This is an image of a light installation at Tumbalong Park during Vivid Sydney
This is an image of a light installation at Tumbalong Park during Vivid Sydney

Access & Inclusion

Vivid Sydney caters for people with accessibility needs to create a safe, inclusive and enjoyable event for all.

There are several accessibility facilities, services, and programs available to Vivid Sydney attendees.

 

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 12 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, so allow extra time to continue your path of travel towards the harbour. Buses also run regularly to Taronga Zoo and Spit Junction nearby.

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. Please allow extra travel time and consider other transport options. There may be long queues at the wharfs from the mid-afternoon on weekends.
  • Information on Ferries running between Circular Quay and Taronga Zoo Wharf will be available closer to the event.
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 or download our Vivid Sydney Road Closure Map.

Parking & Clearways

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 have to 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. Both levels have direct wheelchair access to lifts. Bookings are essential. 
  • Guests displaying a valid mobility parking permit may be granted access to closer accessible drop off and pick up zones, further information will be provided closer to the event. 

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

Special event clearway parking restrictions will be in effect from 3pm each evening from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 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 TfNSW 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 & Drop-Off Zone
  • 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 Accessible Taxi (WAT) bookings can be made via Zero200. Bookings must be made in advance through Zero200.

 

Accessible Pick Up / Drop Off Locations

Level 1

Monday - Thursday

Level 2

Fridays, Sundays (excluding Sunday, 11 June) and Monday, 12 June

Level 3

Saturdays and Sunday, 11 June

Hickson Road at Pier 1 Hotel, The Rocks Open Open Closed
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 (cnr Alfred St & 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 from Circular Quay before and after performances during Vivid Sydney. To confirm the running schedule, contact the Sydney Opera House Box Office.

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 HERE

A Vivid Sydney representative will contact you via email to confirm the booking and advise further details. 

 

The Lightwalk

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. 

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. 

 

Audio Services

Vivid Sydney offers audio descriptions of each of the Light Walk installations. You can access them by scanning the QR code on each of the installation light boxes along the Light Walk, or by visiting the audio description webpage on the Vivid Sydney website. 

You can also hear some of the Vivid Sydney Projection Soundtracks through your phone. In partnership with Cinewav, the Cinewav app allows you to have the whole experience of our audio-visual installations. 

The app is available for iOS and Android via the Cinewav website, and the first 100,000 downloads per night are free. We advise bringing your own headphones or earphones. 

 

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 & George St
  3. Tumablong Blvd, near food retail
  4. The Goods Line south
  5. Central Station, Grand Concourse
  6. Barangaroo Cutaway

 

Wheelchair Hire 

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

Administration – Esta: 0412 733 609 (+61 412 733 609) 

Service & Deliveries – Antonio:  0419 017 085 (+61 419 017 085) 

Wheels To Go Facebook page

 

Locations

Circular Quay & The Rocks
  • The Circular Quay & The Rocks section of the 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 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, under the Cahill Expressway 
    • Circular Quay Railway Station 
  • There are Changing Places facilitates located at: 
    • Circular Quay, under the Cahill Expressway 
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas. 
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at stations. 
  • Assistance animals are welcome in all parts of Circular Quay and The Rocks. 

Train 

  • Circular Quay Station will be open most days during the festival.  
  • On Saturday nights during the festival and on Sunday 11 June and Monday 12 June, trains will not drop off passengers at Circular Quay from 6pm-11pm. Please use Wynyard station and continue your path of travel to Circular Quay. 
  • Please allow approximately 10-15 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 and consider the other transport options. There may be long queues at wharves from the mid-afternoon on weekends. Have a few transport options in mind and look for signs directing you to your nearest 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/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. 
Darling Harbour & Tumbalong Park
  • The Darling Harbour & Tumbalong Park section of the 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.  
  • The 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: 
    • Tumbalong Park 
    • Tumbalong Boulevard, near Palm Grove 
    • Tumbalong Boulevard, near Tumbalong Park 
  • There are Changing Places facilitates located at: 
    • Tumbalong Park 
  • Drinking fountains can be found throughout the Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at stations. 
  • Most pathways are hard-sealed, with event flooring installed over grass areas. 

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, Wild Life 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 Garden. 
  • Alight at Exhibition Centre stop for Tumbalong Park and the ICC Sydney Exhibition halls. 
  • Alight at Convention stop for the ICC Sydney Convention Centre. 
  • Alight at the Pyrmont Bay stop for the Australian National Maritime Museum and Pyrmont Bay Park. 
Central Station & The Goods Line
  • The Central Station & The Goods Line section of the 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.  
  • The 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 Light Walk, but it is a good idea to bring bottled water, which can be refilled at stations. 
  • All Vivid Sydney installations are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair ramps in place for specific installations. 
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 down the stairs onto Darling Drive to continue your journey, turn right into Steam Mill Lane and it will open onto Tumbalong Boulevard. Turn left and continue to Tumbalong Park.

Contact Us  

If you have specific requirements, please feel free to contact our Vivid Sydney Team at vivid.access@dnsw.com.au or (02) 9931 1190. 

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.