Vivid Sydney 2018: Everything you need to know

It’s that time of year again, when Sydney turns into the city of lights.

Vivid Sydney kicks off this Friday and will run for three weeks, drawing millions in crowds who are drawn to the spectacle each year.

This year for the first time, Government House will be lit up, with projections created by TAFE students played out on the 170-year-old building.

But with 2.33 million traipsing through Sydney’s streets last year, it can be a lot to take in.

If you’re up for the challenge, here’s everything you need to know.

When?

Vivid Sydney will run for 23 nights from May 25 to June 16.

Where?

The festival is spread out across the city, with light installations, splendid music gigs and thought-provoking talks stationed across the CBD, Barangaroo, Taronga Zoo, Kings Cross and Chatswood.

We’ve handpicked some highlights:

‘Metamathemagical’

Lights projected onto the Sydney Opera House sails are always a highlight, and this year will be no exception.

For the ten-year anniversary of the festival, artist Jonathan Zawada’s display will light up its sails with evolving objects as they undergo metamorphosis.

Government House

For the first time this year, the 170-year-old building will be lit up with stunning projections created by Tafe NSW students.

Drawing inspiration from Australian artists such as Geoffrey Smart and Ken Done, the projection feature vines climbing and creeping over the building, koalas enjoying a food fight and underwater scenes – all backed by a sci-fi soundtrack.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo is always a highlight among the kids and this year, they’ll be greeted by a giant multimedia Sumatran tiger, an epic goanna and a school of blue devil fish, among other sculptured creations.

‘I Have Feelings Too’

Public benches throughout Chatswood Mall will be transformed into living beings with real emotions, thanks to Sydney University.

Sit down on one of the benches at your own peril.

How do I get there?

It’s one of the biggest events in Sydney’s social calendar, so public transport is your one and only bet.

Trains will be running frequently to the city on weekdays, and every 10 to 15 minutes on weekends.

All major city circle stops will lead you straight to Vivid’s main precincts, although trains will not stop at Circular Quay on Saturday nights and the long weekend.

Thousands of extra buses will also be at the ready, with additional services starting to run on major corridors into the city from 3.30pm on weekends.

Roads will be closed in the city from 7pm on Monday to Thursday nights, 6pm on Friday nights and 5pm on the weekend, so buses will use alternate routes.

If you’re among the crowds after a view on your way in, ferries will be busy – especially on weekends.

Visitors are being warned to have a back-up plan in place and to consider a train or bus instead.

To plan your trip, head to Transport NSW and Vivid Sydney for a full program.