Event Dates
From: Friday, May 23, 2025
To: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Vivid Sydney 2025
The world’s largest festival of light lights up the Sydney skies for three weeks, featuring spectacular displays and cultural events.
Vivid Sydney Festival 2025
The world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney takes place in Sydney each year during May with stunning light displays across the city’s most famous landmarks.
- More than 650,000 visitors attend the Vivid Sydney festival. So book your hotel early as the event sells out Sydney’s popular CBD district early.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Friday 23rd May – Saturday 11th June 2025.
- Over 20+ nights Vivid Sydney will paint the Harbor City in the color and spectacle of Vivid Light, take over Sydney stages with Vivid Music’s electric performances and collaborations, and provide a global forum for thought-provoking debate and creative discussion at Vivid Ideas.
- The 2025 edition will feature “Vivid Food” which will sit alongside Light, Music and Ideas.
- Visitors can also enjoy the thrilling 8km Light Walk, stretching from Circular Quay to Central Station.
- Discover the best places to stay and play with our Gay Sydney Guide.
What to Expect
- Light Installations: Iconic buildings and public spaces are illuminated with stunning light displays. Expect colorful projections, interactive installations, and large-scale artworks.
- Music Performances: The festival features performances by local and international artists across various genres in different venues.
- Ideas Exchange: Talks, workshops, and panels on creativity, innovation, and technology take place throughout the festival.
Highlights
- Sydney Opera House: The sails of this iconic structure are transformed with spectacular light projections, making it a must-see highlight.
- Circular Quay: This area hosts numerous light installations and is a great place to start your exploration of the festival.
- The Royal Botanic Garden: Walk through illuminated pathways and experience nature in a new light.
- Barangaroo Reserve: This waterfront park features unique art installations and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
- Vivid Music: Check out live performances at venues like the Sydney Opera House and surrounding bars and clubs.
- Check out the top hotels in downtown Sydney, close to the best gay bars and attractions.
Tips for a Successful Trip
- Plan Your Route: Download the festival map and plan your route to see the key installations without missing out.
- Dress Appropriately: May to June can be chilly in Sydney, so wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking.
- Use Public Transport: Skip the hassle of parking by using trains, ferries, or buses to get around. Special services may be available during the festival.
- Visit Early or Late: To avoid crowds, visit installations early in the evening or later at night.
Recommended hotels in Sydney
The following hotels are close to the Vivid Sydney light installations:
Meriton Suites, Pullman Sydney, Hotel Stellar, Rydges Sydney
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Book now and pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
The 888 boutique is one of the finest
in the city and offers great deals.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Vivid Sydney visit The Website
Gay Map of Sydney
Most of the gay bars are in Oxford street so we have chosen Hotels close to all the gay bars in this area that have high reviews on booking.com
our hotel partner.
21 Little Albion Street, 2010 Sydney, Australia
Situated in the heart of Surry Hills in Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion offers accommodation with an eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary details. It features a 24-hour desk with a team of hosts available to offer individualised service, a rooftop garden oasis with views over Surry Hills and Sydney city and an honour bar featuring top-shelf beverages and gourmet nibbles.
36 College St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Located on in the Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Pullman Sydney Hyde Park features 2 restaurants and a and patio. All guest rooms offer of the park or city and feature an LCD TV
Pullman Sydney's guestrooms each include a desk, seating area and internet access.
Guests can work out in the fitness centre or visit the recreation deck for a spa and sauna.
28 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Located on the edge of the Business District, features a 15 m indoor pool, a spa, 1 bar and 2 restaurants
All rooms and suites at the Rydges Sydney Central come with deluxe beds and custom furnishings. Modern amenities include internet access and a large flat-screen TV.
Corner Wentworth Avenue and Goulburn Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
Situated just 2 minutes’ walk from Hyde Park and Oxford Street, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Sydney offers air-conditioned apartments, secure covered car parking, plus a restaurant and café. All apartments feature an LCD TV, an in-room safe and a hairdryer. Full kitchen facilities or a kitchenette are also provided. Guests have access to laundry and dry cleaning facilities
65 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Each apartment has a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with cooking facilities & a dishwasher. The penthouse boasts a relaxing spa bath and panoramic views. Pillow menu available. free WiFi & fitness centre,
95 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Offering an air conditioned 3 bedroom apartment with a living room with flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, bathroom with bath ans shower combination. Close to oxford street and all the bars and restaurants
172 Riley St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Located in Sydney’s hip Surry Hills, this 85sqm warehouse apartment is a traveller’s dream. Built in the 1920’s as a bank, With thick walls, the building is spacious. Just metres from bars, cafes & restaurants on Oxford
222 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
All apartments include an iPod docking station and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a stove and a microwave. The en suite bathroom provides Black Label Appelles luxury toiletries. free WiFi. flat-screen TV, private balcony city views
85 Oxford St|Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
One of the biggest gay bars in Sydney, with regular drag shows
16 Flinders St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Popular gay nightclub featuring regular drag performances and DJs spinning house.
68 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Smart gay bar friendly staff with regular drag shows
117-123 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
A very popular gay bar and night club over 2 floors
The Colombian gay bar is situated in the heart of Oxford street, known for its friendly staff and nights to remember.
The MAIN BAR
Situated on the ground floor providing panoramic views of Oxford St, the Main Bar is the perfect place to meet friends and strangers for a drink after work, or to start your night out.
The LOUNGE BAR
With an array of cocktails and carefully selected music policies varying from Thursday through to Sunday, the Lounge Bar on Level 1 caters to those with discerning tastes. a dance floor with DJs and lighting creating a late night party atmosphere.
273 Crown Street, Surry Hills New South Wales 2010, Australia
TRADE club is a huge multi leveled gay men's club with a fully licensed bar and large cruise areas over 4 huge levels. TRADE club Sydney is the largest men's gay bar and cruise club in Australia and is also fully licensed and hosts loads of men only dance party's
134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Situated on the first floor of The Oxford Hotel; a glamorous New York style cocktail and entertainment bar. With luxurious finishes, intimate booths, mezzanine level seating and a state of the art sound and lighting system offering DJs Drag shows and live music performances
354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Mixed gay bar celebrating good times in Surry Hills? The Beresford is open Tuesday to Sunday; enjoy wood-fired pizza, pappardelle, and happy hour from 6pm to 8pm
level 1/133 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
This Darlinghurst, gay softly lit sanctuary is open Wednesday to Sunday, complete with exposed brick, low ceilings, couches, a rooftop, and drag performances
2 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Darlinghurst’s 5-storey gay icon is open Tuesday to Sunday with drag trivia, Italo-dining, and bottomless brunch. You can enjoy heavy metal to princess pop at this gay icon!
183 Regent Street, Redfern New South Wales 2016, Australia
The Bearded Tit is a Queer bar and creative space which supports and exhibits work from contemporary Australian creatives. We are an inclusive, fun and safe space that encourages our punters to be themselves and respect others in their pursuit of a good night out.
383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia
One of Sydney's iconic venues, Kinselas boasts an intriguing history. The Chapel, with its high and ornate art deco ceilings, is a striking tribute to the building's history as a funeral parlour. It was the headquarters of Charles Kinsela, Undertaker, from 1933 until 1982; at which time it was converted into a restaurant that can boast the names Tony Bilson and Tetsuya Wakuda. Kinselas now lays claim to being the friendliest and most welcoming bar in Darlinghurst
124 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Gay bar/club, This place is iconic. It is a safe, no attitude, disco-ball haven for anyone looking for a great time. The music is spot on, and the staff are fabulous. Everyone is made to feel welcome here
175 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
One of the best know gay bars in Sydney, 3 floors, regular drag shows
in the hub of the gay scene.
Stonewall is a heritage listed building comprising of three levels and four bars these include Public Bar, Cocktail Bar and VIP Bar and DIVA bar. This Iconic Hotel is also the home to the Hello Darlings Theatre.
Stonewall prides itself on providing a safe, fun, gay and supportive environment that is complimented by our professional friendly staff. Stonewall is a place for everyone and is often referred to as Sydney’s Premier Gay and Lesbian venue.
Stonewall provides entertainment every night of the week, featuring Sydney’s top DJ’s, Drag Performers, Dancers and Entertainment personalities. Stonewall has along reputation for featuring the best of Sydney Drag and the hottest Male Dancers in town.
330 George Street, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia
POOF DOOF Sydney has taken the Sydney queer nightlife scene by storm since late 2019 commanding Australia's biggest night club - The Ivy - every Saturday
134 Oxford St Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Gay venue with 4 floors popular at weekends
The Oxford Hotel is an iconic establishment in Taylor Square on Oxford Street. Home to many DJ's, performers, drag queens and more, it prides its self on being a place to express everyone's individual self!
Cocktails and pub grub, plus live bands and DJs, in a stylish hangout with 3 bars and a lounge.
85-91 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia
Long-running, double-decker gay bar with DJs, dancing, risque shows and laser lights. well worth a visit
35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville New South Wales 2043, Australia
Since 1983, The Imperial Erskineville has been an icon and an institution. After a much-needed nip and tuck and a deluge of love, the curtain’s up on the next act for this national treasure in the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community!
1 Flinders StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Gay Leather and bears bar
The BARRACKS takes place on the Sunday night of the long weekends.The BARRACKS is dark, its underground, its sexy, and its a men only event with cutting edge music, free cloak check and is held at Trade night club over 4 huge levels.
267 Oxford StDarlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Mixed gay cocktail bar with terrace & pool tables Newly renovated. Come for the Sunday sesh! Enjoy Chicken Parmigiana, Beef Wellington, and happy hour from 4pm to 6pm
2 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst New South Wales 2010, Australia
The EAGLE BAR SYDNEY is a pop-up fetish bar.
We aim to hold several events a year. Stay informed of our next event by liking and following our page.
Recommended Hotels in Sydney By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Sydney that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Pullman Sydney
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, rooftop pool, views of Hyde Park.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- LCD TV, spacious guestrooms.
- Park views, city’s heart, ideal for leisure and business travelers.
Crystalbrook Albion
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, heritage meets contemporary, rooftop garden.
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
- Eclectic mix, honour bar.
- Unique blend of style and comfort, in Surry Hills’ vibrant heart.
Club Wyndham
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, near Hyde Park, kitchen facilities.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned apartments.
- Perfect for longer stays, close to park and Oxford Street.
Rydges Sydney Central
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, indoor pool, Sydney CBD edge.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Deluxe beds, flat-screen TV.
- Great for business or leisure, with excellent facilities and location.
Video Of Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney Higlights
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Sydney
Sydney, has several neighborhoods known for their LGBTQ+ friendliness and vibrant culture. These areas are popular among the LGBTQ+ community and allies, offering a variety of entertainment, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
Darlinghurst | The Gay Hub of Sydney
Photo: Darlinghurst is home to some of Sydney’s most popular gay bars
- Known as Sydney’s LGBTQ+ hub,
- Darlinghurst is home to the famous Oxford Street, lined with LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.
- It’s the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene and hosts the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Darlinghurst
Surry Hills
Next to Darlinghurst, Surry Hills offers trendy cafes, & a bohemian feel. Popular with LGBTQ+ travelers
Potts Point
A more upscale neighborhood, offering boutique shops, fine dining, style & inclusivity. It’s close to the city center
Newtown
Known for its alternative culture, street art, quirky shops, live music, and an inclusive vibe its a unique experience.
Erskineville
With a welcoming vibe & village-like charm & home to The Imperial Hotel famous for its drag shows
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