It’s almost time for the skies above Circular Quay to be painted with 700+ drones for Love is in the Air, this year’s heart stopping drone show. Universal symbols of love will light up the night on the 8, 9 and 15 June at 9.10pm – it’s one of the festival’s most popular events so read on below to make the most of this stunning show directed by our Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini.

Best Vantage Points for Watching the Drone Show

Ensure you have a prime spot to enjoy the Vivid Sydney Drone Show by choosing one of the top locations listed below. The show is very popular, and we expect large crowds and space is limited, so be sure to head in early to secure your place, rug up and wear comfy shoes!

Optimal views:

• Opera House: the waterfront and forecourt areas will be ideal viewing spots. You could also book at table at Opera Bar or House Canteen.
• Circular Quay East: there are several spots along the waterfront with unobstructed views of the drone show action.
• Circular Quay West: grab a spot on the waterfront or just in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Side Views:

• Overseas Passenger Terminal: the promenade adjacent to the terminal has some excellent unobstructed views (space is limited).
• Campbell's Cove: the waterfront promenade and adjacent spaces in the Cove all have excellent views of the action (space is limited).
• Hickson Road Reserve: the waterfront promenade and green spaces are another excellent viewing option.
• Dawes Point: Head to the green spaces at Dawes Point North and South for waterfront views of the action.

How to get there

Public transport will be disrupted on the night. Due to the expected high volumes of people, services will not be dropping passengers to Circular Quay starting from 5pm. Get off at Wynyard or Martin Place and walk from there.

The soundtrack: the show isn’t complete without music!

To enjoy the full Love is in the Air experience, the soundtrack is an absolute must. It was specially composed by Sydney-based DJ and Producer Peewee Ferris to accompany and enhance the amazing drone display. The two elements work in unison, like two halves of one heart, so make sure you listen in.

To tune in to the soundtrack on the night, use Cinewav, an app that allows you to listen to an HD-quality soundtrack on your smartphone, perfectly in-sync with the show. Simply download the app to your phone via the app store, open Vivid Sydney and select Love is in the Air.

You can find a more detailed rundown of how to access Cinewav here.

Basically, you can watch and listen to the full Love is in the Air show from anywhere: on the water, from across the harbour, from the top of a building – wherever you end up with a view of the sky. Just remember to bring your headphones!

Leave your own drone at home

It’s a big no-no to use your own drone during the show – there’s safety risks, you could disrupt the show and big fines apply. Stay safe and enjoy Vivid Sydney from the ground – where the view is just as spectacular.

Read up on the ins-and-outs of drone usage during the festival here.

Make a booking and enjoy a meal, drink and the drone show

There are many excellent restaurants, venues and bars along the harbour in Circular Quay that have brilliant seats for the drone show. If you don’t fancy standing for the show, this is your nudge to book ahead to secure a skygazing seat. Plus, spots around the quay will be broadcasting the soundtrack via Cinewav, so you can have the full audio-visual experience with a drink in one hand and a snack in the other.

Out and about? Rug up and wear comfy shoes

If you’re out on foot, arrive well before 9.10pm to secure a good viewing spot – just make sure to rug up and wear comfy shoes as you could be standing and walking for some time.

Can’t make it the quay? Watch our live stream

For those that can’t make it down to Circular Quay. Love is in the Air will be available to view on the big screens at the Tumbalong Park Stage. Catch some free live music, then see the drone show. A winning night for the whole family!

Alternatively, if you can’t get into the city, you can rewatch the heart-thumping action from the comfort of your couch.
 

Drone operation is highly sensitive and dependent on weather conditions to proceed. Any updates to the drone show as well as when vantage points reach capacity and are closed will be shared on Vivid Sydney social media channels, website and on digital screens around the footprint.