It’s hard for us Kiwis to admit but Sydney truly is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With the Harbour City lighting up again for the stunning Vivid Sydney festival from the end of May, there’s no better time to visit Sydney.
Here are five great ways to enjoy a memorable weekend across the ditch with your family.
Take in the bright lights of Vivid
The city is celebrating 10 years of Vivid Sydney in 2018, with festivities kicking off at 6pm on May 25 with the Lighting of the Sails of the Sydney Opera House and all light walk sculptures. This Lights On! moment is the start of 23 days and nights that transform the city through spectacular light art, innovative ideas programs and music performances.
The festival takes place across the city with events in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, along with Kings Cross, Chatswood and Taronga Zoo precincts until June 16.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Coathanger, as it’s affectionately known, is Sydney’s second most iconic landmark after the Sydney Opera House.
BridgeClimb Sydney offers a unique vantage point of the city and during Vivid Sydney, it takes the experience up a notch with a dancefloor in the sky. Wearing your flashing Vivid Climb Vest, you’ll climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge above the bright, bold and beautiful Vivid lights before dancing under the stars on a 70s style multicoloured flashing dancefloor.
The experience doesn’t come cheap though with tickets starting at AU $143 for a child and is only suitable for those over the age of eight.
Walk along the coast from Bondi to Bronte
Photo: Destination NSW
This breathtaking two-and-a-half kilometre coastal walk is an easy jaunt for the family. As you walk along the sandstone path, soak in views of Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the Pacific Ocean and maybe even a local celebrity or two.
At the end of the route, enjoy a picnic at Bronte Park, just behind the beach, or head to one of the great cafes in the area. Before you make your way back to the city make sure to check out Bronte’s rock pool at the south end of the beach.
Visit Taronga Zoo
Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has undergone a bit of a baby boom in the past few months with two new Meerkat pups, a sea lion pup, and 20 feathertail gliders – one of the smallest mammals in the world!
The zoo is also bringing back its Light for the Wild exhibition as part of Vivid Sydney. This event shines a light on conservation and the wonders of wildlife with a spectacular display of light sculptures.
Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry, with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and free shows and keeper talks throughout the day.
Cruise around the Harbour
Photo: Destination NSW
Experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney 3D light projections and installations along the harbour and the foreshore from the comfort of a Captain Cook Cruise.
Cruising the harbour is a great way for family and friends to relax and enjoy the colourful vessels and iconic landmarks from a different perspective.
The company runs trips every night, including dine and cruise options.
Getting there
Photo: Qantas
Qantas flies direct to Sydney from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown over 60 times per week. When you fly Qantas, you can relax as everything is included: your meal, drinks, movies, and a generous luggage allowance for all your shopping.
Plus, the newly refurbished A330 with the latest Business Class lie-flat suites is now flying twice a day to Sydney from Auckland.
Visit Qantas.com for more information and to book.
