This is an image of two people attending Vivid Sydney in wheelchairs with their support person
This is an image of two people attending Vivid Sydney in wheelchairs with their support person

Access & Inclusion

A safe, inclusive, and enjoyable event for all.

There are accessible options available to make Vivid Sydney memorable for guests of all abilities.

 

The Vivid Light Walk

Circular Quay & The Rocks
  • The Circular Quay and The Rocks section of the Vivid Light Walk is wheelchair accessible, but movement can be restricted during busier nights of the festival, usually weekends and the Monday public holiday.
  • All paths are accessible, with varying gradients and some paths may require assistance.
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in place for specific installations.;
  • The Vivid Light Walk is outdoors. Please be prepared for all weather conditions and bring a raincoat, umbrella, or spray jacket.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available at the following locations:
    • Hickson Rd, near Hickson Road Reserve
    • Circular Quay, near the Overseas Passenger Terminal
    • Circular Quay East, under the Cahill Expressway
    • Circular Quay West, under the Cahill Expressway
    • Circular Quay Railway Station
  • There are Changing Places facilitates located at:
    • Circular Quay West, under the Cahill Expressway
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Vivid Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at these stations
  • Assistance animals are welcome in all parts of Circular Quay and The Rocks on leash

Train 

  • Circular Quay Station will be open most days during the festival
  • On Saturday nights during the festival and on Sunday 9 June and Monday 10 June, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm. Please use Wynyard station and continue your journey to Circular Quay
  • Please allow approximately 5-10 minutes to travel from Circular Quay Station to Circular Quay West
  • Please allow approximately 15-20 minutes to travel from Circular Quay Station to Hickson Road Reserve
  • Please allow approximately 10-15 minutes to travel from Circular Quay Station to the Sydney Opera House
  • Trackwork may affect your trip to and from the festival. For the latest trackwork updates visit transportnsw.info/alerts

Ferry

Ferries are a very popular way to get around the city and will be very busy during Vivid Sydney, particularly on weekends when larger crowds are expected. Please allow plenty of extra travel time if you’re planning to catch the ferry as there may be long queues at wharves from the mid-afternoon on weekends. Have a few alternative transport options in mind and look for signs directing you to your nearest light rail, bus, or train option if ferry wharves are busy.Passengers will need to get off the ferry once it reaches its final stop. You won’t be able to stay on the ferry and take the return trip. This is to make sure that everyone gets the chance to catch the ferry.For more information on ferry services and alternative transport options during Vivid Sydney visit transportnsw.info

Light Rail 

  • L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services run between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour
  • L2 Randwick light rail services run between Circular Quay and Randwick via Central Station (Chalmers Street) and L3 Kingsford services run between Circular Quay and Juniors Kingsford via Central Station (Chalmers Street) through the heart of the Sydney CBD along George Street
  • On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, L2 and L3 services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay for pedestrian safety. Catch the light rail to Town Hall and continue your path of travel along George Street to Circular Quay
Walsh Bay and Barangaroo
  • The Walsh Bay and Barangaroo section of the Vivid Light Walk is wheelchair accessible, but movement can be restricted during busier nights of the festival, usually weekends and the Monday public holiday
  • All paths are accessible, with varying gradients and some paths may require assistance
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in place for specific installations
  • The Vivid Light Walk is outdoors. Please be prepared for all weather conditions and bring a raincoat, umbrella, or spray jacket. 
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available at the following locations:
    • Barangaroo Headland, The Pumphouse
    • Barangaroo Central
  • To access Barangaroo Reserve, there are entrances from Towns Place, Hickson Road and Munn Street Reserve. (lift access is not available at Munn Street Reserve and Merriman Street access points)
  • Wulugul Walk is relatively level and is 3.8m wide, like all dedicated pedestrian pathways in the Reserve
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Vivid Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at these stations
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas
  • Some pathways in Barangaroo Reserve are made of decomposed granite
  • Seating options along the walkways are custom-designed benches, as well as large sandstone blocks
  • Assistance animals are welcome in all parts of Barangaroo on leash
  • Tactile Ground Surface Indicators and curb ramps are consistent from Wynyard and Circular Quay stations
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps and flooring in place for specific installations
  • There are 8 accessible parking spaces within the Barangaroo Reserve carpark

Train

Wynyard and Circular Quay are both approximately 1.1km in distance to Barangaroo/Walsh Bay Area. Travel via Wynyard Station is a little quicker and involves using Wynard Walk tunnel. The tunnel exits at Napolean Plaza, which connects to the lift at Sussex Street Bridge.

Ferry

The F3 and F4 services stop at Barangaroo Wharf.

Darling Harbour & Tumbalong Park
  • The Darling Harbour and Tumbalong Park section of the Vivid Light Walk is wheelchair accessible, but movement can be restricted during busier nights of the festival, usually weekends and the Monday public holiday
  • All paths are accessible, with varying gradients and some paths may require assistance
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in place for specific installations
  • The Vivid Light Walk is outdoors. Please be prepared for all weather conditions and bring a raincoat, umbrella, or spray jacket. 
  • Accessible toilet facilities can be located at:
    • Darling Harbour, near Palm Grove
    • Tumbalong Park
  • There are Changing Places facilitates located at: 
    • Tumbalong Park
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Vivid Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at these stations
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Vivid Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at these stations
  • Assistance animals are welcome in all parts of Darling Harbour on leash.

Train

Take the train to Town Hall Station and exit south into Bathurst Street. A downhill pathway will take you directly to Darling Quarter and Tumbalong Park.

Ferry 

  • Catch a ferry to Darling Harbour from Circular Quay and alight at Barangaroo Wharf, or Pyrmont Bay Wharf
  • If you alight at Barangaroo Wharf, you will be close to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Cockle Bay, and King Street Wharf
  • If you alight at Pyrmont Bay Wharf, you will be close to the Australian National Maritime Museum

Light Rail 

  • L1 Dulwich Hill Line light rail services run between Central Grand Concourse and Dulwich Hill via Darling Harbour
  • Alight at the Paddy's Market stop the Powerhouse Museum and the Chinese Gardens
  • Alight at Exhibition Centre stop for Tumbalong Park and the ICC Sydney Exhibition halls
  • Alight at Convention stop for the ICC Sydney Convention Centre and Cockle Bay
  • Alight at the Pyrmont Bay stop for the Australian National Maritime Museum and Pyrmont Bay Park
     
The Goods Line
  • The Goods Line section of the Vivid Light Walk is wheelchair accessible, but movement can be restricted during busier nights of the festival, usually weekends and the Monday public holiday
  • All paths are accessible, with varying gradients and some paths may require assistance
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in place for specific installations
  • The Vivid Light Walk is outdoors. Please be prepared for all weather conditions and bring a raincoat, umbrella, or spray jacket
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available at the following locations: 
    • Central Station Grand Concourse
    • The Goods Line South
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Vivid Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at stations
Central Station to The Goods Line

From Central Station, enter the Devonshire Street Tunnel and follow through northwest towards and past Lee Street, where it briefly opens onto street level. Continue underground, and you’ll arrive at The Goods Line.

Continue to Tumbalong Park & Darling Harbour

Take The Goods Line to its northern end, head onto Darling Drive via the stairs or accessible ramp. Continue your journey by turning right into Hay St and then left into Tumbalong Boulevard. Continue straight to reach Tumbalong Park and Darling Harbour.

Getting To Vivid Sydney

Public transport is the best way to get around during Vivid Sydney. Trains and buses run frequently to the city. If you’re catching the bus, plan ahead as services to and from the city will be using different routes and stops while roads are closed between 4pm-1am.  

Travel on public transport is not free during Vivid Sydney. You’ll need to use an Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling on public transport. Remember to tap your Opal card or major debit/credit card on and off when travelling on transport. 

If you have specific transport questions, you can contact Transport for NSW on: 

  • Main phone: 131 500 
  • Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450 
  • Teletypewriter (TTY) Service: 1800 637 500 

The Transport for NSW website features trip planners with maps and journey details, including information on accessible travel on public transport. 

Public Transport

Train
  • Circular Quay Station is open on weekdays throughout the festival. On Saturdays, Sundays and Monday 10 June, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm.
  • Trains run frequently to Wynyard Station on weekdays and weekends. For access to The Rocks and Circular Quay locations, take the George Street station exit and continue your path of travel via George St. For access to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour locations, take the Wynyard Walk station exit.
  • Trains run frequently to Central or Town Hall on weekdays and weekends. For access to The Goods Line and Darling Harbour South locations, take the Grand Concourse or Railway Square exits at Central. From Town Hall, take the George Street or Cathedral exits, continuing to Darling Harbour via Druitt Street or Bathurst Street.
Bus

Some buses will be affected by road closures and use different routes and stops. On Friday night and weekends, buses that usually run to and from Circular Quay will be relocated to Martin Place while road closures are in place. Pleases allow extra time to continue your path of travel towards the harbour.

For more information on bus services and changes during Vivid Sydney, and to plan your trip visit the Transport for NSW website.

Ferries

Ferries are in operation during Vivid Sydney and are a very popular option. There may be long queues at the wharfs from the mid-afternoon on weekends. Please allow extra travel time and consider other transport options at these times.

Driving & Road Closures

Major road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from 3pm each evening and most roads will remain closed until 1am. Motorists are urged to avoid travel into the CBD and to expect delays as traffic will be heavy on detour routes.

For details road closure and clearway information, visit Live Traffic NSW.

Parking & Clearways

Parking

With carparks in the city expected to fill early and extensive restrictions on street parking in place, its best to leave the car at home. Take advantage of public transport services running to get you to and from Vivid Sydney.

If you must drive and park your vehicle, be aware that roads may close around your parked location. Vehicles are not permitted to drive on closed roads or exit car park driveways onto closed roads at any time unless at the direction of NSW Police.

The nearest public car park to Circular Quay is the Sydney Opera House. It has 11 accessible parking spaces on level 1, and 12 accessible parking spaces on level 6 of the car park for RTA Mobility Parking Permit holders. Car spaces on level 6 also have direct wheelchair access to lifts. Bookings are essential.

For parking options in the Sydney CBD visit City of Sydney - Parking

Clearways

Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect from 3pm each evening from Friday 24 May to Saturday 15 June on various key roads. Look for the bright yellow signs and read them carefully when parking your vehicle on the day or night before.

Clearways are strict no-parking zones and apply even to residents and businesses with parking permits or Transport for NSW Mobility Scheme permit holders. Vehicles left in special event clearways will be towed and a fee applies. If your car is towed, call 132 701 to find its new location.

For the latest travel conditions, listed clearway locations and maps visit Live Traffic NSW.

Accessible Taxis, Rideshare and Drop-Off/Pick Up Zones
  • The large crowds and road closures around Vivid Sydney can make it challenging for taxis and rideshares to safely drop-off and pick-up passengers in certain areas of the city.
  • Taxi and rideshare companies will not be able to take booking requests for pick-up in areas where there are road closures.

Wheelchair Book & Ride

  • Wheelchair Book & Ride is the centralised booking service for wheelchair accessible taxis in the Sydney metropolitan area.
  • Wheelchair Book & Ride makes it easier to secure accessible taxi bookings for people who are unable to access public transport because they use a wheelchair. All wheelchair accessible taxis are required to be part of the service to create a larger fleet of available vehicles for you to book.
  • You can book a wheelchair accessible taxi online or by calling 139 000. The taxi bookings and general enquiries phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Accessible Pick Up / Drop Off Locations

Level 1

Monday - Thursday

Level 2

Fridays, Sundays (excluding 9 June) and Monday 10 June

Level 3

Saturdays and Sunday 11 June

Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks Open Open Closed
Hickson Road near Pottinger Steet Open Open Open
George Street at Lower Fort Street, The Rocks Open Open Open
Loftus Street north of Reiby Place, Circular Quay Open Open Closed
Circular Quay East (Corner Alfred St and Phillip St) Open Closed Closed
Phillip Street south of Albert Street No Taxi Rank Open Open
Sydney Opera House - Security gatehouse at the northern end of Macquarie Street Open Open Open
Watermans Quay, Barangaroo Open Open Open
Iron Wharf Place near Sofitel, Darling Harbour Open Open Open
Zollner Circuit east of Darling Drive, Darling Harbour Open Open Open
Railway Colonnade Drive, Central Station Open Open Open

Sydney Opera House Free Shuttle

Sydney Opera House operates a free shuttle bus service for elderly and less-mobile patrons. Seating is limited and available on a fist come, first served basis. The bus runs between Circular Quay, with pick-up opposite Wharf 2 on Phillip Street and drop-off is at the Opera House site entry. This service will run before and after major performances during Vivid Sydney. During the day an alternate buggy service is available from site entry at the bottom of Macquarie Street. The buggy is wheelchair accessible.

Please contact the Box Office on 02 9250 7777 to confirm operating hours for the shuttle bus and buggy service.


Booking Minibus Accessible Parking 

Vivid Sydney assists guests with accessibility requirements to get to Vivid Sydney by offering bookable and complimentary accessible minibus parking.

As there are limited spots available, bookings must be made in advance via the link below.

Apply below, and a Vivid Sydney representative will contact you via email to confirm the booking and advise further details.

 


Designated Accessible Viewing Areas

The designated accessible view areas have unreserved seating. Please feel free to bring along your favourite blanket and enjoy less obstructed views. They are a great space to take a break from the crowd.

Sydney Opera House

Provides a managed viewing area of Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay and other harbourside lighting attractions. Open from 6pm each evening.

Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point

Provides a managed viewing area of the Sydney Opera House and other harbourside lighting attractions. Open from 6pm each evening.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia lawn 

Provides a managed viewing area of the Sydney Opera House and other harbourside lighting attractions. Open from 6pm each evening.

Tumbalong Park 

Provides a managed viewing area of the Tumbalong Park stage. Open from 6pm each evening.


Hidden Disability Sunflower

Vivid Sydney supports the Hidden Disability Sunflower. The Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for all abilities. The lanyard is a way for people to indicate to staff that they may need extra support, time, and understanding. There will be limited number of lanyards available, please register your interest to receive a lanyard via the register now button.

It is ok if you don’t have a lanyard, you can still get help when you need it.

 


Information Booths

Vivid Sydney will have six (6) information booths staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about the festival and eager to share their expertise with visitors.

At these booths, volunteers will guide you to the online festival maps, program information, and advise on other useful information to help plan your Vivid Sydney journey. The volunteers can also provide advice on the best vantage points, the best times to visit, and other tips to help make the most out of your experience.

Information booth locations include:

  1. East Circular Quay near Gelatissimo
  2. West Circular Quay, corner of Alfred St and George St
  3. Tumablong Blvd
  4. The Goods Line South
  5. Barangaroo
  6. Central Station Grand Concourse


Audio Services

Vivid Sydney offers audio descriptions of each of the Vivid Light Walk installations. You can access them by scanning the QR code on each of the installation light boxes along the Vivid Light Walk, you can all listen to the audio descriptions online.


Wheelchair Hire

Wheelchairs To Go Sydney have a variety of mobility scooters, manual and electric wheelchairs for rent in Sydney and on cruises.

Book online at http://www.wheelchairstogo.com.au

Contact the team:

Administration – Esta: 0412 733 609 (+61 412 733 609)
Service and Deliveries – Antonio:  0419 017 085 (+61 419 017 085) 


Contact us

For more information on access and inclusion, you can contact our Accessibility Officer on (02) 9372 8830 or by filling out this form.

If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you.