gather ‘round the digital flames and watch your shared stories light up the night. Bon{d}fire brings warmth to the city, inviting visitors to connect, reflect, and celebrate togetherness in a glowing tribute to storytelling traditions.
This nostalgic piece brings childhood doodles to life—think scribbled houses, cars, and characters glowing against the night sky. Simple, sweet, and deeply charming, it’s a reminder of the joy in the everyday.
A love story painted in light, Tunku and Ngaadi tells a tale of cosmic romance and heartbreak between the earth and the moon. With rich visuals of valleys, creatures, and rivers, it’s a moving and magical experience that lingers long after the lights fade.
Planning to explore it all? Make Vulcan Hotel your home base during Vivid Sydney 2025. Tucked just beside the CBD and steps from many festival hotspots, our boutique hotel offers stylish comfort, a cosy onsite café, and up to 20% off stays as a special Vivid Sydney accommodation deal.
Whether you’re wandering the city’s glowing laneways, chasing the perfect photo, or simply soaking in the spectacle, Vivid Sydney 2025 is a feast for the senses—and your soul!
Image Source: vividsydney.com
